Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
#1
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Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Scottish, living in Midlands about to start new life in LA!
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Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
Hi
First time posting here, and very impressed with the wealth of information. Looks like a great place to meet and discuss all things ex-pat
Secondly, I wasnt sure what section to post this in so apologies if it's not here. Happy if a Mod wants to move it
In short, I'm moving to LA early July with my fiancee, and I've been doing some research into work opportunities. As you might expect there are HUGE numbers of agencies and job websites, so I was wondering if anyone could recommend some of the better ones that I can target. In the UK of course I would look to Computerfutures, Computerpeople, Jobserve and the like but as I have no experience of the US market I'm kind of stuck. (If it's relevant I'm a Senior IT Project/Programme Manager, experience split mainly between infrastructure/datacentre builds and software development).
Also, I'm planning to work under 1099 or S-Corp arrangements, and wondered if anyone had any thoughts about that (yes i'm happy to do those god-awful tax returns ).
Thanks in advance
Steve
First time posting here, and very impressed with the wealth of information. Looks like a great place to meet and discuss all things ex-pat
Secondly, I wasnt sure what section to post this in so apologies if it's not here. Happy if a Mod wants to move it
In short, I'm moving to LA early July with my fiancee, and I've been doing some research into work opportunities. As you might expect there are HUGE numbers of agencies and job websites, so I was wondering if anyone could recommend some of the better ones that I can target. In the UK of course I would look to Computerfutures, Computerpeople, Jobserve and the like but as I have no experience of the US market I'm kind of stuck. (If it's relevant I'm a Senior IT Project/Programme Manager, experience split mainly between infrastructure/datacentre builds and software development).
Also, I'm planning to work under 1099 or S-Corp arrangements, and wondered if anyone had any thoughts about that (yes i'm happy to do those god-awful tax returns ).
Thanks in advance
Steve
#2
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Joined: Feb 2010
Location: Temecula, CA
Posts: 4,759
Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
Cybercoders pops up a lot, though whether they're any good I don't know. Jobserve have a US version though you might have to tell it to look in the US rather than your current location.
I've found lots of searches comparing LLC and S-Corp (and the other entities; I know you haven't mentioned LLC but it's common) and to a large degree it depends on the business, how you want to handle certain things, etc. S-Corp seem to be more "glam" and more likely to get vulture capital than, say, LLC. You can also incorporate in a different State for certain tax advantages but perhaps marginally more paperwork as you need a resident agent, as I understand it.
Are you getting healthcare through your fiancée?
I've found lots of searches comparing LLC and S-Corp (and the other entities; I know you haven't mentioned LLC but it's common) and to a large degree it depends on the business, how you want to handle certain things, etc. S-Corp seem to be more "glam" and more likely to get vulture capital than, say, LLC. You can also incorporate in a different State for certain tax advantages but perhaps marginally more paperwork as you need a resident agent, as I understand it.
Are you getting healthcare through your fiancée?
#3
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Location: Scottish, living in Midlands about to start new life in LA!
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Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
Thanks for the feedback.
I had considered and LLC, and now that I've discovered you can elect to have it tax as an S-Corp makes it attractive I'll be finding a CPA when I get there, to have an informed discussion, but this is useful.
My understanding of out of state companies (and I'm happy to be corrected on this) is that although there may be some tax advantages, it's highly likely that tax on payroll and profit will still need to be paid in the state that business is transacted in. Something else for the CPA probably.
My fiancee is returning to the US after a stint working in Europe, so no, neither of us has healthcare provision yet. Before she left she was self employed and will likely return to her former occupation. I'm only planning to look for contract work until we settle down and plan the immediate future, so it's quite likely that we'll need to self fund. Not ideal due to the cost vs full time employment, however I'm guessing that it's deductible.
Thanks for the tip on the agency. Is here anywhere else you/anyone could recommend looking/contacting?
Many Thanks
Steve
I had considered and LLC, and now that I've discovered you can elect to have it tax as an S-Corp makes it attractive I'll be finding a CPA when I get there, to have an informed discussion, but this is useful.
My understanding of out of state companies (and I'm happy to be corrected on this) is that although there may be some tax advantages, it's highly likely that tax on payroll and profit will still need to be paid in the state that business is transacted in. Something else for the CPA probably.
My fiancee is returning to the US after a stint working in Europe, so no, neither of us has healthcare provision yet. Before she left she was self employed and will likely return to her former occupation. I'm only planning to look for contract work until we settle down and plan the immediate future, so it's quite likely that we'll need to self fund. Not ideal due to the cost vs full time employment, however I'm guessing that it's deductible.
