
I just landed my first job in the US six months ago, so I’ll walk you through exactly what worked for me. The core steps are: update your resume to US standards, build a strong LinkedIn profile, target the right job boards, and network actively. Start by tailoring your resume to a one-page format with a clear summary, quantifiable achievements, and no photo or personal details. The US uses functional or hybrid resumes, not the European style. Then, set your LinkedIn headline to your target role and turn on the “Open to Work” feature for recruiters.
From there, I applied through Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Glassdoor – but I also found that niche sites like Dice (for tech) or Mediabistro (for media) gave me better response rates. I tracked my applications in a spreadsheet like this:
| Platform | Applications Sent | Interviews | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indeed | 45 | 3 | 0 |
| 60 | 8 | 2 | |
| Company sites | 20 | 5 | 1 |
Networking was the real game-changer. I reached out to alumni and industry professionals on LinkedIn, asking for informational interviews – not jobs. That led to referrals and insider tips. Finally, prepare for behavioral and situational questions using the STAR method. I practiced 20 common ones and recorded myself to review body language. It took about 60 applications over 10 weeks, but persistence paid off. My advice: start early, stay organized, and don’t skip the follow-up thank-you email after interviews.

I moved to the US from Canada two years ago, and the biggest things I learned were about work authorization and cultural fit. First, check if you need a visa – most companies sponsor H-1B only for specialized roles. If you’re on a student visa, use OPT or CPT. For


