Working in the USA

Working in the USA means access to a wealth of opportunities if you’re willing to put in the time and effort.

Hard work is a respected virtue in the US, and new arrivals should expect a rigorous schedule that is often more than 40 hours a week. There’s far less holiday time than what’s given in Europe, with 10 to 14 days of annual leave typical for first-year employees in many positions. Business etiquette in the US is similar to Europe, and expats can expect the environment to be a bit more relaxed on the West Coast as opposed to the East Coast.

An immigrant visa will be needed if you wish to reside and work in the USA.

Job market in the USA

The American economy consists of many industries that are largely driven by regional location. East Coast cities are strong financial players, and the Midwest heartland lays claim to sectors relating to agriculture and natural resources. West Coast metropolises are famous for technology and entertainment development.

Production and manufacturing contracts are increasingly being outsourced to smaller economies overseas, and manufacturing jobs are in decline. Americans are increasingly concentrated in service sector roles.

American companies can apply for foreign workers if they can clearly show a lack of qualified American citizens available to carry out the job required. The US is particularly interested in skilled professionals for areas in which it competes for part of the global market, such as IT, healthcare, and STEM fields. That said, recent visa policy changes have created some challenges to hiring skilled foreign labour.

The demand for employees in the medical profession – such as nurses, medical assistants and technicians – is on the increase. Jobs relating to care for older people are also growing as the baby-boomer generation is reaching retirement.

Job Market in New York City 
Job Market in Los Angeles
Job Market in Seattle

Finding a job in the USA

If you’re on the hunt for work, you can consult online job portals, social networks such as LinkedIn and local classifieds, or enlist the help of an agency. Companies may also advertise vacancies on their own websites. If you’re already in the country, it’s always a good idea to ask around the neighbourhood and find out if anyone knows of an opening.

Visas in the USA
Work Permits in the USA

Useful links

• Monster
• Jooble
• Indeed

Work culture in the USA

The USA is a geographically large country, which makes it somewhat difficult to generalise about work culture and practices across its different regions. Still, there are a few traits worth bearing in mind, regardless of where in the country you hope to work.

Most prominent US commercial hubs thrive because of a willingness to accept new ideas and nurture budding entrepreneurs. Business culture is individualistic, and the workplace rewards ‘go-getters’. Meanwhile, those who lack independence, initiative and self-reliance lag behind. Status and age are largely obsolete; instead, merit, good ideas, and hard work are the vehicles for advancement.

Business Culture in the USA