Working in the United States is a dream for many seeking opportunities to work abroad, so staying up-to-date on all the latest news about this market will help you get ahead and succeed in your search. In this article, in addition to updating you on working in the United States, we will also provide several tips to help you land your dream job abroad.
Jobs in the United States: Best job sites
Finding a job in the United States isn’t a very complicated task. However, there are many different jobs, and the market is quite competitive. Therefore, take advantage of this opportunity to explore the best job websites in the United States and check out some market tips:
Indeed
The Indeed website is present in many countries around the world and is a great option for finding a job in the United States. The site is available in several languages, and in the United States alone, more than 700,000 job openings are posted every week.
You can filter your search by “What” by entering the title of your job, profession, or the company you want to work for. In “Where,” you should enter the city, state, or zip code to search for jobs in the United States. On the website, you can also find some resume templates and see the average salaries for your chosen position.
LinkedIn is a professional social network where you can register your resume in English, follow companies, search for jobs in the United States (by city or region) , and apply directly on the site. Therefore, keep your resume always updated, connect with people in your field, and build a network of relationships.
Furthermore, you can publish your portfolio, write articles, share interesting information about your job market, and much more. After all, being seen is very important to being remembered.
Monster
The Monster website is quite popular and can be a good tool for finding a job in the United States. You can search for jobs by job title, location, or the name of a company you want to work for. Additionally, you can view company profiles, find out salaries, and register your resume in English.
GlassDoor
The Glassdoor website is an important tool for learning about companies around the world and succeeding in interviews. With it, you can read testimonials from people who have interviewed or who work at the company, discover average salaries, post your resume, and find job openings in the United States.
Career Builder
On the Career Builder website, you can search for jobs in the United States, upload your resume , and even create one on the platform. You can search for jobs in your field and the city where you want to work (e.g., Miami). However, there are also job opportunities in Canada, and for many positions, it’s possible to know the salary before even applying.
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Other job sites in the United States
If you are looking for a job in the United States, be sure to also check FlexJobs, LinkUp, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter. They can be very helpful in your search for a job opportunity in America. In addition, look for job openings on company career pages.
The fact is that companies themselves often post job openings and opportunities, and it costs nothing to look for your opportunity at the company you want to work for. Start following the company on their social media to stay informed about open job positions.
On the USA Jobs website, you can find thousands of job opportunities in the United States and create a profile with your resume (Create Profile). You can save your favorite jobs, add your CV, and make it public to companies that are recruiting.
Tips for getting a job in the United States
It’s very important to note that you should not include personal document numbers on your resume. For example, if you have dual nationality, state that at the beginning of your resume, but there’s no need to include your passport number.
In the United States, it is also quite common to send a Cover Letter along with your application. It should be in English, well-written, with correct spelling, and specifically tailored to the position you are applying for.
When you are called for a job interview, research the company, visit its website, learn about its history, services, and products, and be prepared to answer questions in English. Stay calm, dress appropriately for the job, arrive 15 minutes early, and answer only what is necessary. Show who you are and what challenges motivate you. Present yourself as an optimistic, proactive, and motivated person.
Working in the United States – Market Tips
When we talk about working in the United States, we’re talking about a continent. The United States has a vast area and job opportunities of all kinds. Therefore, a good tip is to try to find your niche and look for more specific job opportunities.
Therefore, our advice is to look for companies and institutions that are recruiting professionals specialized in a specific area within industry, healthcare, or government. It’s worthwhile searching for a portal that can meet your area of interest. See below for some examples:
- Dice: for technical work;
- eFinancialCareers: for jobs in the finance field;
- higheredjobs.com: for job opportunities at universities;
- Idealist: for volunteer work without pay;
- USAJobs.gov: for jobs in the American government.
Tips on how to become a professional for jobs in the United States.
It’s clear that living and working in the United States is in many people’s plans. Therefore, keep in mind that, in addition to facing enormous competition, the ideal is to become a professional and seek opportunities in professions that are in high demand in the North American country.
The Information Technology (IT) market in the United States is gigantic. In recent years, the country had almost millions of job opportunities.
And if you don’t have much talent for IT, know that there are other areas with high demand. Professionals in physiotherapy, general healthcare, and dentistry are finding a path to prosperity in America. Because these are professions of national interest, the government is beginning to facilitate obtaining an EB-2 Green Card.
The EB-2 visa is a type of American visa suitable for professionals with exceptional abilities. Many companies in the United States use this option to hire foreigners where there is high demand and a low supply of qualified workers in the country.
Most competitive jobs in the United States
The most competitive jobs in the United States are those with the highest number of applicants per position. This is due to several factors, such as the company, location, salary, and even the specialization of the job offer.
