Join a bank's sofware dev centre or not

Whether this is the right time to join a top-5 US bank's software development center ?
[Tweaked data to obfuscate - Dave]
[ November 23, 2008: Message edited by: David O'Meara ]

I wouldn't be going anywhere near banks at the moment. In terms of job security, they may not go out of business, but they are unlikely to be approving new work and will likely reduce their development departments.

In my opinion.

I will stay clear of Banks as well until things improve.

If i don't have other job in my hands then i might accept this offer .BUT if i don't have some valid and appropriate reason to quit my current employer,i will surely make safe distance from job in banking sector.

I'm located in a regional hub for banking and mortgage banking (double whammy!). I don't think they've actually started with the layoffs yet, but projects are getting killed left and right.

With all your suggestions I am keeping myself at a safe distance from banking sector at the moment.Thanks guys for all your thoughts.

Hello,

I'm a contractor in London and the credit crunch has definitely affected the market here. A lot of Java contracts have dried up while many developers have flooded the market due to layoff (i.e. Lehman bros.).

It looks like the effects may be felt for some time to come. I would'nt be surprise if further budget cuts happen...

For some reason people aim to only bring out their �best� when it is
absolutely necessary - DO YOUR BEST NOW to be visible and stay employed.

-- Some of my former colleagues are getting panicked and asking me how they can get their skills updated.

-- The staffs at the bank where I have been customer of for 8 years are more friendly and helpful than they used to be.

I think, salary-wise, joining a bank is a good opportunity as most banks prefer IT consultants.