RULE NUMBER ONE
Prepare your character.
Be the person that an employer wants to hire and keep.
Finding a Job in the USA
Whether you are a recent immigrant or international student, finding a job in the USA can be a challenge. Besides visa issues, our international friends always ask “how to I compete with Americans when looking for a job?”
For starters, it is important to understand that finding a job in the USA is different than what many people expect. In order to have the right job, you need to prepare yourself.
For starters, it is important to understand that finding a job in the USA is different than what many people expect. In order to have the right job, you need to prepare yourself.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Job in America
Preparing for going into the job hunting market starts with character. What character do you have as a potential worker. Certain character trait that are favored by American employers include:
Begin now, to start working on your character development. Much of this can be learned through your dedication in your school classes, lab and clubs and organizations.
- Confidence in your ability to handle specialized tasks
- Humble and non-argumentative
- Showing up on-time every day (this simple character trait is huge)
- Being trustworthy and honest
- Availability to try new tasks from your supervisor
- Willingness
- Ability to engage and interact with team members
- Ability to lead
Begin now, to start working on your character development. Much of this can be learned through your dedication in your school classes, lab and clubs and organizations.
Helping International Friends Gain Work Experience
One big surprise that many international students face when starting their job hunting in the USA is how employers favor work experience over education alone. In fact, ideal resumes highlight work experiences ahead of degrees, education, and grades.
But how do you gain that work experience in the first place? Perhaps start with an on-campus job. Or CPT. Also, look for classes that have outside group projects and an essential element. Many of these project can be used as forms of work experience.
But how do you gain that work experience in the first place? Perhaps start with an on-campus job. Or CPT. Also, look for classes that have outside group projects and an essential element. Many of these project can be used as forms of work experience.
Meet Other Professionals in Your Industry
We have a network of alumni and visiting workers who have special connections with local companies. Wherever you live, look for volunteers and a network like this. Get off campus and explore. Be a part of the community.
The Reno International House, for example, has retired and current workes in fields of engineering, science, business, arts and more. These are the types of networks and friends you need to develop.
The Reno International House, for example, has retired and current workes in fields of engineering, science, business, arts and more. These are the types of networks and friends you need to develop.
Resumes for International Students
Resumes are an important part of job hunting. Yet, today, with digital resumes, LinkeIn Profiles and other ways of networking, your educational and work experiences need to be visible online as well. Consider a personal blog, or website, that highlights all of the projects you do. For example, if you work in remote freelance work, such as on Upwork.com, highlight the projects, skills and certifications you have.
Speaking of certifications, this is an important area for your resume. If you don’t have any, consider getting some. Whether it is in specific softwares, trades, programming or technical skills, or simply knowing how to build a website or do social media marketing, you want to show proof that you have the understanding and experience on certain programs.
Certifications for Immigrants and Refugees
If you are a recent immigrant or refugee, we know of several options for gaining practical hands-on certifications in trades that have a strong job market need and can hire you quickly.
Certifications for International Students
If you are an international student, we can point you towards certifications that are in need, and demanded by many employers today, worldwide. Many of them are free, or low-cost, and can actually do more for your job hunting efforts than a degree alone.
Speaking of certifications, this is an important area for your resume. If you don’t have any, consider getting some. Whether it is in specific softwares, trades, programming or technical skills, or simply knowing how to build a website or do social media marketing, you want to show proof that you have the understanding and experience on certain programs.
Certifications for Immigrants and Refugees
If you are a recent immigrant or refugee, we know of several options for gaining practical hands-on certifications in trades that have a strong job market need and can hire you quickly.
Certifications for International Students
If you are an international student, we can point you towards certifications that are in need, and demanded by many employers today, worldwide. Many of them are free, or low-cost, and can actually do more for your job hunting efforts than a degree alone.
Job Hunting for International Students
Starting the job hunt can be scary. Yet, with help from a mentor, you can learn how to prepare yourself, your resume, and practice communication for the next step in your career after college. Whether you are planning to stay on OPT, or desire to stay long-term in the USA, you need assistance. You need to be connected. Our volunteers from local churches enjoy helping guide international student in their job hunt. They have much work experience and perhaps even connections to help you talk to the right person who hires. If you are looking for a job in the Reno-area, consider talking with one of our career mentors. It’s free, and you will be matched with a mentor who enjoys helping international residents, and desire to see you succeed in your job search.
Start today. Submit this form to get started.
Start today. Submit this form to get started.
