🤫 3 Secrets to Getting a Job In America (advice from an insider)
Nov 08, 2022This is what it’s all about, right?
- You’ve put in the hours of studying to become an expert in your field
- You’ve invested the funds to make life in America
- You and your family have made a ton of sacrifices to make this possible
So, how do you go from being an educated and qualified student to getting job offers for your dream roles?
What breaks my heart more than ever is watching students make the same mistakes over and over again that lead to the same poor results. This really is the heartbeat of Chai and Coaching - to help you navigate through the different cultural obstacles so that you can get what you really want - a job.
I have 3 secrets for you that I believe will help you to get hired in America. I call them secrets because so few people actually practice these, but the ones who do find great success.
🤫 Secret #1 - Jobs Won’t Come To You
The process of getting hired in America is very different from what it’s like in your home country. Everything you think you know about getting a job - throw it out. In America, you have to hustle and get out there to find opportunities and connections. Stepping out of your comfort zone is a must if you want to be successful. You have to be different and find ways to stand out from the crowd in order to get noticed by potential employers. Although the process may be different, it is absolutely possible to find a great job in America if you are willing to put in the effort. There are no shortcuts.
🤫 Secret #2 - It’s Not About Being at The Top
I know that you come from a culture that says, “In order to find success, you must be at the top of your class.” However, in America, this is not the case. While it is important to do well in school, there is more to life than getting the highest grades. In fact, spending too much time trying to get the top grade can actually be counterproductive. Instead, it is often more productive to spend time doing creative things that will help you stand out and attract employers. By treating your job search like a part-time job or another course, you can devote 5-10 hours a week to activities that will make you more attractive to potential employers. This includes networking, creating a strong online presence, or developing new skills. Don’t forget to do fun things like getting a hobby, traveling to new places, and exploring American culture. While grades are important, they should not be your only focus. If you want to be successful, you need to put in the time and effort outside of the classroom as well.
🤫 Secret #3 - It’s All About Networking
I know this sounds crazy, but HubSpot found that 85% of hires are made through networking. And here’s another crazy fact - according to CNBC, 70% of jobs are never published publicly. Apply for jobs online has the worst ROI for your time.
In other words, networking is essential if you want to get a job in America. Network with people who are outside of your cultural comfort zone. This means doing things that your friends are not doing and going to the places they are going to. If you feel intimidated about networking, the good news is that networking is a skill that can be learned over time.
Here are some of my tips for networking effectively:
- First, set aside time each day to network. This may mean networking online or attending local meetups and events. View spending time with people as a part of your job as a student.
- Second, connect with seniors and alumni. These individuals have valuable experience and insight that can help you in your job search.
- Third, get coaching from college career services. Career counselors can help you polish your resume, improve your interview skills, and more.
- Finally, learn from professionals in the industry. Attend lectures, conferences, and workshops. By networking with experienced professionals, you’ll gain valuable insight into the job market and what employers are looking for.
Don’t wait until you need a job to start networking. Your job search should start from day one. Networking takes time, so the sooner you start, the better your chances of landing your dream job.
Though it may seem like a lot of work, following these three secrets will help you to be successful in your job search in America. The most important part is not to give up and keep pushing until you get the job that you want.
Remember, jobs won’t come to you, so go out there and find them. Don’t wait for someone to hand you an opportunity, create your own by networking with people in your field.
Be persistent and never give up on your dream.
What other secrets do you have for landing a great job?