Tips for finding a job in the United States

Discover the sectors in greatest demand and the best job search platforms.

The North American job market is a veritable storehouse of opportunities for Brazilian professionals.

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

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

In this article, you’ll find all the tools you need to succeed in your search. Check out the best tips for finding a job in the United States and stay one step ahead to make your dream come true!

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1. identify the sectors with the highest demand

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

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

For more details, see our exclusive content on professions that are in high demand in the USA and that give a Green Card.

2. Use job search platforms

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

There are even several international vacancies available for 100% home office or even opportunities for those willing to travel or even move to another country.

General 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 searching for vacancies, allowing you to connect with professionals in your field and companies of interest.
Glassdoor: As well as listing vacancies, Glassdoor offers reviews of companies by employees, helping you to get a more complete picture of the working environment.
CareerBuilder: Another popular platform with a wide range of vacancies in different sectors.
Monster Jobs: One of the pioneers in online job search, Monster remains a relevant option for many candidates.

Specialized platforms

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

Remote Work Platforms

Upwork: One of the largest freelance work platforms in the world, with several remote work opportunities in different areas.
Fiverr: Ideal for freelancers offering services such as design, writing, programming and more.
Remote OK: Specializing in remote work vacancies, Remote OK allows you to find opportunities in companies all over the world.

3. Adapt your CV

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

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

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

D4U Immigration has extensive experience in adapting resumes according to USCIS guidelines. If you are looking for assertiveness and an impeccable CV, contact us.

CV for the USA: Key Differences and Tips

Although the basic structure is similar, some cultural aspects and the demands of the North 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 North American professionals prefer a professional summary, which summarizes their qualifications and experience in a concise and impactful way.
Skills: Highlight the technical and behavioral skills that are most relevant to the job. The soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving are highly valued.
Quantification: Whenever possible, quantify your results. Instead of saying “increased sales”, say “increased sales by 20% in 6 months”, for example.
Keywords: Use keywords that are relevant to the job and the industry. You can find these keywords in the job description itself.
Language: English is essential. Make sure your CV is grammatically impeccable.
Formatting: Opt for a clean and professional design. Use legible fonts and avoid excessive colors and graphics.
Length: Keep your CV concise, usually between 1 and 2 pages.

It is also essential to understand the importance and main differences between the immigration CV and the professional CV.

Click HERE and send your CV for free evaluation

4. Produce a cover letter formatted for the USA

The cover letter is just as important as the CV because it’s your chance to stand out and show that you’re the right candidate for the job.

While the CV presents your details and experience objectively, the cover letter allows you to demonstrate your communication enthusiasm and interest in the company.

Example of an Adapted Structure

[Seu Nome Completo] [Seu Endereço] [Seu Número de Telefone] [Seu E-mail] [Seu LinkedIn]

[Data]

[Nome do Recrutador] [Título do Recrutador] [Nome da Empresa] [Endereço da Empresa]

Dear [Nome do Recrutador],

I am writing to express my keen interest in the [Título da Vaga] position at [Nome da Empresa], as advertised on [Onde você encontrou a vaga]. [Empresa]’s commitment to [Mencione algo que você admira na empresa] aligns perfectly with my career goals.

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

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, [Seu Nome]

Tip: Search for “cover letter templates USA” on Google to find reference templates and produce your personalized cover letter.

5. Networking: Expand your network of contacts

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

Through networking, as well as the possibility of receiving recommendations, you gain access to unpublicized vacancies and increase your visibility as a professional in the job market, taking you one step closer to realizing your dream.

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

6. Learn about work visas

For professionals wishing to work in the United States, there are several types of visa, each with its own specificities and requirements.

Knowing the types of American visa is essential for finding a job in the United States, since there’s no point in getting a job if you don’t have the right visa.

The main types of professional visa are

H-1B: Aimed at highly qualified professionals in specific areas, such as technology, engineering and science. It is one of the most common and sought-after visas.
L-1: For executives, managers or employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred to a subsidiary of the same company in the United States.
O-1: For individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
EB-1: For foreign workers with extraordinary skills, 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 NIWImmigration visa that allows foreigners with exceptional skills or advanced degrees in their field to work in the United States without a job offer. Learn about EB2-NIW visa professions and find out how to get one.
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 qualifications

Investing in qualifications is essential for anyone looking for a job in the United States.

Qualifying will give you more confidence to face challenges such as fierce competition in the face of the possibility of growth with higher salaries offered in the land of opportunity.

8. Research 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 CV and 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 “Career” section to find information about the company’s mission, vision and values.
Social media: Companies often share information about their culture via their social networks. Look at posts, events and interactions with employees.
Company rating 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: Search for 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 requirements of the position.

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

Common questions in a job interview for the USA

Of course, each job interview has its own particularities regarding the position and professional area. However, the first step in preparing for an 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: Tell me about yourself (Tell me about your professional experience relevant to the position, skills and interests).
Why are you interested in this position? Why are you interested in this position? (Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the position, and how your skills fit in.)
What are your strengths and weaknesses? What are your strengths and weaknesses? (Be honest about your weaknesses, but emphasize how you are working to improve them).
Why should we hire you? Why should we hire you? (Reinforce your strengths and how they will benefit the company.)
What are your salary expectations? 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? Tell me about a situation in which you failed. How did you deal with it? (Show resilience and learning.)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Show your career goals and how they align with the company.)

To help you prepare for interviews quickly and efficiently, we offer a consultancy with Thais Mei, a career specialist for Brazilians in the USA, who will provide you with all the support you need for your immigration journey and specialized guidance.

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

10. Improve your English

Fluency in English is essential if you want to meet the requirements of job vacancies in the USA. It is therefore essential to invest in a English course to master the language and open doors to the American job market.

Useful words and expressions

A job-focused English course gives you specific skills to handle job interviews like a native speaker.

In a job interview in English, you need to master certain 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 making common mistakes in the English language, such as saying “sales growth“ instead of “increased sales by …” to refer to increased sales, for example.

Finding a job in the United States requires planning, dedication and a good search strategy. With the tips above, you’ll be 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 full step-by-step guide