The website Indeed published a list of the 20 most in-demand professions in the United States; check it out:
- Advertising sales representative;
- Buyer;
- Pharmaceutical and medical science representative;
- Engagement Manager;
- Logistics;
- Marketing manager;
- Management consultant;
- Creative director;
- Purchasing manager;
- Supply chain manager;
- IT Manager;
- Product marketing manager;
- Technical project manager;
- Product manager;
- Finance manager;
- Software engineer;
- Engineering manager;
- Data scientist;
- Pharmaceutical;
- Data engineer;
Best cities to find work in the USA
Finding work in the United States isn’t difficult, but the country has significant differences in its job market. The MoneyGeek website compared 75 American cities with a workforce of at least 500,000 people to find the best cities to find work in the USA.
The publication took into account five main economic factors to create the list: wage and job growth, unemployment rate, workforce size, and housing affordability. Therefore, North Port (Florida), Austin (Texas), and Jacksonville (Florida) are the best cities to find work in the United States.
Honolulu (Hawaii) and New York City (in the state of New York) were the worst performers in the ranking. The main factors are the difficulty in finding housing and stagnant job growth. Orlando (Florida), on the other hand, appears as the best city for job growth, and North Port (Florida) had the highest wage growth of any American city, reaching 16.8%.
Professions with the highest hiring rates in the United States
There are many fields and professions that offer numerous job opportunities in the United States. The website GrabJobs published a ranking showing the profession that hires the most in the United States, see below:
- Software Developer;
- Information Security Analyst;
- Welder;
- Translator;
- Registered Nurse;
- Financial Consultant;
- Health technologist;
- Truck driver;
- Nursing Assistant;
- Operations Manager.
Other professionals who find many job opportunities in the United States include: digital marketing specialist, home health aide, statistician, physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, teacher, construction worker, data scientist, plumber, and dentist.
Learn how work works in the United States.
Now, let’s find out everything about how the job market works in the United States:
Work schedule and lunch break
The traditional work schedule in the United States is Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. That is, a five-day work week with eight hours per day, totaling 40 hours. However, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average number of hours worked per day for Americans in the workplace is 7.8 hours.
The lunch break in the United States is about 30 minutes. People typically take their lunch break between 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. Although this isn’t universal across the country, people commonly tend to set aside about 30 minutes for lunch.
Salaries and payments
Workers in the United States are generally paid bi-weekly or monthly. The federal minimum wage is $7.25 per hour according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Vacation
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of vacation days granted each year can vary depending on length of service. More than a third of private industry workers received between 10 and 14 days of paid vacation after one year of service. After 10 years of service, 33% of private industry workers received between 15 and 19 days of paid vacation.
Informal jobs in the United States
Nearly 20% of all workers in the United States are in the informal sector, according to the Foreign Affairs portal. At least 9% of the American economy’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is informal, and in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development), the informal sector accounts for almost 15% of GDP, according to the IMF blog.
Working in the United States: How vacation services work
This is a work program offered primarily to young students. This type of program is regulated by the U.S. government and lasts for 3 to 4 months.
The program is always held during the end-of-year holidays, so students can participate and return to classes without having to suspend their enrollment.
Its main advantages are:
- Traveling with friends;
- Spending college vacations in the United States;
- Opportunity to visit some ski resorts and other tourist attractions;
- A low cost for up to 5 months of exchange program;
- Opportunity to improve your English.
Understand what the cost of living is in the USA
Moving to another country begins with financial planning. Living in the United States requires even greater attention to this aspect, so we’ve compiled some costs that should be included in your expense budget.
Housing
This is undoubtedly the segment that most differs from prices in other countries, as rental prices in the United States can be 227% higher than those in other countries. To give you an idea of the prices, we have separated some examples of rentals for you (average values, which vary according to the city).
- An 85 m² apartment in a prime location: average price $500,000–$600,000;
- An 85 m² apartment, in an average size: average value $350,000–$430,000
- A 45 m² apartment in a prime location: average price $260,000–$310,000;
- An apartment of 45 m², in an average size: average value $180,000–$225,000.
Even though prices are higher than in other countries, if you do the math, your housing bills will be proportionally cheaper in the United States. Also, set aside around US$250 for fixed expenses (water, electricity, heating, and internet).
Food
Food expenses are usually the biggest burden on a family budget, after rent, and this is no different in the United States. If we compare, food expenses can be 113% higher in gross households than in some other countries.
However, it’s important to know that if we consider purchasing power and the proportion relative to salaries in both countries, we’ll see that food can be much cheaper when comparing salaries in each place.
Health
In the United States, there is no public healthcare system, so healthcare in the country can be a significant factor in your budget. Your visa type can also directly influence medical expenses, potentially preventing you from accessing benefits exclusively for permanent residents.
