During their placement drive in IIT Delhi in 2017, Microsoft offered the highest package of ₹1.4 crores, inclusive of bonuses and stock options, to a computer science student for a job in Microsoft’s Redmond headquarters. The software giant picked up more than 10 students from across campuses, according to an article in The Times of India.
Unless you are a developer and IIT graduate, a degree recognized across the world, and in great demand in the US, job hunting in America can be a roller coaster ride, where aspiring employees might have to face some hurdles.
US Citizens vs Foreign Nationals
For US citizens and nationals, the federal government offers a unique hiring path. Firstly, you need to create a profile on USAJOBS, the federal government’s official employment site. After you have created an account and completed your profile, you can apply for any job on the site.
If you are applying from outside the US, there is a need to first find a suitable job. Look for jobs available on company websites and on job search portals.
You can use CareerOneStop, run by the US Department of Labor, to plan your search for a job, write résumés and cover letters, fill out applications, and create a career network and interview for a job. To find a job in a US state of your preference, go to the State Job Banks page to locate job openings in a specific state.
How to Apply
Before you apply anywhere, take time to choose and gain clarity of the field of your interest and list down the best options available in the US in that field.
If you have graduated from one of India’s elite universities, such as IIT, feel free to contact the concerned recruiter, HR department, or CEO on social media and send your résumé directly to the company you are interested in working for.
When applying for the job, make sure your résumé and cover letter are personalized to the specific position and company. If the job application needs to be handwritten, do not use scripts. Instead fill the application in neat block letters, since American employers usually have a hard time reading the writing of applicants from foreign countries.
If possible, provide references in the US. If you get selected for the interview, stay prepared for a web conference or interview via Skype with multiple people.
Don’t forget to send a thank you letter in paper or via email, within a week of your interview.
Once you get yourself a job in the US, the next step is to apply for a work visa. American companies easily sponsor technical majors for a work visa. However, getting a work visa might take some time.
The Best Way to Get a US-based Job
Getting a job in the US while you are in your home country can be a highly daunting task, especially if you aren’t a technical major from a well-recognized institution.
I would recommend that if you really want a successful career in the US, prepare ahead. Select a course in a US school and move to America as a student on a student visa.
It is easier to apply for jobs in America with a US degree while you are in the country.
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