How to Get a Job in America From the UK | Expat Guide

Finding a job in the US as a future expat doesn’t have to be difficult. With proper preparation and research, you’ll soon be on your way to working in America.

In this blog post, we’ll provide helpful tips on job search strategies, visa considerations and sponsorships for working in the USA. Find out how to get a job in USA from the UK to kick start your removals to USA.

Job Search Strategies

Explore these following job search strategies to find your dream job in America.

• Online Resources: Online job search resources are an invaluable tool for finding jobs in the USA. Job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor can provide a wealth of information on available positions. Additionally, many employers have their own websites where they post open positions. It is important to use these resources to research potential employers and create a list of target companies that match your skillset and experience.

• Networking: Networking is another great way to find job opportunities in the USA. Reach out to friends or family who may already be living there or know someone who could help you make connections with local businesses. LinkedIn is also a valuable resource for networking with professionals in the same field as you, both locally and internationally. Joining professional associations related to your industry can also be beneficial when it comes to making contacts within the US job market.
  

• Job fairs: These events give you an opportunity to meet face-to-face with recruiters from different companies while learning more about what they offer and how they operate. They also provide insight into current trends within certain industries, which can help inform your decision-making process when applying for jobs abroad.

• Recruiters: Also known as head-hunters or search consultants, recruiters are common in the USA just as they are in the UK. They often work with companies who are looking to fill positions, and as such have access to opportunities that aren’t advertised on the online job search websites. They can help job seekers to find potential roles that fit their skills and experience, as well as give guidance during the application and interview process. However, they may charge a fee for their services, to job seekers as well as employers.

Applying for Jobs in the USA

Follow these top tips when you’re applying for jobs in the USA from the UK.

• Resume and Cover Letter Tips: When applying for jobs in the USA, it is important to make sure your resume and cover letter stand out from other applicants. Make sure you tailor each application to the job you are applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experience. Use a professional format that is easy to read, with clear headings and concise language. Avoid using jargon or acronyms unless they are widely used in the industry.

• Interview Preparation: Preparing for an interview can be daunting but there are several steps you can take to ensure success. Research the company thoroughly so that you have a good understanding of their mission, values, products/services etc., as well as any current news stories related to them. Practice answering common questions about yourself such as “tell me about yourself” or “why should we hire you?” Also consider preparing questions of your own that demonstrate your interest in the role or company culture.

• Follow Up: Following up after an interview is essential if you want to leave a lasting impression on potential employers. Send a thank-you note within 24 hours of completing the interview expressing gratitude for their time and reiterating why you would be perfect for this position. If possible, include something specific from your conversation with them such as how excited you were by one particular project, they mentioned during the meeting which shows that not only did you listen carefully but also understood what was discussed during it.

Visa and Work Permit Considerations

When looking for a job in the USA as an expat, there are several visa and work permit considerations to keep in mind.

Types of Visas Available for Working in the USA

The most common type of visa available for working in the USA is an H-1B visa, which allows foreign workers with specialized skills or knowledge to be employed by US companies on a temporary basis. Other types of visas include L-1A and L-1B visas, which allow intra-company transfers; E visas, which are available to citizens from certain countries who wish to invest or trade with US businesses; O visas, which are available to individuals with extraordinary abilities; and TN/TD visas, which allow Canadian and Mexican citizens to work temporarily in certain professional occupations.

Obtaining a Work Permit or Green Card

Additionally, if you plan on staying longer than six months at any given time during your stay in the US then it is important that you register with USCIS so they are aware of your whereabouts while living abroad, before your authorised stay expires. You will need to complete Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Non-immigrant Status. This process can take several months depending on individual circumstances and may require additional documents such as proof of employment eligibility verification form I-9 before being able to start working legally within the United States.

Sponsorships for Working in the USA

A sponsorship is an agreement between two parties, typically a company and an individual, where the company provides financial or other support to the individual in exchange for certain rights. The most common type of sponsorship for working in the USA is when a company sponsors an employee’s visa application. This allows them to legally work in the country without having to go through the lengthy process of obtaining their own visa.

How to Find Sponsorships Opportunities

Finding sponsorship opportunities can be difficult but there are several resources available that can help you find potential sponsors. Job boards such as Indeed and Glassdoor list job postings from companies looking for sponsored employees, while websites like SponsorMyVisa provide listings specifically tailored towards those seeking visas and sponsorships. Additionally, networking with people who have already gone through this process may be beneficial as they may know of companies willing to sponsor foreign workers.

Another way of finding sponsorship opportunities in the USA, is to first find a role within a company in the UK that you know are multi-nationals with offices in the USA. Most of these companies have an internal recruiting tool through their human resources department, and programs of talent sharing across countries. However, this is a longer-term strategy, as most won’t consider a transfer until you have been employed for some time.

Benefits of Sponsorship Programs

The main benefit of participating in a sponsorship program is that it simplifies the immigration process, allowing individuals to obtain their visas more quickly than if they were applying on their own. It also eliminates many of the costs associated with getting your own visa since these are often covered by employers sponsoring employees under this program. Finally, it gives individuals access to jobs that would otherwise not be available due to restrictions placed on non-sponsored applicants by US immigration laws.

In-Demand Job Roles in the USA in 2024

Technology jobs are expected to be in high demand in the USA in 2024. Software development, data science and cybersecurity roles will be particularly sought after by employers. To land a job in one of these areas, applicants should have a good understanding of coding languages such as Java, Python or C++ as well as experience with software development frameworks like React or Angular. Additionally, knowledge of cloud computing platforms such as AWS and Azure is also beneficial for these roles.

Healthcare Jobs: Healthcare professionals are always needed and this trend is expected to continue into 2024. Nursing positions will require an RN license while physician assistants need to obtain their PA certification before applying for jobs. Pharmacists must hold a Doctorate degree from an accredited university along with passing the NAPLEX exam to become licensed pharmacists in the US.

Business related roles such as marketing, finance and human resources will remain popular choices among employers looking for candidates who can help them grow their businesses effectively. Applicants should have strong communication skills along with some experience working within those fields either through internships or prior employment opportunities they may have had elsewhere prior to moving overseas. They should also demonstrate an ability to think strategically when it comes to solving problems that arise during day-to-day operations at work places, which could involve customer service issues or financial planning matters depending on the role they are applying for.

FAQs about Finding a Job in the USA as an Expat

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding a job in the US as a future expat is possible with some preparation and research. Job search strategies should be tailored to the specific needs of each individual, while also taking into account visa and work permit considerations. Additionally, sponsorships may provide an additional pathway for those looking to move from the UK to the USA. Finally, understanding which job roles are in-demand in 2024 can help guide your decision-making process when considering relocating overseas. With these tips and tricks, you can find a job in the USA as a future expat.

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