Microsoft has cut this year. But like many corporations, Microsoft hasn't combined its layoffs with a hiring freeze, despite sparked by a leaked memo last fall. The company's worldwide headcount is still above 80,000. In 2007, Microsoft grew its staff by 11,200. In that context, a few hundred open slots in Redmond alone aren't very surprising.

Despite bad economic news all around, there are still ample employment opportunities for the right people at the right place and time. For many tech workers, 2009 will be the year they land their dream job.