Expert Advice: How to get a job in the USA?

 

Most international students studying at American universities worry about finding work in the United States after graduation. And the point here is not at all in the quality of knowledge or recognition of a diploma.

 The problem is that the employment process in a foreign country, a priori, is difficult for foreigners. However, these difficulties can be overcome - it is enough to have the necessary knowledge and training!

 Prospects for US graduates

 Professions of the future: where can I get them?

 The problems of getting a job in America, depending on the particular case, may be associated with various factors. In this article, we present the advice of American experts for foreign students, which will certainly help you build a dream career in the USA ...

 Tip # 1: Get Started While Studying

 America is one of those countries that today have come to the conclusion that it is not so much the diploma that matters, but the knowledge behind it. For successful employment, it is important to understand that in the West any organization needs, first of all, your brains.

 Therefore, if you really want to achieve something in the career field, do not waste your university years, but study hard, do not miss classes and absorb all possible knowledge. Believe me, in the future your efforts will pay off!

 Tip # 2: Get Practical Experience

 Getting practical work experience back in university years is also an important part of preparing for a career. Remember that in America, like nowhere else, there will always be a lot of those who are worthy job candidates like you. That is why employers here are especially appreciated, in addition to knowledge, also real work experience.

 Work extra money while studying, engage in freelance work, be sure to take an internship - all this will significantly strengthen your position in the work market.

 Tip # 3: Set Clear Goals

 Experts argue that graduates who set clear goals are the most successful in employment. What does this mean in practice?

 First, it’s worth as early as possible and as accurately as possible to determine the specific profession that you want to receive in the future. Do not soar in the clouds! Understand that it is very rare for an employer to seek a "wide profile" specialist, more often workers in highly specialized specialties are required.

 Secondly, decide what kind of knowledge and experience you will need to get the selected position. This can be done, for example, by familiarizing yourself with the requirements for potential employees on the website of a specific employer or by consulting in the Career Center of your university.

 And finally, work on yourself to achieve maximum compliance with your professional requirements.

 Tip # 4: Be Realistic

 Setting a goal and charting a future career path, stay realistic! Soberly assess your language and academic level, the knowledge that you have, and the quality of the work experience that you have received.

 Very often, young job seekers in a good position overestimate their positive qualities and skills, because of which they end up in unpleasant situations that can break a person psychologically. To prevent this from happening, believe in yourself and focus on your positive characteristics, but do not forget about the shortcomings that each of us has.

 Tip # 5: Become a “Little American”

 Despite the fact that a huge number of foreigners live in America, a very small percentage of them manage to live and work in the United States, as at home. Most have to adapt to American culture, psychology, and social norms.

 Oddly enough, in this multinational country, cultural differences can play a trick on a young specialist! Among foreigners, employers here are especially good for those who assimilated. This is not strange, because you are in the country of the employer, and not he is in yours.

 Whether you want it or not, you’ll have to understand at least a little bit about American politics, sports, national ideas and ideals, cuisine, music, etc. This can be done by regularly communicating with the Americans, watching local television channels, reading articles in newspapers and magazines, as well as forums and blogs on the Internet.

 Tip # 6: Boost Your English

 Undoubtedly, in order to increase your chances in the US labor market, you must be very fluent in English. Moreover, not only professional, but also conversational vocabulary is important, as well as a high level of literacy.

 Many foreign students make a mistake communicating only with their compatriots during their studies at the university. It turns out that formally learning is in English, but the general communicative language skills are lost, and the actual learning of the language ends at the time of admission to the university.In fact, to improve the language level (and therefore - for successful employment!) You need to constantly maintain and improve your skills. Some graduates even have to take special language courses to get the right position.

 Tip number 7: Understand the psychology of the employer

 Few know this, but in international America, most employers are simply afraid to hire foreigners. In their eyes, this is inextricably linked to problems, costs and risks. Frankly, they are somewhat right. How to get a position, given this circumstance?

 Usually, employers have many reasons to prefer a worker with local citizenship to a foreigner. By the way, this applies not only to America, but also to other countries. The main thing in this situation is to reduce the worries of the employer and show yourself as a specialist, from the best side, to get around the competition. We will give advice on how to “reassure” the employer at our own expense ...

 For this, ideally, you need:

 have a “clean” visa history (clearly follow all visa procedures and requirements throughout your stay in the USA)

 have good recommendations from representatives of an American university

 have experience working for an American employer and good recommendations

 have an American driver license

 do not have a criminal record (neither in the USA, nor in their country)

 not have dependents (young children, disabled people, unemployed spouses, etc.) and other factors that could potentially interfere with your performance of work duties Tip # 8: Show Your Qualities

 When applying for a job in America, much attention is paid to the psychology and personal qualities of employees. It is not surprising that in many organizations potential employees are asked to undergo psychological testing or answer “trick questions” as part of the interview. Do not worry!

 As part of corporate ethics in the United States, leadership qualities, enthusiasm, the ability to “present” oneself and make an impression, out-of-the-box thinking, the ability and desire to work in a team, and also diligence and tact are most often valued. Try to show these qualities with your employer, and you will be one step closer to getting a position.

 Tip # 9: Follow Formalities

 Of course, America is a progressive country, but no one has canceled the formalities! Moreover, it is often by their observance that they judge the identity of a potential employee. Many graduates are refused a job precisely because of a frivolous attitude to seemingly trifles ...

 To learn from the mistakes of your predecessors and not to repeat them, when applying for a job in the United States, you must:

 - present to the employer all the documents that he will ask

 - draw up all documents in accordance with American standards

 - be punctual and educated in communication with the employer

 - make sure that your documents do not have grammar and other language errors

 - be as honest as possible, without indicating false information about yourself, your past, etc.

 - send to potential employers the traditional “Thank-you Note” within the USA within 48 hours after the interview

 Tip # 10: Get Ready For an Interview

 Finally, a few words about job interviews in America. Firstly, almost all foreigners undergo a serious interview before applying for a job. Secondly, the interview plays a crucial role in deciding on employment.

 Here are a few tips to help you avoid a U.S. interview:

 1. Get ready for an interview by studying the company, its principles and goals.

 2. Learn in advance about frequently asked questions at the interview and prepare to answer them.

 3. Be prepared for the fact that sometimes a foreigner is asked to undergo a serious interview precisely because he is a foreigner. Try to minimize the doubts of the employer and his perception of you, as something "exotic", during the interview.

 4. Keep confidence in any situation, in America it is very much appreciated.

 5. Show a lively professional enthusiasm and a positive approach to work.

 6. Be polite.

 7. Speak briefly, clearly and only on the case, this is also appreciated.

 8. Be prepared for trick questions. If they confuse you, do not lose your temper and answer based on generally accepted notions of “what is good and what is bad”.

 9. Pay attention to your appearance. At the interview, you should look formal and neat.

 10. Try to “sell yourself” as a specialist - focus on your positive qualities and convince the employer that without taking you to work, he will lose a lot.