Can't find work because of no US experience

[Jose Rizal 1]

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

[FCH 1]

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

this is total bull.

i hope you get a job real soon. good luck!

[Ed+Cindy 1]

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

Yup, its like being a college grad again. Just keep trying and accept you may have to take a job beneath your experience at first.

I encountered the same thing when I was job searching in Auckland about 5 years ago, even though I was at an intermediate level in my career, no one would pay me more than junior level at first.

[StoryAngel 4]

I've been in the US just over a year. It took me quite a while to find my first job, and it was a temporary contract with an agency. I loved the job but unfortunately it ended early, and I've been job hunting for the past 2 months. I've just heard that my latest interview (for another temporary contract) has been successful. I'm thrilled to hear, but at the same time I know it's only temporary (4 months). However, the agency route is maybe something for you to consider; it kind of depends on what type of work you're looking for. I feel MUCH better having even just a small amount of US-based experience under my belt. See if you can get something short-term just to get your foot in the door. I also found it a great way to network and build up some more business contacts.

Hope that helps. Wishing you all the best!

[Lili 3]

I've been in the US just over a year. It took me quite a while to find my first job, and it was a temporary contract with an agency. I loved the job but unfortunately it ended early, and I've been job hunting for the past 2 months. I've just heard that my latest interview (for another temporary contract) has been successful. I'm thrilled to hear, but at the same time I know it's only temporary (4 months). However, the agency route is maybe something for you to consider; it kind of depends on what type of work you're looking for. I feel MUCH better having even just a small amount of US-based experience under my belt. See if you can get something short-term just to get your foot in the door. I also found it a great way to network and build up some more business contacts.

Hope that helps. Wishing you all the best!

Did the exact same thing. Temp, temp, temp all the way...the jobs are not always great but it is great experience to put on a resume.

[Jose Rizal 1]

I've been in the US just over a year. It took me quite a while to find my first job, and it was a temporary contract with an agency. I loved the job but unfortunately it ended early, and I've been job hunting for the past 2 months. I've just heard that my latest interview (for another temporary contract) has been successful. I'm thrilled to hear, but at the same time I know it's only temporary (4 months). However, the agency route is maybe something for you to consider; it kind of depends on what type of work you're looking for. I feel MUCH better having even just a small amount of US-based experience under my belt. See if you can get something short-term just to get your foot in the door. I also found it a great way to network and build up some more business contacts.

Hope that helps. Wishing you all the best!

Did the exact same thing. Temp, temp, temp all the way...the jobs are not always great but it is great experience to put on a resume.

Unfortunately temps like AppleOne and Act1 are losing clients in my area. Must find other temps.

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

this is total bull.

i hope you get a job real soon. good luck!

Sometimes you get the feeling that the ones interiewing you are the ones without eperience because what they're telling you is bull.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

Musta Jose?

My best advice is what I tell any job hunter. Pick 5 places you would like to work at. Each day, go to one of those places, and make contact with the person who actually does the hiring. Keep going back until they tell you not to come back anymore. Then pick another place to keep the number at 5. It works. Trust me. You got to be there when they are hiring. Leaving resumes and filling applications where they are not hiring, and not going back guarantees they will not call you.

I used to be that guy that does the hiring for companies, and I used to be that guy looking for work as well. Cut the line, cut the red tape, and you will find a job. You gotta be there at the right time and the right place.

[Slightly Bonkers 0]

I have a little US work experience from a previous visa but on the (very few) interviews I got that checked references, they also called the head of the charity I volunteered at while waiting for my EAD.

I think having a US based reference list (professional, not personal) can go a long way.

It's not too late to start volunteering somewhere

[Loolie 56]

i had no job experience ever in my life and last sunday i got hired for a job but i quit in just two days for one reason.

try to volunteer first so you can have experience or find jobs that need not to have experience.

God bless you so much.

[-B&T- 1]

Try working in Mcdonalds or any retail stores first as a lot of new immigrants do that to get local experience and when you get to the system and know how it works, it will be easier for you to land on a job that you wanted.Just an opinion.

[kaffy 2]

Be determined & hang in there! You do not have to work at McDonalds/Walmart/Macys to get your foot in the door. That's certainly not what I wanted to do and so I didn't! Do you have any contacts in your industry?

[tom&tata 2]

+1 on temp agency. You don't make a lot & no benefits usually but it is better than working outside your field if you are trying to build experience.

[StoryAngel 4]

As well as temping, I also volunteer at a local charity. It's not thrilling work (I've been helping on the admin/clerical side) but it beats sitting at home doing nothing, it's something to put on my resume, and you NEVER KNOW who you might meet. Getting out and doing something valuable with your time, even if it isn't exactly what you want to do, at least gives you the opportunity to meet people. And seeing as something like 80% of jobs are acquired through people (and not advertised positions), networking is absolutely vital.

[Mairah 0]

Hi! I know there's a recession going on and jobs are hard to come by. But in the several interviews I've got, I've been screened out not by my qualifications but by lack of US experience which is a total bummer. I mean, how can you get US experience if no one would hire you because you don't have any US experience. It's like being a fresh grad wherein companies would hire experience fresh grads. It's a catch 22 situation for me right now. Anyone care to share their experiences?

Hi, I understand the feeling. I'm not there yet but I'm kind of a bit worried also whether will I get a job soon or not when I get there. But don't lose hope. Just keep on trying with lots of prayers and patience. You will somehow get a job in the end. Or try to think your strength/talent or what you are good at which you can start to do as a freelancer or start a small business to be a self employed instead...

Good luck and God bless!

[poochie 0]

What type of job are you looking for? What industry? And would you mind the travel to work or you prefer to work close to where you live? Some industries are easier to get into than others. You just have to be in the right place at the right time, and meet the right people. I agree with what others already mentioned, temp agency might do the trick. And if you looked at jobs that are within the 5-10 mile radius of your home, you might want to consider to commute a bit, expand your search. You won't see a lot of vacancies if you only focus on one city. Do volunteer work, if it is applicable so you can use the experience. Good luck!