Job hunting is tough, and it gets even trickier when you're an international job seeker 🌎
Not only do you have to worry about your resume formatting and networking skills, but also visa applications and cultural differences.
Can you feel yourself getting a headache already? 😳
Don’t stress out just yet because we’ve got 5 ways for you to tackle these problems and give you solutions to streamline your international job applications.
Let’s get into it!
This can sometimes feel like a big roadblock because getting a visa sponsored by potential employers might seem complex and expensive.
Example: You're a skilled data scientist from South Korea seeking employment in the U.S. Employers may be hesitant to sponsor an H-1B visa due to the perceived complexity and cost.
Solution: Clearly state in your application materials (such as in your cover letter) that you are eligible to work in the U.S. or that you are seeking sponsorship. Be proactive in showing your understanding of the visa process and emphasize your unique skills and experience that make you worth this extra effort.
Resumes in North America might have a different style and rules compared to other countries. This can impact how your application is seen by employers.
Example: Your resume follows the common European CV format, including a photo and personal details, but you're applying for jobs in Canada.
Solution: Familiarize yourself with the standard resume format in the country you're applying to. Remove personal details not typically included in North American resumes, such as photos and date of birth, and focus on demonstrating your skills and experience.
Job applications differ widely from country to country. Not being familiar with North American norms might cause you to make mistakes.
Example: You're from a country where it's common to directly call the hiring manager after applying, which isn't typically accepted in the U.S.
Solution: Do some research to understand the common job application etiquette in North America. Respect these norms throughout your application process. When in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution and professionalism.
Different ways of communicating in business and potential language difficulties can make applying for jobs a bit harder.
Example: You're an engineer from China. Although proficient in English, you struggle with crafting a compelling cover letter because you're unaccustomed to the U.S. expectation of self-promotion.
Solution: Use CoverLetterAI to whip up a grammar free cover letter that will tick all the boxes and showcase your best qualities.
Degrees or certifications earned outside North America might not always be acknowledged or could need evaluation, making things a bit more complex.
Example: You're a registered nurse from the Philippines. Your nursing license isn't directly transferable to the U.S., and you'll need to meet state-specific licensure requirements.
Solution: If you have foreign credentials, consider getting them evaluated by a recognized credential evaluation service in North America. Also, research professional licensing requirements in your field and in the specific region you're targeting to understand if further exams or certifications are needed. This will help demonstrate to employers that your qualifications align with local standards.
But let's say you've already met all these criteria and are ready to apply.
The application process alone can be a tedious part.
And all your applications will be tailored to the role. It even fills in those annoying "tell us about yourself" questionnaires.
To use it, all you have to do is:
Your inbox will be flooded with “Thank you” emails in no time!
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It’s safe to say most of us have a love-hate relationship with these little stickers in our passports.
While they offer new opportunities to explore a different path in our lives, they come with a mountain of paperwork and hoops to jump through.
However, it’s not all bad news, as the US has made some updates to the H-1B visa process that could be beneficial to you.
Here’s what you need to know:
They brought back a faster processing option for H-1B petitions. Employers can pay extra to get their petitions handled more quickly. This option was stopped in 2020 by the Trump administration.
Benefit for you
Faster processing means less time waiting for your visa.
People with H-1B visas renewing them don't have to leave the U.S. anymore. Before, they had to go to another country to get their visas renewed.
Benefit for you
No more time and money wasted to renew your visa.
They pushed back a new rule that would have made H-1B workers earn more money. The rule was supposed to start in November 2022, but now there's no set date for it to begin.
Benefit for you
While this sounds like a downside, it does give you time to financially plan and understand the impact of the wage increase once it does begin.
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