Five best tech companies to work for in the US

While big tech companies have offices around the world, when it comes to working in tech, there’s no better place to start than the US, specifically Silicon Valley. Home to tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, Palo Alto in the South San Francisco Bay Area of California is dubbed by many aspiring entrepreneurs to establish a tech business.

Today, there are over 30 companies with headquarters in the region — including some of the best tech companies to work for. 

The reason? Silicon Valley offers easy access to the free flow of vital information and is a one-stop destination for hosting regular seminars, product fairs, and workshops about technical developments, path-breaking advancements, and next-generation technologies.

Came to Silicon Valley and I’m already working on a startup 👨‍💻

— MaxAwad.eth in NYC 🧢 (@maxawad_) July 8, 2023

Hiring trends among the best tech companies to work for in the US in 2023

Forbes reports that experts have predicted that the software industry will be one of the most promising sectors — a field linked with an ever-growing dependence on digital tech in almost all areas of life and business.

It’s an exciting time for the market to see the rise of high-level professionals, specifically the digital generation. They bring unique skills and attitudes that are bound to impact the hiring industry.

Marina Perla, CEO of Mojo Trek, recently shared her thoughts on the hiring trends among US tech companies in 2023 on LinkedIn. Here are her observations:

• Despite massive layoffs in tech, this sector is continuing to grow. A report from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) indicates US corporations added 517,000 jobs in January, 
• Companies still need skilled workers to deliver on objectives linked with investments in tech, even with shrinking budgets. 
• As companies embrace digital transformation to prevent cyberattacks and data breaches, experienced IT professionals are in demand. With talent shortages (thanks to tech layoffs), the salaries for skilled professionals — especially those in niche areas — will remain steady or even exceed the inflation rate. 
• According to Gartner, more than half of enterprise IT spending in key markets will shift to the cloud by 2025. Those who pursue careers in this field will enjoy steadier growth than other tech careers.

Hiring trends seen in other countries include the push for flexible working models such as remote working or hybrid working, diversity in the workforce, and a strong emphasis on personal branding and preventing burnout.

5 best tech companies to work for 

For our list, we referred to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For 2023 which ranks the best tech companies to work based on several factors:

• Whether the leaders are accessible, communicate honestly and clearly
• Whether they feel respected as individuals
• Whether they receive training benefits, appreciation, support for their well-being
• Whether the company is fair in terms of pay, profits, and promotions

Cisco

While Cisco — like many other tech companies — has let go of some of its workers, you might be surprised that the tech conglomerate has maintained its top spot on Fortune’s list for the third consecutive year.

Layoffs can hurt even the strongest company cultures, but Cisco does have a solid foundation that helped it weather the recent upheaval, when it let go of roughly 4,800 workers at the start of 2023. 

Its inclusive workplace culture is ingrained with a strong sense of purpose that is seen in projects like the Purpose Report and ESG Reporting Hub, where the company publicly details progress on its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives — a practice that started in 2005. 

In February, Director of ESG Strategy and Reporting, Insights, and Impact Amanda Cumberland wrote about how proud she was of the difference Cisco makes for people and the world. 

NVIDIA

Nvidia prides itself on limiting up to seven layers between its most junior workers and the CEO. 

The multinational tech company matches potential hires with current employees through insider interviews that allow candidates to have informal conversations with future colleagues to learn about the company’s culture. 

Lindsey Duran, the vice president of recruiting for Nvidia, told Business Insider India this practice is the chance for job seekers to get candid answers about “the good, the bad, and the ugly” when working for Nvidia.

What’s more, Nvidia has implemented a new global allyship program and an Inclusive Manager Playbook. 

To address burnout, Nvidia introduced quarterly “free days,” where the entire company unplugs for two consecutive days each quarter so that everyone can rest and recharge. 

Atlassian

It’s fitting that Atlassian — a leading provider of collaboration, development, and issue-tracking software for teams — is becoming a role model for employee flexibility in the new era of work. 

Nearly half (47%) of its new hires live more than two hours away from a physical office. 

The company does not have in-office work requirements or expects employees to work a traditional nine-to-five. 

That doesn’t mean Atlassian lacks a strong company culture. 

New employees can share introductory blogs and are assigned new-hire buddies.

There is also a peer-to-peer recognition program called Kudos, where employees can win gifts of up to US$250. 

Salesforce

Salesforce has spent US$5.6 million in the past year — and more than $22 million since 2015 — to address any unexplained differences in pay, according to Fortune. 

Over the past year, the company has also expanded its benefits, which includes introducing 

Cleo Teens, a programme that guides and advises parents with kids aged 13 to 18. 

When states adopted legislation that limited healthcare access, Salesforce offered to help relocate impacted employees and their families — offering financial assistance and temporary housing. 

Working at Salesforce is also a chance to do good work. 

The company offers 56 paid volunteer hours annually and workers have taken 303,000 hours over the past year to volunteer in their local communities. 

Intuit

This financial software giant has been on Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For list for more than two decades. 

Here are a few reasons why they managed to maintain their competitive streak:

• When Intuit reopened its offices in May 2022, it hosted programmes with events and experiences to welcome staffers back.
• To facilitate its new hybrid work model, Intuit offers managers more training, including a Leading Your Team Into Hybrid module.
• Intuit increased its annual well-being benefit to US$1,300 — employees can use it to cover various expenses, from conventional gym memberships to financial planning services, daycare, and even electric vehicles.

How to secure a role at a top tech company

Knowing the best tech companies to work for is one thing, but it’s another to successfully secure a role in a top tech company. 

Google, for example, was recently found to be more selective than Harvard. It speaks volume of the high expectations placed on every candidate considered. 

Still, doesn’t mean that getting a job at a top tech company is impossible — just practice some of these tips: 

• Be well organized: Any ambitious graduate knows that to achieve your goals, you have to not only be motivated and driven, but organized in your approach to get there. This is doubly important if you hope to land an internship at a top tech company.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities: If you are an international student, you’ll be exposed to a host of resources and opportunities granted to you by your university — and this is something you should take full advantage of.  
• Brush up your CV for multiple roles: Not every role will be the same. Because of this, you shouldn’t box yourself into one — it’s important to make sure your CV shows versatility so that you’re always prepared to apply for a role you find interesting, regardless of how different they might be. 
• Stay up to date with your industry: The tech industry is constantly evolving, so you should always stay informed. The best way to do this is by following the social media platforms of the tech companies you’re interested in as they may promote any new vacancies. 

Lastly, while remote work is ideally what most employees are looking for today, the working environments in tech companies are only continuing to improve to ensure employees have the best work space. Campus offices, for example, will still remain one of the best workplace environments for employees in the tech industry. 

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