Tips for Finding a Job in the United States

Resumo do conteúdo

Discover the sectors with the highest demand and the best job search platforms.

The American job market is a true hub of opportunities for Brazilian professionals.

The diversity of sectors, constant innovation, and the search for foreign talent create a promising scenario for those seeking a new professional journey.

However, finding the ideal job in the United States requires planning, strategy, and market knowledge.

In this content, you’ll find all the tools necessary to succeed in your search. Check out the best tips for finding a job in the United States and take a step closer to achieving your dream!

1. Identify the Sectors with the Highest Demand

Clearly and objectively, the professional areas with the highest demand for professionals in the United States are:

Technology: Developers, software engineers, data scientists, etc.
Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.
Finance: Accountants, financial analysts, etc.
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, etc.
Education: Teachers, especially in areas like mathematics and science.

For more details, check out our exclusive content on high-demand professions in the USA that offer Green Cards.

2. Use Job Search Platforms

Although many people don’t know, job search platforms allow you to find and also apply for job openings outside the country where the user resides. This can be the first step towards a career abroad.

Moreover, there are various international openings available for 100% remote work or even opportunities for those who are willing to travel and even relocate to another country.

Generalist Platforms

Indeed: One of the largest job search engines in the world, aggregating vacancies from various sources.
LinkedIn: An essential professional social network for networking and job searching, allowing you to connect with professionals in your field and companies of interest.
Glassdoor: In addition to listing vacancies, Glassdoor offers company reviews by employees, helping you gain a more complete view of the work environment.
CareerBuilder: Another popular platform, with a wide variety of vacancies in different sectors.
Monster Jobs: One of the pioneers in online job searching, Monster remains a relevant option for many candidates.

Specialized Platforms

Dice: Focused on technology job openings, Dice is a great option for programmers, software engineers, and other IT professionals.
AngelList: Ideal for those seeking opportunities in startups and tech companies.
LinkedIn Jobs: LinkedIn’s job platform offers a personalized search experience and allows you to connect directly with recruiters.
ZipRecruiter: Uses advanced algorithms to connect candidates with relevant vacancies, even those not publicly listed.

Platforms for Remote Work

Upwork: One of the largest freelance work platforms in the world, with various remote work opportunities in different areas.
Fiverr: Ideal for freelancers offering services like design, writing, programming, among others.
Remote OK: Specialized in remote job openings, Remote OK allows you to find opportunities in companies worldwide.

3. Adapt your Resume

There are some subtle but significant differences between resumes used in Brazil and the United States.

The resume for the American job market values conciseness, clarity, and quantification of results.

By adapting your resume to market expectations, you will increase your chances of securing an interview and, consequently, a job in the United States.

D4U Immigration has extensive experience in adapting resumes according to USCIS standards. If you seek assertiveness and want a flawless resume, contact us.

CV for the USA: Main Differences and Tips

Although the basic structure is similar, some cultural aspects and the demands of the American job market require adaptation.

Format: The reverse chronological format is the most common in the USA, where the most recent professional experience is presented first.
Objective vs professional summary: Instead of an objective, many American professionals prefer a professional summary, which concisely and impactfully synthesizes their qualifications and experience.
Skills: Highlight the technical and behavioral skills that are most relevant to the job. Soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are highly valued.
Quantification: Whenever possible, quantify your results. Instead of saying “increase in sales”, say “increase in sales by 20% in 6 months”, for example.
Keywords: Use keywords relevant to the job and industry. You can find these keywords in the job description itself.
Language: English is essential. Ensure your resume is grammatically flawless.
Formatting: Opt for a clean and professional design. Use readable fonts and avoid excessive colors and graphics.
Size: Keep your resume concise, usually between 1 and 2 pages.

It’s also crucial to understand the importance and main differences between the immigration resume and the professional resume.

Click HERE and send your resume for a free evaluation

4. Create a Cover Letter Formatted for the USA

The cover letter is as important as the resume because it’s your opportunity to stand out and show that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

While the resume presents your data and experiences objectively, the cover letter allows you to demonstrate your communication skills, enthusiasm, and interest in the company.

Example of Adapted Structure

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email] [Your LinkedIn]

[Date]

[Recruiter’s Name] [Recruiter’s Title] [Company Name] [Company Address]

Dear [Recruiter’s Name],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where you found the job]. [Company]’s commitment to [Mention something you admire about the company] aligns perfectly with my career goals.

[Body of the letter: highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences]

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further in an interview.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Tip: Search for “US cover letter templates” on Google to find reference models and create your personalized cover letter.

5. Networking: Expand your Network

Participate in events in your field, online groups, and LinkedIn to expand your connections.

