Despite more than 83,000 layoffs (and counting), financial firms are still hiring. Odd as it may seem, even after giving thousands of workers pink slips and unceremoniously marching them out the nearest door, Wall Street firms are on the hunt for talent. And talent they are finding.

Recently, a technology manager at perhaps the world's largest financial institution told me that he has been pleasantly surprised at the quality -- not just the quantity -- of resumes that are landing on his desk. Sure, he's seeing many more applicants than he was seeing at this time last year, but he doesn't have to settle for a mediocre candidate in the current job market.

In the technology upper management ranks, it seems that Wall Street firms are taking the opportunity to revamp their technology leadership. There has been no shortage of movement in the C-suite in recent months. For instance, ex-Credit Suisse CIO Tom Sanzone (CAO) and former Citi execs Chris Augustin (CIO) and Pradeep Pai (CTO) all joined Merrill Lynch recently. Jim Noble, former managing director, global information systems, at Merrill, is now at BP. CIO Guy Chiarello jumped from Morgan Stanley to JPMorgan, while Jim Rosenthal was promoted to head of technology and operations at Morgan Stanley. John Burns, previously CIO Asia-Pacific, is taking over as head of investment banking IT at Credit Suisse, with current CIO Philip Cushmaro moving on to another role (Credit Suisse would not comment on the change). And there are many, many more examples.

And job seekers also are finding intriguing opportunities. What makes the market interesting is that many of the open positions are not with traditional firms. Technologists who have called Wall Street home for their entire careers are being actively recruited by commodity companies, vendors, and hedge funds and other nontraditional asset managers. Unfortunately, the hiring process is much longer in the current market, forcing candidates to play the waiting game. The glut of good talent is increasing the time it takes to decide on a candidate, since companies are interviewing more job seekers. In addition, the time of year -- summer, when people are on vacation -- also could be lengthening the cycle, as hiring managers and others are out of the office.

So, while the financial crisis might not yet be over and there may be further layoffs, there still are good jobs to be had. If there is one thing that firms like in good markets and bad, it's talent. And take note, they are still on the prowl.