The average cost of health insurance in the United States is $550 per person or $1,152 for a family per month. Some companies offer health insurance as a benefit, and it’s important to check this during a job interview.
Transport
In the United States, public transportation can be considered very good and efficient, and the means of transport are very varied: buses, subways, and trains are the main public transportation services in the country.
When compared proportionally to each country’s minimum wage, public transportation in the United States can be considered cheaper. There, the average price of a monthly pass is US$73.
Another point to consider is that the price to buy a car in the United States is much more affordable, for example. While there a brand new car costs from US$15,000, which is equivalent to roughly 13 months of work for someone earning minimum wage, in other countries a brand new car will cost no less than 50 minimum wages.
Leisure
This is a calculation that will vary depending on each person’s lifestyle, but to give you an idea of current costs, we’ve listed some items here:
- Basic dinner for two at a restaurant: US$52 on average;
- Two movie tickets: US$28 on average;
- 2 tickets to the theater (best seats available): US$ 193;
- 1 beer in a restaurant (500ml): US$ 6 dollars;
- Monthly gym membership in a prime area: US$59.
How to create a resume for a job in the United States
The first thing we want you to know is that the way to prepare a resume for work in the United States differs from the way it’s done in other countries.
In the case of an American CV, you will need to include information such as:
- Personal data;
- Academic background;
- Professional experience;
- Academic output and publications;
- Awards received;
- Other academic qualifications;
- Personal skills;
- Languages;
- References.
If we look closely, the American curriculum vitae is also very focused on the academic field.
This type of resume typically has at least two pages. However, be careful not to make your CV too long. Focus on your experiences and academic background. Also, be aware that you will often need to send a cover letter and letters of recommendation from professionals or researchers in the same field along with your CV.
Documents needed to work in the USA
Working in the United States requires, first and foremost, obtaining a work permit; the country offers several categories of work visas. Your visa category will depend on your professional status. We have compiled a list of each visa type so you can see which one best suits your profile.
| Visa type | Who is it for? |
| Q | Individuals who participate in cultural exchanges. |
| L | For managers or senior executives of international companies, transferred to a subsidiary or parent company in the United States. |
| L2 | For the spouse and children of an individual holding an L visa. |
| H1A | For temporary jobs, as well as for registered nurses. |
| H2B | For temporary or seasonal agricultural workers. |
| H1B | For all professions in higher education, entertainment jobs, artists, athletes, models, etc. |
| H3 | For all interns working at an American company or a foreign subsidiary. |
| E1 | For all individuals who wish to establish a company in the United States. |
| O and P | For artists and athletes with extraordinary abilities. |
To apply for any of these visas, you will need to compile a file with all of these documents at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy:
- Valid passport;
- The completed DS-160 form;
- A recent 3×4 photo (cannot be more than 6 months old);
- The I-797 employment permit, which is proof that the job offer has been validated by the DHS;
- Documents that prove your situation in your country of origin, such as bank account statements, criminal record certificates, etc.
After reviewing all the information provided in your file, the Embassy or Consulate will contact you to schedule an interview, including a medical examination. This interview will last approximately ten minutes and will be a conversation with an official representative.
This officer will ask several questions about your personal and professional situation, which will determine whether or not you are eligible to enter and remain in the United States. At the end of the interview, the officer will tell you whether your visa application has been accepted or denied. You will not receive your visa on the same day, as the Embassy or Consulate will hold your passport for a few days before returning it stamped with your work visa for the United States.
The visa application process is the most important, so don’t overlook any details. Because it’s one of the most difficult visas to obtain, anything forgotten will be a decisive factor in the approval or rejection of your application to enter the United States.
Key questions about working in the United States
If you plan to live and find a job in the United States, here are some common questions that may help:
Do I need a visa to work in the USA?
Yes, you need to apply for a visa to work in the U.S. According to the U.S. Social Security website, there are different types of visas that allow you to work in the country. Here’s what they are:
- E1 and E2: treaty trader or investor;
- F-1: foreign higher education student meeting certain conditions;
- H-1B, H-1C, H-2A, H-2B and H-3: temporary worker;
- EU: foreign journalist;
- J-1: exchange student when certain rules are respected;
- K-1: fiancé or fiancée of a U.S. citizen;
- L-1: intracompany transfer;
- M-1: foreign vocational student;
- O-1 and O-2: temporary worker in the science field;
- P-1, P-2 and P-3: temporary worker in art, sports exchange or cultural program;
- Q-1 and Q-2: cultural exchange visitor;
- R-1: Temporary religious worker through an NGO;
- TC: Canadian business worker;
- TN: worker from a NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) country, Canada, or Mexico.
What are the easiest jobs to get in the USA?
