Important Things to Know About Employment in the USA

If you are moving to the United States from another country, one of your top priorities is mostly likely finding employment. While it might seem intimidating to get a job when you are new to the country, you can move forward with confidence if you keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips to get you started.

Where to Apply

In order to work in the United States, you will need a Green Card or work visa. Once you have obtained either of these, you can begin looking for work. There is a broad job market in the United States, which makes it more likely that you will be able to find employment that matches your skill set. If you are looking for an entry-level job, you may want to consider applying for a job as a customer service representative, waiter or truck driver. If you have more specialized skills, you could enter the workforce as a nurse, administrative assistant, physical therapy assistant or social worker.

Job Applications

Once you have found jobs that you are interested in, applying is the next step. Don't limit yourself by applying to just one job. The more jobs you apply to, the better chance you have of being hired. A successful job application will lead to an interview, which is where you will be able to shine. Most job applications consist of paperwork you need to fill out, along with a resume and cover letter. 

Resumes and Cover Letters

United States Chamber of Commerce President Suzanne Clark knows that a critical part of your job application is a professional resume and cover letter. This can make or break your application. Your resume should consist of past employment highlights and should, ideally, only be one page. You should also include information about your education and valuable skills. The cover letter is where you can grab your prospective employer's attention. The aim of a cover letter is to convince the hiring manager that you are the right person for the job. It should speak to your skills in relation to the position and the ways in which you will be a good employee. Make sure you double check the spelling on both your resume and cover letter to ensure there are no errors.

Interviews

Job interviews can seem intimidating, but being prepared beforehand can make a world of difference. Research lists of common interview questions and prepare your answer ahead of time. You may want to practice with a family member or friend to get comfortable. Do some research on the company before the interview so you can make small talk about what they do. Be sure to wear business attire to the interview to make a good first impression. After the interview, send a thank you note to the hiring manager.

What to Do After a Job Offer

If you are offered a job, think carefully about whether or not you want to accept it. You should be pursuing your interests, instead of jumping into something you don't really want to do. If you do decide to accept the job offer, there are some things to be aware of. First, be sure you are informed about your salary, job benefits and job dismissal protections. This information should be made available to you through your company's human resources department.  Second, be aware of what you need to do to file your tax return each year. If you need assistance with this, you should speak to an accountant. Finally, make sure you are taking opportunties for career growth and development. This may mean applying for promotions, going to seminars or participating in mentorship programs.

Moving to the United States and getting a new job will be one of the most exciting times in your life. Don't be afraid to pursue the employment of your dreams. Following these tips can help make the process easier and less stressful.