Silicon Valley's new job market: (specific) help wanted

The San Jose Mercury News reports:

When it comes to high-tech jobs, Silicon Valley has developed a split personality. For the minority of people with the right skills and right experience, life is good again as they field multiple offers that result in escalating salaries. But for many others, the job market remains firmly shut, forcing them to accept jobs well below their experience or to consider a career change.

That's why, despite all the openings, Carl Trautman of Sunnyvale can't find a job.

The former fiber-optic technician was laid off from Agilent in August 2003. Since then, Trautman, 62, has done some contracting work, filled in as a maintenance worker and tried unsuccessfully to land a job. ``I keep reading about how things are looking up,'' Trautman said. ``But it's really deceptive. It's not true.''

While some valley employers are on a hiring spree, most of it is outside the region. In 2005, Intel hired 14,900 people. Apple Computer added 3,105. Google snagged 2,659. EBay tagged 3,500.

But these gains are offset by continuing cost-cutting and restructuring, as well as by valley companies hiring in other regions where the cost of living is cheaper. According to payroll statistics from the state, Silicon Valley has only added a minimal number of jobs in the past year.

Notice the real estate angle in this story.It's too bad California has priced itself out of the job market in many ways.There's a lot cheaper places to do business.