As an immigrant, you come to the U.S. excited and hopeful. You’re sure the world is in your hands and you are going to conquer it. You are a skilled professional with a great education and experience in your career field in your country. You have worked hard on your English language skills and have decided it’s time to “take the plunge” and move to the United States.

Of course, you need a job. So, like every other jobseeker, you send your resume to job openings you see on LatPro and other general job boards. Then you wait... and wait... and don’t hear anything back. After a while, you run out of money so you decide to take a job that has nothing to do with your professional experience: maybe as a babysitter, a cashier, an associate in a retail store or a security guard. Eventually, you may come to believe that your degree doesn’t count in the U.S., and you wonder if you should go back to college to get an American degree. Or maybe you think the American dream is over for you.

For nearly a million highly skilled immigrants in the U.S. with professional degrees, this is a familiar story. The non-profit organization Upwardly Global was created to give such underemployed immigrants the tools and skills necessary to rebuild a career in their chosen field.

Tips for your U.S. job search from Upwardly Global

When starting a job search, you should be able to clearly and concisely tell anyone:

• Who you are
• What you can do
• What you are looking for

This information is important to share throughout all aspects of your job search – in your resume, during interviews, and when networking with strangers. Twenty or thirty seconds of an excellent “Elevator Pitch” can make a huge difference in your professional success in the U.S.

Networking: Talking to strangers in your field

Back in your home country, you might network in a slightly different way. You may only talk to people you know or someone who is already aware of you. In the U.S., networking with strangers is totally acceptable.

Networking is a vital tool in your job search. Because you did not grow up in the United States, you need to create your own network. It is all about connections, introductions to people in the same professional field, and sharing information.

How do you gain access to these people? If you are taking ESL classes, talk to teachers, classmates, counselors and even people at student activities. During college fairs and job fairs, talk to the representatives from different organizations about your goals. If you attend church or community events, strike up a conversation with people there. You never know – someone you speak to may have a friend or relative who works in your professional field.

The secret is keeping track of your contacts. Always document details of your professional contacts and job interviews. Follow up with everyone (thank you cards to interviewers after job interviews, calls/mails to referrals and contacts within your network). Also, do not forget to follow up on all messages, referrals, and emails immediately. Within 24 hours is best, but definitely within two business days.

The Interview: Explain the details of your previous achievements.

Besides wearing formal business attire for the interview, you must arrive at least 10 minutes early to find the interview location and present yourself on time. Bring two or three copies of your resume printed on high-quality paper, and examples of your work that are relevant to the job you are applying for (design samples, writing samples, etc.).

During the interview, it is important to show how your past work experience has prepared you for the responsibilities of the available position. The Problem-Action-Resolution (PAR) method is the best way to do it. It consists of presenting challenges you faced in previous jobs (Problem), describing the actions you took to address the problem (Action), and showing the result you were able to achieve (Resolution). By using the PAR method, you will convey a clear picture of your abilities and the value you can bring to a new employer.

Learn more about Behavioral Interviews and the PAR Method

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