Changing Jobs in the U.S.｜A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your First Overseas Career Change

What are the two routes to start a career in the U.S.?

There are two ways to start a career in the U.S.

1) Targeting through local hiring: Apply to companies recruiting in the U.S.
2) Targeting expatriate positions: Focus your job search on domestic companies with operations in the U.S. and move to the U.S. as an expatriate

This article will explain the procedure for job hunting through the U.S. local hiring in 1).

Points to keep in mind when proceeding with a job change in the U.S.: Differences from Job Hunting in Japan

Actively gather information

In Japan, you are most likely to use major job search sites such as BizReach or enTransfer. Although such sites also list jobs for local hires in the U.S., we recommend using a more global job search platform in addition to those mentioned above in order to have more options.

LinkedIn
A social networking site for businesses that allows you to not only search for jobs, but also connect with industry professionals.
It is an easy way to get in direct contact with company recruiters and keep up to date on the latest industry trends and company culture.

Indeed
A global job search platform. Indeed is a global job search platform that allows you to search for jobs on a company’s official website as well as on other job sites.
You can check a wide range of job postings and efficiently search for jobs that match your requirements. The application process is simple.

Glassdoor
This site provides company reviews, salary information, and interview testimonials, as well as job postings.
It is a great way to learn about a company’s reputation, compensation levels, and hiring process in advance, which can be helpful when deciding to apply.

We also recommend that you connect with an agent who has jobs in the US. You will be contacted in a timely manner when new jobs that meet your needs become available.

Prepare resume and curriculum vitae

When applying to an American company, you will need a “resume” and a “cover letter,” which are different in format from a Japanese resume.

• Resume: 1 A4 sheet with a brief summary of your work experience and skills.
• Cover Letter: Create a document that conveys your motivation and interest in the company.

No matter how much it is about your own career, filling out an unfamiliar format can be time consuming. Be sure to prepare as early as possible.

Resume Writing

Thorough explanation of how to write an English resume in a format different from Japanese resumes and CVs. Includes a handy downloadable template.
Step-by-step instructions and a list of commonly used words in each section make this book useful for those who are new to writing resumes or those who are not very good at English.

Visa Type

Visas related to working in the U.S. are

• non-immigrant visa
• Immigrant Visa (= Permanent Residence (Green Card))

The first is one of the following.

Especially for those who are looking for a new job in the U.S. for the first time, you should acquire the following

• non-immigrant visa

The first two are the following.
These visas range from A to R visas, and in addition to the many types of visas, the requirements and necessary procedures are different for each, so care should be taken when actually proceeding with the process.

What is an H visa?

A visa for the purpose of working in the U.S. is called an H visa. Here are the details

Summary: To gather information on jobs that suit you

In order to find a job in the U.S. and realize your ideal career, it is essential to do research and careful preparation, which is different from job hunting in Japan. Let’s proceed systematically from gathering job information to visa procedures and preparing for interviews.

However, it can be difficult to know what to do if you are changing jobs overseas for the first time and there is no one around you with experience or knowledge in this field. We not only introduce you to job openings, but also share information on local hiring conditions and provide guidance on how to prepare for your new job search.