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Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

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Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#1

Post by cutty »

I was laid off from my job recently but immediately started applying to new jobs. I'm expanding the job search to include remote positions at companies that might be located outside of California. Unfortunately I haven't heard back from any of them. I wonder if it has to do with the current job market being so competitive, or if my resume is weak, or if those companies think my salary expectation would be too high and they won't be able to match it, so they're not going to bother considering me as a candidate. I know when my previous company was hiring, we stopped reviewing most resumes from local Bay Area developers because it knew it couldn't match their salary expectations.

On a side note: I have about 5 years of experience as a backend developer. I'd be happy to share my resume/LinkedIn over email if anyone is aware of any opportunities!

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#2

Post by uberman »

I'm going to echo your assumption that most remote employers will just not bother reviewing CVs from bay area devs.

I guess looking at it from a different angle, as a bay area dev are you going to accept a long term position that comes with an 80k compensation package?

If in your cover letter you were to indicate that you would entertain a long term commitment at a rate typical with that of the remote company's on premise employees. Perhaps you would get more interest. Just a thought.

Best of luck on your job search. For good measure you might post your core skills here. You never know who is going to read this...

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#3

Post by cutty »

uberman wrote: post #2

I'm going to echo your assumption that most remote employers will just not bother reviewing CVs from bay area devs. I guess looking at it from a different angle, as a bay area dev are you going to accept a long term position that comes with an 80k compensation package? If in your cover letter you were to indicate that you would entertain a long term commitment at a rate typical with that of the remote company's on pr…

Well, as an unemployed dev currently making 0k, yes, I would take it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#4

Post by uberman »

cutty wrote: post #3
uberman wrote: post #2

I'm going to echo your assumption that most remote employers will just not bother reviewing CVs from bay area devs. I guess looking at it from a different angle, as a bay area dev are you going to accept a long term position that comes with an 80k compensation package? If in your cover letter you were to indicate that you would entertain a long term commitment at a rate typical with that of the remote company's on pr…

Well, as an unemployed dev currently making 0k, yes, I would take it. Thanks for the suggestion!

As would I in your shoes! The rub is as a potential employer, I would be questioning if you will still be here in 6 months or will you spend your time as an employee looking for something "more appropriate"

I want to be clear that this is not any kind of know on you. You might be the perfect long term person for the job. You just need some kind of hook to convince potential employers that you are not a drive by.

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#5

Post by cutty »

uberman wrote: post #4
cutty wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Well, as an unemployed dev currently making 0k, yes, I would take it. Thanks for the suggestion!

As would I in your shoes! The rub is as a potential employer, I would be questioning if you will still be here in 6 months or will you spend your time as an employee looking for something "more appropriate" I want to be clear that this is not any kind of know on you. You might be the perfect long term person for the job. You just need some kind of hook to convince potential employers that you are not a drive by.

Yeah that totally makes sense, I understand why potential employers would have concerns. For what its worth, I was at one company for 4 years and about 1 year at my previous company prior to getting let go. I hope the tenure at my first company demonstrates that I'm not just a job hopper and do prefer to stick around and grow.

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#7

Post by souprock »

cutty wrote: post #5
uberman wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

As would I in your shoes! The rub is as a potential employer, I would be questioning if you will still be here in 6 months or will you spend your time as an employee looking for something "more appropriate" I want to be clear that this is not any kind of know on you. You might be the perfect long term person for the job. You just need some kind of hook to convince potential employers that you are not a drive by.

Yeah that totally makes sense, I understand why potential employers would have concerns. For what its worth, I was at one company for 4 years and about 1 year at my previous company prior to getting let go. I hope the tenure at my first company demonstrates that I'm not just a job hopper and do prefer to stick around and grow.

You might not be a job hopper by Bay Area standards.

I've been at the same place since 2005.

Not many places want to train you and reveal trade secrets, only to see you disappear.

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#8

Post by cutty »

chmaynard wrote: post #6

Just curious, why live in one of the most expensive places on earth and seek work for an employer in a different locale? Are you tied to the Bay Area for personal reasons?

The primary reason I want to remain in the Bay Area is because my family and friends are here. I grew up in the Bay Area and can't imagine packing my bags and leaving them behind. That being said, I'm unemployed and not in a position to be picky. If the opportunity is great, I'll be open to relocating.

Re: Ask HN: Are companies averse to hiring remote developers from the Bay Area?

#9

Post by shams93 »

You don't need to tell remote employers where you're located until after they get a chance to interview you, you could say you live in California without being super specific as to where in California you live. Since the job is remote they only need to know roughly where you live. After they hire you they may find out but then they have decided you're great for their team.
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