Thanks for the tip on the agency. Is here anywhere else you/anyone could recommend looking/contacting?
Many Thanks
Steve
#4
Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
dice.com
theladders.com if you are more senior (and want to pay for their listings)
theladders.com if you are more senior (and want to pay for their listings)
#9
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Location: Scottish, living in Midlands about to start new life in LA!
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Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
I was waiting for the question too
Yes, K-1 it is. You can file DCS in the country of residence (directly at the embassy), or via the postal route (which is what we did). I assume there is no restriction, as we've been up front and honest all through the application steps and no-one has questioned or commented.
Application is well advanced, medical is booked, just waiting for London to issue interview date....
Yes, K-1 it is. You can file DCS in the country of residence (directly at the embassy), or via the postal route (which is what we did). I assume there is no restriction, as we've been up front and honest all through the application steps and no-one has questioned or commented.
Application is well advanced, medical is booked, just waiting for London to issue interview date....
#10
Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
I was waiting for the question too
Yes, K-1 it is. You can file DCS in the country of residence (directly at the embassy), or via the postal route (which is what we did). I assume there is no restriction, as we've been up front and honest all through the application steps and no-one has questioned or commented.
Application is well advanced, medical is booked, just waiting for London to issue interview date....
Yes, K-1 it is. You can file DCS in the country of residence (directly at the embassy), or via the postal route (which is what we did). I assume there is no restriction, as we've been up front and honest all through the application steps and no-one has questioned or commented.
Application is well advanced, medical is booked, just waiting for London to issue interview date....
It's unusual for a K-1 to be petitioned from overseas, but not unheard of (there are reasons a USC may not be able to marry in the UK). However, the "DCF" method of petitioning is only for spouses, so K petitions have to go to the US.
You understand of course that there will be a delay of several months before you are work authorized. You should still use that time for networking and whatever else you're doing for job searching.
the financial term you were looking for in your opening post is 'contracting' (independent contracting work). You'll want to read carefully on what is required to be classified as a contractor. Some employers think it means they hire you but don't pay your taxes, and it's a bit more complex than that.
PS: you may want to drive by the marriage based visa forum. It's my understanding that London will not set an interview date for you until your medical results are back. You may be waiting at a stalemate right now.
Step Three
Schedule a medical examination with the Embassy approved physician. Visa applicants, regardless of age, require a medical examination prior to the issuance of a visa. Please note: The visa interview will not be scheduled until the Immigrant Visa Unit is in receipt of the results of the medical examination. The failure to schedule the medical examination will result in delays to your application. Click on "The Medical" on the left-hand Navigation bar for further information.
Last edited by meauxna; Jun 5th 2011 at 6:08 pm.
#11
Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
Networking, it really is your best bet...join groups and associations, get out there and meet people.
LinkedIn as mentioned is a good starting point.
indeed.com and dice.com are great for finding tech jobs and if looking for contract work, Sapphire are pretty good.
LinkedIn as mentioned is a good starting point.
indeed.com and dice.com are great for finding tech jobs and if looking for contract work, Sapphire are pretty good.
#12
Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
My understanding of out of state companies (and I'm happy to be corrected on this) is that although there may be some tax advantages, it's highly likely that tax on payroll and profit will still need to be paid in the state that business is transacted in. Something else for the CPA probably.
We also have a good CPA working for us, located in AZ.
Rene
#13
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Joined: Jun 2011
Location: Scottish, living in Midlands about to start new life in LA!
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Re: Recommended IT contract agencies/websites in SoCal
Thanks for the responses...
Yes, I had heard that London won't schedule until after the medical. They confirmed it week before last, when I called them.
Thanks for the site suggestions, I'll start researching. Out of interest, does anyone know if there are there any reliable sites that give realistic average/comparison pay rates? I've seen various rates for jobs i've looked already, so it would be useful to have some benchmark to work with.
No, we'll be (for the immediate future) living and working in LA, but that's handy to know, thanks. My finacee already has a CPA that she's happy with, so I'll discuss the finer detail with him too.
Yes, I had heard that London won't schedule until after the medical. They confirmed it week before last, when I called them.
Thanks for the site suggestions, I'll start researching. Out of interest, does anyone know if there are there any reliable sites that give realistic average/comparison pay rates? I've seen various rates for jobs i've looked already, so it would be useful to have some benchmark to work with.
No, we'll be (for the immediate future) living and working in LA, but that's handy to know, thanks. My finacee already has a CPA that she's happy with, so I'll discuss the finer detail with him too.