Your Search Guide to Finding Work in the USA

American is the land of opportunity. It’s the place where anyone can achieve anything, regardless of their race, religion, status, and background. Whether you’re the big boss at a big cable services company like Charter Cable or an entry level security guard, every individual has equal rights to avail opportunities and achieve success through hard work and determination. This is what is called the ‘American Dream.’

If you wish to live and work in the USA, here’s what can get you started.

1. Targeting

Before you start your job search, you need to assess yourself objectively. This would help you identify which positions you are most suited for. Besides, it would also help you select the resources you can use to find a job.

Analyze your skills, check if your degree is recognized in the US, see which soft skills you have, which languages you can speak fluently and how impressive your overall profile is. All these are pertinent questions for employers so before you approach one, learn to analyze and assess yourself.

2. Career Websites

Searching for jobs online is the best way to start looking for work. You’ll come across tons of websites of different companies and vacant positions in those organizations. If you’re browsing casually, you might get to see irrelevant positions as well, so it’s best to personalize your search in order to get more accurate results. Most of these websites have a user-friendly interface so it’s easier to find work according to your preference. From freelancing to contract work and from full-time jobs to part-time ones, you can find them all on career websites and job boards.

3. Headhunters & Private Recruiting Agencies

Private recruiting agencies play a key role in the American job market. If you’re looking for senior positions and highly qualified jobs, you should engage an agency or a headhunter. In some cases, they charge a fee from job applicants. However, the general practice among reputable agencies is that they charge the employer (not the applicant).

4. Internships

It’s also a good idea to do internships in organizations because they provide you the exposure and training you need to work in a particular industry. Internships are ideal for people who are new in the corporate world and wish to gain some experience in their field. Usually, companies offer internships for up to six months. If you perform well during the internship and fit into a certain role, chances are the company may hire you as a permanent employee.

5. Speculative Applications

In case you are interested in being a part of a specific company, then you can send it a speculative application. Some companies don’t tend to advertise positions frequently, so approaching the employer can help bring you closer to a job opportunity. This is quite a common practice in the US hence you must give it a shot. The company staff files these applications and when a position becomes available, they first check these applications before advertising the position. However, for your speculative application to leave a good impression, it must be written well and include all the points that’ll make you a suitable candidate in the eyes of the employer.

6. Job fairs

Job fairs are generally targeted towards a particular company or industry. You can find plenty of options and opportunities at these fairs. But you need to be prepared to present and sell yourself well. Your resume must be updated and you must come across as confident, enthusiastic and intelligent.

7. Networking

Not all jobs are advertised; some are simply obtained via word of mouth. You could be referred for a position by your boss, colleagues, friends, and family. This is why it’s extremely important to have a big network, both online and offline. Being in touch with people gives you exposure to the environment they work in and also keeps you in their minds if and when an opportunity comes by.

8. Employment Agencies

You can also get in touch with an employment agency to find work. Employment agencies make money by hiring or contracting workers and renting them out to employers. They take around 10-20% of your salary as their margin. However, most well-reputed employment agencies are paid by the employer and do not charge the candidates any fee.

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