What is your first job in the US????

[Marilyn. 340]

well, I just have to say keep at it.. I got my first job finally and I start tomorrow... I am nervous but really excited... I miss being around kids...

[ViVi and JimJim 0]

Well I got my EAD in March this year and then started job hunting, at first I was focus on finding clerical/admin position which I worked in my home country, but none of them have feedback. Then I tried to find some sales job, I hope to get some employee discount... Finally, I got my 1st interview in June, but unluckily they said there are no appopriate schedule to hire me, due to I have no car/no driving licence. <I know I'm lazy and now have no time to make it done>

After that, I tried to find local jobs which is in walking distance. Now I am working 2 part-time jobs. One started from July, it's a sub shop (I make subs and do registry - cashier). Another one started from August, it's a bakery shop.

Both jobs are unexpected that I might not work in my home country, but it's quite fun, less pressured. The more important is earn some money and get start to have some US work history.

P.S. A little remind - looking jobs in US need to do some follow-up, both jobs I have to call them back to check whether they have interested to hire me and I am still interested to work with them. Walk-in apply are more chances than the online application. I doubt anyone would consider the online one after I filled in a bunch of questions - wasted my time (at least 30 mins to fill in)

[dejima 1]

If you live in big cities with big Japanese population like CA, Chicago, New Jersey and New York you have lot of chances to find job. Wish I'm in Chicago.

Try to browse on these websites:

Indeed.com

Asian-Jobs.com

Japanesejobs.com

Goodluck!

Thank you so much everyone. It is wonderful.

Yes, it is so hard to get a job in the US sometimes. My first part time job was a barista at cafe on campus. I was a student at university. After graduation, I returned to my homecountry.

Well, I have no idea what I can do. But I am thinking about getting a job which helps me to improve my English. Even though I have a BA, it does not really matter. I have to accept any kinds of jobs. I need to save money until my husband goes back to grad school.

Anyone has sales jobs???

[David_n_Amber 3]

My first job was at a liquor store in a small town of 7000... Then i moved up to chicago and apparently they're economy is in the ####.. along with the rest of the USA and its been really hard to get a job

[ginger1981 0]

My first job was at a liquor store in a small town of 7000... Then i moved up to chicago and apparently they're economy is in the ####.. along with the rest of the USA and its been really hard to get a job

What type of jobs have you been applying for? I'm in Chicago...if you are looking for office type jobs I can give you the name of a really great staffing agency and one of my contacts there.

[Kirsten UK 2]

I'm going to be looking for a job in healthcare, I know there is a difference in the qualifications from the UK and US employers I have spoken to so far find it hard to accept! Is it true you don't get contracts in the states? Has anyone else tried to get a job in healthcare over there (especially those with UK qualifications)?

[kaffy 2]

What kind of healthcare job are you looking for? Clinical? Admin? Nursing?

[Kirsten UK 2]

What kind of healthcare job are you looking for? Clinical? Admin? Nursing?

I'd prefer to work in Ultrasound but I can do all areas of Radiology imaging, theres a huge difference in training and qualifications so i'm not sure how i'm going to get a job (basically the minimum standard in the UK is a BSc for radiography, in the US you can go into it with a high school diploma, I have a post grad diploma in ultrasound as well which again is the minimum in the UK). So, from what I can tell i'm over qualified but I don't mind working a job with less responsibility as long as I can still earn the money I need!

[ginger1981 0]

I believe ultrasound techs in the US generally have an Associate's degree...which I guess would be like A levels in the UK.

Keep in mind that sometimes if you are overqualified it can be hard to get a job. However, in the health care industry that likely isn't so much an issue.

[kaffy 2]

I don't think that having a BSc would necessarily mean that you are overqualified. In fact it might set you apart from other applicants. I've been looking at health jobs too (I'm seeking a health admin position) and the Ultrasound/Radiology imaging jobs I have seen have all stated their minimum education qualification as being: "AA/BA/BS degree". You may want to look into what's required for getting your RDMS registration now because I believe most hospitals require this. Good luck!

www.ardms.org

Edited September 13, 2008 by kaffy

[ginger1981 0]

I don't think that having a BSc would necessarily mean that you are overqualified. In fact it might set you apart from other applicants. I've been looking at health jobs too (I'm seeking a health admin position) and the Ultrasound/Radiology imaging jobs I have seen have all stated their minimum education qualification as being: "AA/BA/BS degree". You may want to look into what's required for getting your RDMS registration now because I believe most hospitals require this. Good luck!

www.ardms.org

I did take back what I said to an extent in the health field...there is such a need for trained professionals that shouldn't hurt.

I think the "overqualified" problem is more prevelent in education...particularly in the public school system.

[Kirsten UK 2]

I'm not sure where i'm going how many people will have a BSc or more.....its generally only management from what I can tell (and that is not for me). I'm hopeful that something will materialise nearer the time..which is a good question....how far into the K1 process would be a good time to start applying for jobs?

[V&Steve 0]

I'm not sure where i'm going how many people will have a BSc or more.....its generally only management from what I can tell (and that is not for me). I'm hopeful that something will materialise nearer the time..which is a good question....how far into the K1 process would be a good time to start applying for jobs?

Not until you get here and have your AOS approved and work permit in hands.

[aidan80 9]

My first job over here is actually the same job I'm in now!.. I too tried applying for the type of work I did back home and discovered that my qualifications from back home didn't count that much over here. My experience well most employers didn't want to take the time energy and money to confirm I'm sure... I ended up applying all over the place for just about anything after a few weeks and found my current job. Well it was that or take up that offer to apply at office depot for $7.25 an hour!

To be honest it's not a bad job, not my type of job.. just an office job. I'm still there in part thanks to the economy and in part I'm trying to build up my US qualifications over here which I'm still working on. I can't complain too much really, I started there 2 years ago... been promoted and given 3 pay rises and a new job title least it's adding much needed experience to my CV and now bringing in a half decent wedge along with benefits and paid holidays etc.

Good luck to everyone still searching, I hope you find what your after or at least find something good as a jump off point!

[Juan Pablo 0]

I just got my first job, it actually took me really little time to get it, I applied on a Thursday and by Monday I had the job and I had been looking for a couple weeks and I only applied for this job and got it right away , which everybody here finds unbelievable, considering the country's situation.

I am teaching Spanish to kids, from 2 to 7 y/o and the pay is great, plus I really use my skills, I have to play an instrument and sing (I am a musician btw), and since it is an immersion program I always talk to the kids in Spanish.

I know I am lucky and I am very thankful, my boss has been not only great but amazing to me and the whole team have welcome me, I can't ask for more.

I hope all of you will find a job very soon