Securing employment in the United States might pose difficulties, particularly for those who are new to the country. Yet, if you are willing to dedicate the necessary energy, pursuing a career in the United States can offer both professional fulfillment and a satisfying life.

This piece provides a comprehensive guide on everything related to obtaining work permits in the U.S., alongside advice and tactics for securing employment that aligns well with your abilities and credentials.

U.S. Job and Foreign Worker Demand

The unemployment rate in the U.S. has fallen to 3.6%, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, resulting in a surplus of job vacancies across the nation. This scenario is driven by economic expansion and significant numbers of workers leaving the job market, prompting numerous companies in different sectors to hire workers from abroad to meet their staffing needs.

There is an abundance of available positions for both novice and advanced skill level workers, with the BLS forecasting significant employment expansion across various professions in the upcoming decade. Sectors presently facing workforce deficits include:

• Construction
• Transportation
• Hospitality
• Personal services
• Science and technology
• Healthcare

Research Job Demographics and Locations

Job prospects vary widely throughout the United States, as every state has its distinctive employment landscape, labor laws, and way of life. Prior to settling down in a particular state, take into account factors such as its minimum wage, cost of living including housing expenses, rules regarding overtime, and healthcare coverage options.

As of 2022, Nebraska and Utah both registered minimal unemployment rates at 2%, whereas states like California, New Mexico, and Nevada displayed higher unemployment figures, spanning from 4.9% to 5.3%.

Many individuals consider California a hub for technology roles, yet places like New York and Florida provide similar opportunities in the tech sector. Texas holds the lead in job availability within the oil and gas sector, whereas states including California, Florida, and Illinois require a substantial number of hospitality employees.

Job Search Sites

Employment platforms and search engines serve as essential resources for those seeking jobs. Companies list their available positions on sites like Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn, simplifying the search and application process for prospective employees. When you register an account on these portals, you have the option to upload your resume, credentials, and additional personal information, thereby facilitating a smoother application experience. Additionally, you can explore job vacancies directly on a company’s website under their careers page.

LinkedIn serves as both a career-focused social networking site and a platform for job listings. Often, employers, hiring managers, and recruitment agencies utilize LinkedIn to identify potential candidates who fulfill their specific job requirements. To enhance your visibility and attract job prospects relevant to your field and abilities, ensure your profile is well-maintained and current.

Networking and Social Media

While employment platforms offer useful assistance, CNBC reports that 70% of positions are never openly advertised, being designed instead for applicants encountered via networking. Data from a LinkedIn survey indicates that most professionals in 2016 secured employment through networking connections.

Establishing a network as a newcomer might be tough, yet attending workshops, job fairs, or various networking gatherings presents excellent chances to forge professional relationships and perhaps encounter your next employer.

No matter your location, social media serves as a powerful tool for networking. Reach out to experts and industry leaders via platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, or additional social networks. It's crucial to keep in touch with contacts you encounter at networking events or other venues.

Mentorship and Support

Think about contacting charitable groups dedicated to assisting immigrants in finding employment. These groups offer assistance in refining your resume, delivering language instruction, and aiding your employment hunt. Additional entities link new arrivals with mentors who offer targeted guidance and coaching for specific industries. A significant number of these programs are available online, enabling you to receive help prior to your arrival in the United States.

Several well-known groups that support newcomers in the U.S. are:

• Upwardly Global
• USA Hello
• Immigrant Welcome Center
• Twinist

Refresh Your CV and Cover Letter

It's essential to maintain the currency of your resume and cover letter, particularly during active job searches. Refresh your resume so that it aligns with the formatting norms of the U.S. and encapsulates details like work experience, skills, accomplishments, and personal information.

Utilize your resume as a foundational framework, modifying it for each position you pursue by aligning it with relevant skills and qualifications. Hiring personnel and recruiters are keen to observe your enthusiasm for the particular company and position; however, many companies also implement applicant tracking systems that scan for specific keywords and phrases in your resume, matching them to the job listing. Tailoring your resume to align with the job details enhances the likelihood that it reaches the hiring manager.

Get Accredited

Occupations including educators, medical staff, and attorneys typically must have specific qualifications or permits to operate within the United States. No matter one's educational background, employment experience, or various certificates, overseas credentials might not be acknowledged in the United States.

Employers hiring or state licensing boards typically have the onus of validating the credentials of international workers, and they often rely on specialized credential evaluation services for this purpose. These services conduct thorough assessments of overseas qualifications and suggest equivalents that align with the U.S. educational framework or job market. It is advisable to anticipate the process of accreditation as it might require considerable time and could differ in expense.

Update References

References who are familiar with your professional achievements and history can assist potential employers in verifying your credentials and understanding more about your fit within their company. It's beneficial to contact past employers or colleagues and request them to provide insights related to your abilities, prior work, and pertinent details.

If you lack professional references, consider volunteering in your community or industry to acquire valuable U.S. work experience and pertinent professional references.

Interviews and Follow-up

Attending job interviews in a foreign nation and cultural setting might seem intimidating; however, by utilizing effective interview techniques, you can demonstrate to potential employers your worth as a candidate. To enhance your confidence for actual interviews, allocate time to rehearse frequently asked interview questions with your mentors and friends, concentrating on highlighting your principal skills and accomplishments.

Should your interview occur over the phone or through a virtual session, make sure you are located in a serene and business-like environment. Once the interview concludes, send an email to the hiring manager or the employer expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and to strengthen a favorable impression.

Temporary Work Visas and Green Cards

Most overseas employees necessitate a work permit to reside and be employed in the United States. Relying on your particular situation and job type, it's possible to enter the United States as either a temporary or permanent international worker or as a temporary business visitor. You must already hold employment to secure a temporary visa, and this visa will require periodic renewal. Should you be employed under a temporary visa, you have the option to apply for a green card, which grants the chance for permanent residency and employment rights via a lottery mechanism.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is an employment-based visa pathway for individuals not currently residing or employed in the United States. To pursue this option, one must secure an employment offer from a U.S. based employer. Additionally, the employer is required to submit a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrant Services and obtain approval from the Department of Labor. Depending on your specific situation, sponsorship permits employment in the United States under defined conditions.

Many employers may not be prepared or qualified to sponsor workers from abroad. When looking on job portals, use "sponsorship" as a crucial search term. Once you have a job offer in hand, confirm that the employer is ready to sponsor your application.

Social Security Number

A Social Security number is a sequence of nine digits issued by the U.S government to both citizens and residents alike. The government mandates an SSN for employment, receiving Social Security benefits, and utilizing various other government-provided services.

Upon receiving authorization to be employed in the U.S., fill out an SSN form using original papers that confirm your identity, age, and work-authorized immigration status; then, forward it to the nearest Social Security office. While processing of your application might require a while, you are permitted to begin employment during the wait for your SSN.

Avoid Scams

Regrettably, certain individuals exploit newcomers seeking employment in the United States. These job fraudsters post employment opportunities in advertisements, across social media, and on job boards, aiming to extract personal details and money from job seekers.

Prior to committing to a job offer and providing any personal information, confirm the credibility of the employer. Be cautious of fraudulent recruitment agencies that demand payment for their services since authentic employers will never require a payment for employment opportunities.