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So how exactly would you recommend going about finding a programming job in the U.S? Are there any resources you found particularly useful given that I have no

by jensv 14y ago

So how exactly would you recommend going about finding a programming job in the U.S? Are there any resources you found particularly useful given that I have no connections, little knowledge of the job market, and respectable (but no niche or outstanding side projects, mediocore GPA, etc.) skills that would render me invisible in the eyes of "top" employers like Google? I've heard so much about how the grass is greener on the other side but it is not so easy for some of us to join in on the action. I have a bachelors in CS and two years of Canadian experience under the belt. For example I've found indeed.ca to be very useful for locating job openings in most Canadian cities and http://www.grasmick.com/ http://www.grasmick.com/ was recommended to me by some expats.

potatolicious 14y ago
Recruiters may be your best way to get your foot in the door. Once you're here the jobs seems to find themselves - tech events, meetups, and other events will quickly build a network, and at least for now, you'd never want for a job. First things first: get a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one already. Spruce it up, keyword it straight to hell - name drop pretty much every technology, field, and subfield you have substantial experience in. Almost all recruiters rely heavily (some would say exclusively) on LinkedIn for discovery, make sure you're positioned to show up in their searches. Secondly, if you have friends in the Bay Area, Seattle, or NYC, they're probably being contacted daily by recruiters - tell them to send some your way. US recruiters may not be actively seeking out Canadians, but if a qualified one lands on their doorsteps I'm certain they would be pleased. I have a recruiter I've worked with in the past I'm happy with (disclosure: I don't get any kickbacks or anything), if you want to contact me privately we can see if there's a fit there (email in my profile).
- jensv 14y ago
  I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it later once I have done my due diligence. In case you are curious the situation here in Calgary (not a tech hub by any definition) is entirely different. The recruiters use similar tactics but the pool of working professionals is rather limited so you quickly develop a reputation. Sometimes you get the feeling that the it's the same players shuffling around a dozen employers. The economics however are completely different because imo job opportunities are very limited. The base salaries you are describing for a recent grad (or American mid-senior level developer) are on par with middle management with approximately 15 years of experience.... So from a financial perspective it's really a no brainer many of peers who can leave are long gone. It's rather depressing but I almost feel like the Canadian education system is a farm team for American software companies.

by jensv 14y ago

potatolicious 14y ago

Recruiters may be your best way to get your foot in the door. Once you're here the jobs seems to find themselves - tech events, meetups, and other events will quickly build a network, and at least for now, you'd never want for a job. First things first: get a LinkedIn profile if you don't have one already. Spruce it up, keyword it straight to hell - name drop pretty much every technology, field, and subfield you have substantial experience in. Almost all recruiters rely heavily (some would say exclusively) on LinkedIn for discovery, make sure you're positioned to show up in their searches. Secondly, if you have friends in the Bay Area, Seattle, or NYC, they're probably being contacted daily by recruiters - tell them to send some your way. US recruiters may not be actively seeking out Canadians, but if a qualified one lands on their doorsteps I'm certain they would be pleased. I have a recruiter I've worked with in the past I'm happy with (disclosure: I don't get any kickbacks or anything), if you want to contact me privately we can see if there's a fit there (email in my profile).

jensv 14y ago
I appreciate the offer and will take you up on it later once I have done my due diligence. In case you are curious the situation here in Calgary (not a tech hub by any definition) is entirely different. The recruiters use similar tactics but the pool of working professionals is rather limited so you quickly develop a reputation. Sometimes you get the feeling that the it's the same players shuffling around a dozen employers. The economics however are completely different because imo job opportunities are very limited. The base salaries you are describing for a recent grad (or American mid-senior level developer) are on par with middle management with approximately 15 years of experience.... So from a financial perspective it's really a no brainer many of peers who can leave are long gone. It's rather depressing but I almost feel like the Canadian education system is a farm team for American software companies.