Working in the United States

Why Work in the United States?

There are numerous reasons why people all over the world choose to apply for jobs in the United States every day. Some of them include better job opportunities, increased earning potential, to learn more about the country and culture, to try and become a U.S. citizen, and to improve their English language skills.

Preparing for the job application process

Before you begin the application process it is important to take several preparatory steps. The first is too polish your English language skills, the better you can communicate in English the better the chance you have of receiving a work visa, being hired, and standing out amongst a large pool of international applicants.

Another important step is to make a plan as to what kind of career you would like to pursue in the U.S. Are you going to stick with your current career path but want to pursue job opportunities in the U.S. or do you want to start a new career path? Without any experience in the U.S. job market you may have to start at a lower position than the current one you hold in your country of origin. What kind of goals for advancement in the industry do you have if you start at a lower position?

Be sure to work on your basic interviewing skills, especially if English if not your first language. Practice communication skills with friends, family, or colleagues for in person, over the phone, or video interviews. About.com has an extensive list of possible interview questions that you should be prepared for.

Depending on the industry in which you are searching for jobs you may have to get a visa to work in the U.S. before you can search for jobs. Some companies can also sponsor a foreigner to move to the U.S., simplifying your visa application process. Make sure you do a lot of research on your particular industry as well as the visa that you will need. Much of this information can be found on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

Finding a job in the United States

Once you have completed all the preparatory work for the job application process it is time to begin the job search. It is vital that you remain active and persistent throughout the entire process. Send your resume and cover letter to as many employers as possible, network, and check job-posting websites daily.

Please follow our Resources for Professionals link for resources on finding jobs in the United States.