Job search

Understanding and becoming comfortable with the U.S. job search is an important aspect of finding suitable employment in the U.S. In order for you to be successful it is important for you to become familiar and comfortable with these key aspects of the U.S. job search. The elements that pose the greatest challenge for most immigrant jobseekers are:

Networking in the U.S.: Most jobs (77%) are found through personal and professional connections and referrals. As a newcomer, developing networking skills and building a network for yourself is vital.
Creating a U.S.-style resume: In the United States, a candidate's resume is his or her personal sales brochure. Employers look for specific elements and are accustomed to a specific – and brief – format. If your resume does not fit the usual format it will likely be put aside without full consideration.
Self-promotion: In many cultures, self-promotion is considered a negative trait. In the U.S. employers expect you to “sell yourself” and to put forward your strengths and achievements in a forceful way that tells them why you are the best person for the job.

In addition, researching careers and the job market will help you target your job search effectively. We have selected some great resources to help you in both of these areas.

JOB SEARCH SKILLS AND ADVICE FOR IMMIGRANTS

Following sites offer valuable advice specifically for immigrants on networking, interview skills, resumes, marketing yourself, and other necessary job search skills.

Upwardly Global: Upwardly Global helps immigrant professionals write résumés, sharpen interviewing skills and develop professional networks through mentoring, practice sessions, and an 8-week training course. Their program is free of charge to work-authorized permanent residents in the New York, San Francisco and Chicago metro areas who have at least a Bachelor’s degree equivalency and professional experience in their home country.

Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians: The Welcoming Center has published a career guide called How to Succeed in the Workplace for immigrant professionals. It explains how to plan your job search step by step.

They also publish specific guides on Accountants/Auditors, Mechanical Engineers, Teachers and Systems Analysts which may be found here.

Although they include some Pennsylvania-specific links, these publications provide valuable tips to help guide you through a professional job search in the United States.

Global Talent: The Global Talent web site provides clear and comprehensive advice and guidelines for immigrant professional jobseekers. This site is geared to Canadian immigrants, so while most of the advice and information applies to U.S. jobseekers, many of the resources and referrals made available are specific to Canada.

Additional Resources

You can find advice on how to search jobs during economic slowdown at Job Search in a Difficult Economy page.