The easiest jobs to get in the US are in the service, construction, retail, and customer service sectors (depending on your English level). This is because these are areas with many opportunities and a shortage of skilled workers.
Does every job require you to know how to speak English?
Generally speaking, yes, all jobs require some level of English. Of course, this will vary depending on the occupation, but remember: you will be in the United States of America, and there, the official language is English. Keep in mind that mastering the language will open many doors.
How to work from home in the USA?
Working from home has become an increasingly popular trend, and it’s quite common to find this type of work in the United States. People often seek this type of work to dedicate themselves to other tasks, as well as to avoid long commutes and the stress of traffic that many cities can cause.
There are websites specializing in work-from-home jobs in the United States, and they offer many employment opportunities for those seeking this type of work. Check out the list of some websites and the fields in which it’s possible to work from home:
- Indeed – social media, customer service, and sales consulting are just a few examples of what you can find on this site.
- CryptoJobs – here you will mainly find job openings related to the technology field.
- Remote Jobs – the site also offers job openings in various fields, all focused on remote work.
- We Work Remotely – this website allows you to find work-from-home jobs in the United States, ranging from small businesses to larger corporations.
You can still search for remote work opportunities on websites such as Flexjobs, Dribbble Jobs, Jobspresso, and Stack Overflow. You’re sure to find an opportunity in your field.
What level of education does the American market require?
Having a good level of education is an indispensable requirement for anyone wishing to apply for a job in the United States. The first thing you should keep in mind is that mastering English, the country’s official language, is essential.
To give you an idea, in the United States, 89% of adults aged 25 to 64 have obtained the equivalent of a high school diploma. However, this is only the minimum required. Remember that you will be competing for jobs in a foreign country. Therefore, having a technical or higher education level will help you get better job opportunities in the United States.
Understanding and learning more about technical vocabulary will also open doors for you. Therefore, dedicate yourself to learning more about the words most commonly used in your field.
Another tip we consider fundamental is to never stop studying. This rule is valid in the American job market. Always invest in continuing education courses and, if possible, in new degrees and specializations. Effort is a characteristic highly valued by American companies.
How much does an Uber driver earn in the US?
This is a very common question, after all, this is a job that many foreigners seek when they arrive in the country. Similarly, this is also one of the jobs in the United States for many immigrants.
The first thing you need to know to work as an Uber driver in the United States is that you will need a driver’s license, which is a document equivalent to a driver’s license in other countries.
One point that cannot be forgotten is that the car you will be working with needs to meet certain requirements: the Black Uber, for example, must be a car in perfect condition, with various comfort items and optional features such as leather seats.
Another very important point for you to know, before we tell you how much an Uber driver earns on average in the United States, are the options the platform offers for those who want to become an Uber partner in the US. These are:
- UberPool: you can share a ride with a friend or another person. Ideal for those who want to save money on the cost of the trip;
- UberSUV: designed for those who wish to travel in SUV-type cars, that is, larger cars that allow more people to travel in the same vehicle;
- UberRush: This service is exclusively for cyclists. In Uber Rush, the service is provided by people who have bikes.
- UberLux: as the name suggests, in this option you will only find luxury cars.
Now that you know a little more about how the service works for those who want to work for Uber in the United States, let’s look at the earnings of an Uber driver in the country. Taking into account variations in traffic in busier and quieter cities, the average hourly earnings for a driver is around US$17.44.
To give you an idea of the annual average, an Uber driver can earn around US$36,270.00 in a total year of work. It’s important to remember that car expenses, insurance, and other costs are covered by the driver or the company that hired them.
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Is it worth having a job in the United States?
This is a question asked by many people who are looking for a job opportunity abroad. We can say that the main advantage of having a job in the United States is that you will earn in dollars, one of the most valued and stable currencies in the world, and that you will have many opportunities for professional growth.
However, we also remind you that not just anyone can work in the United States; after all, the country is very strict in granting permission to those who wish to live and work on American soil. Therefore, never, under any circumstances, go illegally to this or any other country in the world.
As we said before, the country is quite strict regarding immigration, and there are certain professional profiles that the country wants to attract. Qualified and highly qualified professionals are preferred by the United States, and it was with this profile in mind that two types of visas were created.
These are also the two types of work visas that are most helpful in obtaining the coveted Green Card.
- EB-1A – This visa is eligible for those with “extraordinary abilities” in sports, education, business, arts, or science. In short, they excel in their field and demonstrate high performance.
- BE-2 NIW – This visa, also known as the “exceptional abilities” visa, is potentially eligible for professionals who hold a bachelor’s degree, have 5 years of experience, and can demonstrate that their presence in the United States will add value to the country. Professionals with an “advanced degree” (master’s or doctorate) also qualify for this visa.
