Part of the WTIA’s mission is to grow a strong and sustainable workforce, which means we’re passionate about keeping local talent plugged into our state’s technology industry. In addition to our job board, every Wednesday we’ll be keeping you connected to Washington’s job market with the latest in local hiring news.

How Microsoft Is Helping Veterans Land Tech Jobs

Fortune | Anne Fisher | Nov. 11

http://fortune.com/2015/11/11/microsoft-veterans-tech-careers/

“Since Microsoft started MSSA two years ago, about 300 other people from all four branches of the military have graduated and gone on to IT careers at Dell, Apple, Accenture, Amazon, and 76 other companies. Microsoft itself hires about a quarter of MSSA grads, and retains a search firm to help the rest find jobs. Over 80% of graduates get hired, according to the company. Their average salary, at more than $70,000, often doubles or even triples their military pay.”

To Find More Information on Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA), Click Here

 

Hired Adds Transparency to the Hiring Process, Makes Tech Open Source

The American Genius | Gary Picariello | Nov. 11

http://theamericangenius.com/tech-news/hired-adds-transparency-to-the-hiring-process-makes-tech-open-source/

“Hired specifically looks for Engineers (new grads all the way to CTOs), UX/UI Designers, Data Scientists and occasionally Product Managers with experience at venture-funded companies. It also focuses on client-facing professionals to include Account Executives, Sales Development, Account Managers and Customer Success. Geographically speaking, about 70 percent of Hired’s candidates come from the San Francisco Bay area. Followed by 20% from New York City and then the remaining 10% come from other parts of the United States like Seattle, Washington, Austin, and Chicago. As this is where the jobs are, candidates need to be willing to relocate to these cities.”

For More Information on Hired, Click Here

 

Zillow Sweetens Paid Leave for New Parents

Seattle Times | Rachel Lerman | Nov. 10

http://www.seattletimes.com/business/technology/zillow-sweetens-paid-leave-for-new-parents/

“The expansion of benefits is the tech companies’ response to more recruiting pressures and growing demand for technical talent. In a recent study by Glassdoor, a workplace-review website, more than 79 percent of employees said they would rather have increased benefits than higher pay.”

Latest Local Job Postings at Zillow

 

Facebook Poaches from Microsoft for Seattle Virtual Reality Team

Silicon Valley Business Journal | Ashley Stewart | Nov. 6

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2015/11/10/facebook-poaches-from-microsoft-for-seattle.html

“Facebook has more than 500 employees in Seattle. The company is poised to take over 274,000-square-feet in Seattle’s Dexter Station office tower – which has room for nearly 2,000 employees, according to the industry standard of 150-square-feet per worker.”

Latest Local Job Postings at Facebook

 

Wellness in Washington’s Best Workplaces

Puget Sound Business Journal | Staff | Nov 6

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/print-edition/2015/11/06/wellness-in-washington-s-best-workplaces.html

“They came to celebrate Puget Sound Business Journal’s 2015 Washington’s Best Workplaces — 80 companies that scored highest during an employee survey administered for the PSBJ by Quantum Workplaces. In the spirit of learning from the best, we’ve compiled some of the steps those 80 companies take to promote wellness among their employees.”

To See Which Companies Offer, Cash Incentives, Standing Desks, Healthy Food, Athletic Events, or Smoke-Free Environments, Click Here

 

Madrona Doubles Down on Venture Labs, Taps Fridgen as CEO

1. Xconomy | Benjamin Romano | Nov. 4
2. http://www.xconomy.com/seattle/2015/11/04/madrona-doubles-down-on-venture-labs-taps-fridgen-as-ceo/

“Madrona Venture Group likes the “startup studio” model it inaugurated 18 months ago so much that it not only backed a similar effort outside its walls, but is now doubling the staff of its own Madrona Venture Labs, under the new leadership of serial entrepreneur Mike Fridgen…With Fridgen now in charge, Madrona is investing more in its own effort, with plans to double the team and start new companies at a rate of two to three a year.”

Latest Local Job Postings at Madrona