Is achieving the American dream an idea you can’t get out of your mind? This is the best time for you to prepare an action plan that can bring you closer to getting a job in the United States. In this guide we explain how you can do it, even if you don’t speak English.
Until January 2020, there were 180,625 workers registered in the United States, according to figures provided by the Consulates General of european in the US, which represents an increase of approximately 5.3% compared to 2019. And it is that the US territory continues to emerge as a very attractive economic labor market.
If the idea of ​​working in the United States to boost your professional experience appeals to you, in this guide you will find the answers to all your questions.
US employment statistics you should know
The United States is one of the countries that has already reactivated its economy, to the point that during the month of June 2021 it created 850,000 new jobs (Hola News).
Most of these jobs were in the hospitality (269,000 restaurant and hotel jobs) and education (230,000 jobs) sectors.
If you add to this that the minimum interprofessional salary is USD 15,000 per year đź’°, approximately, according to the Datosmacro portal, the panorama becomes more competitive and striking.
The American job industry is reviving, so this is the moment you have been waiting for to get work experience in the “land of opportunity”, whether you are a student, a recent graduate or a worker looking to scale your professional career in a place where the conditions are given for it.
Extra fact: unemployment in the Hispanic population in this country continues to decline. In June 2021 it was at 7.3%, being the lowest figure after the pandemic (EFE Agency).
How to work in the United States?
The first thing you should consider is that the best way to work in the United States without any risk is through the legal route. While this may sound like a slow and complex process to you, it is not if you do your research beforehand.
If you enter the country legally and process the necessary documents to work as an immigrant (we will mention what they are later on), you will not have any problem when applying for a job. In addition, your stay will be much safer and more rewarding.
These options will help you get your first work experience in the USA 👇:
Use pages to get employment
Just as there are websites for looking for a job in Europe, there are also websites for exploring job opportunities in the US. You can take advantage of technology to your advantage to research the market and review the offers that may fit your professional profile.
This will also help you to know what are the usual requirements that American companies request from a future worker. So that if you need any extra document you can process it before going to the offices to deliver your CV.
Extra tip: before applying for a job through this platform or application, read the job description very well and make sure that it is a reliable company.
Lean on your social or family circle
If you have acquaintances, friends or relatives in this country, rely on them to look for employment opportunities. Ask them if they know of a place where you can leave your CV or what sites they recommend you visit to apply for a vacancy.
In your network of contacts you could get valuable information, it is a reliable source and the response could be faster compared to other options.
Submit a request through the company page
If you do not want intermediaries, you can also directly visit the official website of the company and submit a job application. Companies usually have a “jobs” or “work with us” category on their web pages.
Of course, remember that the native language of the United States is English. Therefore, it is most likely that the website is written in this language and, therefore, the personnel selection process is in English. Applies only to offers where language is not an impediment, in the event that you are not fluent in English at a conversational level.
Tip: Read these tips for sending a resume online to companies. Remember that the document you present could affect the employer’s response.
Submit your CV at the company door
This is the conventional method used by foreigners and national citizens of each country; however, it is a valid alternative to get a job in the United States.
You just have to go around the city in search of businesses that have a job advertisement and deliver a copy of your curriculum vitae to those that fit your professional profile.
Although leaving your CV on sites that are looking for workers is the best way to increase the chances of receiving a response, you can also deliver it to the company you aspire to join, even if it has not advertised vacancies. In this case, accompany your CV with a cover letter in English to make a better impression.
He considers that when submitting a self-application there is a chance that the company will not respond because it does not have a selection process open. Have other options on hand.
What is needed to work in the United States?
In general, it is believed that achieving the American dream is complex, exhausting, impossible… Nothing could be further from the truth, because if you have willingness, discipline, commitment and optimism, the results will come sooner than you think. So cheer up!
Touching on the subject of documentation, you do need to have some documents to be able to work as an immigrant in the United States. Follow this step by step:
Obtain the corresponding visa
Visas are an essential requirement to work in any country of which you are not a citizen of origin. Remember what we mentioned in previous lines: it is best to stick to legal processes.
As a Spanish citizen you are authorized to visit the United States as a tourist, all you have to do is fill out an online form and pay a fee before leaving Europe. But if you enter as a tourist you will not be able to apply for a work visa.
Because the work visa must be requested before leaving the country, not after arriving there, unless you are in a special situation (refugee, political asylum…). These are the types of visas you could apply for, depending on your case as an applicant:
- H-1B, Highly Qualified Worker: it is granted to professionals from sectors with little labor in the country. Like technology, engineering or scientific research. Therefore, you must have a supporting university degree.
- H-2B, Non-Agricultural Seasonal Worker: granted to professionals in sectors with a high demand for (unskilled) labor at certain times. For example, cruise ship crew, hospitality.
- J1, Exchange Visitors: allows young people access to jobs in the summer season. You must manage it by an authorized agency.
As you can see, there are several categories that you should study to find out which one best suits your situation; since you could also expedite the process if you have a job in the USA and the company supports you in applying for the corresponding visa.
Leave a Reply