Through networking, in addition to the possibility of receiving recommendations, you gain access to undisclosed job openings and increase your visibility as a professional in the job market, taking a step closer to achieving your dream.

A well-structured and active LinkedIn profile — the world’s largest professional network — provides greater visibility and networking to users, which can also be a bridge to residing in the USA through employment.

6. Learn about Work Visas

For professionals who wish to work in the United States, there are various types of visas, each with its specificities and requirements.

Knowing the types of American visas is essential for finding a job in the United States, as getting the job without having the appropriate visa is pointless.

The main types of professional visas are:

H-1B: Intended for highly qualified professionals in specific areas such as technology, engineering, and sciences. It is one of the most common and competitive visas.
L-1: For executives, managers, or employees with specialized knowledge being transferred to a branch of the same company in the United States.
O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.
EB-1: For foreign workers with extraordinary abilities, outstanding researchers, or multinational executives.
EB-2: For professionals with a master’s or doctorate degree or equivalent experience in a specialty area.
EB-2 NIW: Immigration visa that allows foreigners with exceptional skills or advanced degrees in their fields to work in the United States without a job offer. Learn about the EB2-NIW visa professions and how to obtain it.
EB-3: For foreign workers with professional qualifications or without specific qualifications but with a job offer in the United States.

Check out the main types of visas and professionals for the United States.

7. Invest in your Qualification

Investing in qualification is essential for those seeking a job opportunity in the United States.

Qualifying will bring more security to face challenges such as fierce competition in light of the possibility of growth with higher salaries offered in the land of opportunities.

8. Research the Corporate Culture

Corporate culture is the DNA of a company. It defines the values, beliefs, behaviors, and norms that guide the actions of all employees.

Each company has a different culture. Research the company before submitting your application. This can help you produce a personalized resume and also prepare for the interview.

How to Research Corporate Culture

There are several ways to research the corporate culture of an American company:

Company website: Explore the “About Us” or “Careers” section to find information about the company’s mission, vision, and values.
Social Media: Companies often share information about their culture through their social media. Observe posts, events, and interactions with employees.
Company Review Platforms: Sites like Glassdoor and Indeed allow current and former employees to rate the company and share their experiences.
LinkedIn: Connect with company employees and look for information about the internal culture.
News and articles: Research news about the company to understand its projects, challenges, and achievements.

By understanding a company’s corporate culture, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about your career.

9. Prepare for the Interview

Job interviews in the United States tend to be more behavioral, focusing on your past experiences and how they relate to the job requirements.

Study the most common questions and practice your answers (in English, of course).

Common Questions in a U.S. Job Interview

Of course, each job interview has its particularities regarding the position and professional area. However, the initial step to prepare for the interview is to be able to answer some of the basic and most common questions.

Some of the most common questions include:

Tell me about yourself: (Talk about your professional experience relevant to the position, skills, and interests.)
Why are you interested in this position? (Demonstrate your knowledge about the company and the position, and how your skills fit.)
What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Be honest about your weaknesses, but emphasize how you’re working to improve them.)
Why should we hire you? (Reinforce your strengths and how they will benefit the company.)
What are your salary expectations? (Research the average salary for the position and be prepared to negotiate.)
Tell me about a time when you failed. How did you handle it? (Demonstrate resilience and learning.)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Demonstrate your career goals and how they align with the company.)

To gain speed and efficiency in interview preparation, we offer a consultation with Thais Mei, a career specialist for Brazilians in the USA, with full support in the immigration journey and specialized guidance.

Get a free eligibility analysis for the EB-2 NIW visa now.

10. Improve your English

Fluency in English is essential to meet the prerequisites for job openings in the USA. Therefore, it’s crucial to invest in an English course to master the language and open doors to the American job market.

Useful Words and Expressions

An employment-focused English course provides specific skills to handle job interviews like a native speaker.

In an English job interview, you need to master some skills, for example:

To start an answer: “That’s a great question!”, “I would say that…”, “To answer your question…”.
To emphasize a point: “In particular…”, “Moreover…”, “Furthermore…”.
To change the subject: “Moving on to your next question…”, “Another point I’d like to make is…”.
To conclude: “In conclusion…”, “To summarize…”.
Use action verbs: When describing your experiences, use verbs like “achieved”, “led”, “implemented”.

Extra Tip: Seek professional help to avoid common English language mistakes, such as saying “sales growth“ instead of “increased sales by …” to refer to an increase in sales, for example.

Finding a job in the United States requires planning, dedication, and a good search strategy. With the tips above, you are better prepared to achieve your professional goals in the country and embark on the journey of living the American dream!

How to work in the USA: check out the complete step-by-step guide