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Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

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Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#2
I was looking for a job in the Bay Area in September (similar situation, non-US citizen). I never used a "job search" site, though, I just researched companies I was interested in and applied through their sites. This worked out fine... most places replied quite quickly to my application. I don't really see any advantage to using a site like Monster.com. If I haven't heard of a company, I probably don't want to work there.

Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#3
post #2

I was looking for a job in the Bay Area in September (similar situation, non-US citizen). I never used a "job search" site, though, I just researched companies I was interested in and applied through their sites. This worked out fine... most places replied quite quickly to my application. I don't really see any advantage to using a site like Monster.com. If I haven't heard of a company, I probably don't want to work…

I've been doing the same and it works quite well if you are targeting startups. I've had a 50% response rate so far.

Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#5
post #3
post #2

I was looking for a job in the Bay Area in September (similar situation, non-US citizen). I never used a "job search" site, though, I just researched companies I was interested in and applied through their sites. This worked out fine... most places replied quite quickly to my application. I don't really see any advantage to using a site like Monster.com. If I haven't heard of a company, I probably don't want to work…

I've been doing the same and it works quite well if you are targeting startups. I've had a 50% response rate so far.

Would second this. I'm from Scotland and moved here in October for a job. Got a very good response from targeting startup companies directly.

Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#7
In the Bay Area, high tech jobs hunt you (at least right now). Fill in your LinkedIn profile like the first comment suggests, build your reputation (GitHub, StackOverflow) and you'll start getting approached by recruiters.

Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#9
post #2

I was looking for a job in the Bay Area in September (similar situation, non-US citizen). I never used a "job search" site, though, I just researched companies I was interested in and applied through their sites. This worked out fine... most places replied quite quickly to my application. I don't really see any advantage to using a site like Monster.com. If I haven't heard of a company, I probably don't want to work…

This is sound advice, forget the big job boards, write companies directly. People love hearing a sincere email about why you want to work at their company. Set yourself apart by doing a little research and it will pay off big time.

Besides, many good jobs are not even listed on the big job boards.

Re: Hunting For A Tech Job In Silicon Valley

#10
Hey guys, thanks for all the responses to my blog. Some sound advice that I will definitely take on board. The idea of targeting IT startups is something that I will get onto asap. I set up a linkedIn profile shortly after arrival as it seems to be one of the biggest and most used methods on networking here in the U.S.Here is the link if any of you are interested; http://www.linkedin.com/pub/mervyn-fealy/42/a28/388 . Feel free to connect with me on there.
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