Job Hunting Experience

[David-Rhosie 0]

Hello! I've been excited to getting back to work again and be more productive. As of the moment, I am still waiting for my EAD and hopefully it will be processed quickly. I'd just like to know the experience of other Filipinos who have been ahead of me in their search for a job here in the US. I hope that you can share your experiences so the rest who are still starting out will know what to expect and you can even share your tips of that sort to help broaden our knowledge and somehow will prepare us for the job hunting journey. Hope you'll start sharing your experience soon!

Rhosie

[Jasman0717 9]

Claudeth worked for the Hyatt for a while and then for Sears. They were both ok to help her get used to the work environment and help her family. She has since decided it is much nicer to stay at home

[Lil Miss Sunshine 14]

i'm on the job hunt for a couple of weeks now.. so far, still patiently waiting for calls from companies i've applied in. ok, scratch the patient part. i am actually impatient! hehe. this is the longest time that i'm unemployed. i held a job back in manila for 5 yrs. unemployment doesn't really suit me. right now, nothing to do but wait, apply for more jobs and pray for divine intervention!

[David-Rhosie 0]

i'm on the job hunt for a couple of weeks now.. so far, still patiently waiting for calls from companies i've applied in. ok, scratch the patient part. i am actually impatient! hehe. this is the longest time that i'm unemployed. i held a job back in manila for 5 yrs. unemployment doesn't really suit me. right now, nothing to do but wait, apply for more jobs and pray for divine intervention!

Same here Anyway, how did you go through the job search?You just sent online applications, applied in person etc.?I've worked for years with the Philippine government agency and had been unemployed for almost 4 months now. Apparently, I am just enjoying my time staying at home and spending as much time with my hubby since if I'll start working we won't be able to enjoy as much time.

[Cécy 44]

Well I'm not from the Phillipines, but I did a job search non the less.

I found that applying in person helps a lot here, people see your motivation and that you take the time to come in.

My case is a little bit different because I was in the US on a tourism (B2) visa before we got married and applied for AOS. So I was already looking for a job so I could stay with my now husband. On of the jobs I applied for (I brought my resume and cover letter to the office even though they were not hiring at the time) was in touch with me before AOS, they couldn't get me a work visa and when we decided to get married I contacted them and they decided to wait for me to get the EAD.

I also applied to a local tourism site, i saw the ad on their website. I completed an application and brought it to their human resource center. I had a pre-interview, then a full one and I was hired for my 2nd part time job.

In January I was left with only one part ti;e job and therefore needed a bit of extra money, so I walked in several stores at the mall that had hiring signs on their windows (with cover letter in hand) and I got hired by one of them.

So my advice is: work on a good resume, create a personalized cover letter for every important place you want to work at. Check job advertisement, apply for those jobs, and also apply for a job at places not even hiring but where you would like to work.

Bring your application in person as much as possible.

PS: You can start to apply before you get your EAD. Alos try to do volunteering in your area as it's allowed and it 1)will build up your american resume and 2)can become a job.

I hope this help.

Edited March 8, 2008 by Cécy

[~krakatoa~ 27]

I work as a scientist in a research facility involved in the formulation of personal care and household products. I got the job by applying online. I am in CA so all sorts of job abound here you can expect. I sent out my resume to about 3 companies to see if any would take the bait so to speak. Unexpectedly, this company (also, my first job) called me for an interview promptly (3 days after the HR manager received the resume). The timing was perfect I'd say and the experience didn't count so much. To be honest, I was the one with the least experience among the pre-screened applicants. If you happen to be the next possible candidate closest to their "ideal", they might risk it anyway with you. It also depends on the outcome of your interviews. Prepare to negotiate your salary and read about salary and job reviews. Your preparation also depends on the type of job you're seeking. Job positions here are very specific. Search and see what jobs would highly interest you, or those jobs you think you'd have a fair chance of succeeding.

Good luck.

Edited March 8, 2008 by krakatoa

[mcsexy 0]

I've just read your post here...well how about trying to work@home this is a part time job...you can check this site www.hirepoint.com

[Lili 3]

My case is also as different as Cecy.

I graduated with a bachelor of accounting about a year ago. I looked for jobs for months without luck.

Most employers do not want to hire you if you only have a temporary work visa. In their eyes, they see you as a worthless investment (they spend $$ training you when you will be gone a year later).

I ended up signing up with a temp accounting agency. After working a while, the company hired me on their payroll.

My biggest advice to all of you would be to get experience. Do not be picky. The more experience you build up, the better. Take one job in your field and keep your eyes open for a better one.

BTW I read somewhere that volunteering where you get some kind of work experience is not acceptable by the immigration. This is punishable with a fine of $10,000.

You are only allowed to volunteer somewhere where you don't get any kind of benefits besides doing something good (i.e: shelters, kid school etc).

[Lil Miss Sunshine 14]

i'm on the job hunt for a couple of weeks now.. so far, still patiently waiting for calls from companies i've applied in. ok, scratch the patient part. i am actually impatient! hehe. this is the longest time that i'm unemployed. i held a job back in manila for 5 yrs. unemployment doesn't really suit me. right now, nothing to do but wait, apply for more jobs and pray for divine intervention!

Same here Anyway, how did you go through the job search?You just sent online applications, applied in person etc.?I've worked for years with the Philippine government agency and had been unemployed for almost 4 months now. Apparently, I am just enjoying my time staying at home and spending as much time with my hubby since if I'll start working we won't be able to enjoy as much time.

I've posted my resume on monster.com, hotjobs, career builders. i'll also do what Cecy did: apply in person!

Good luck to us!

[strong_silent_45 0]

Aloha from Hawaii. : ) My wife was an attorney in Bacolod City in the Philippines and when she came here to Hawaii she was disappointed to learn that Hawaii, unlike some other US states, requires foreign attorneys to go through law school again if the judicial system in their home country is not based on the common law system as it is here. In the P.I. it is based on Civil Law so she was out of luck on that front. She got her EAD a couple of months ago and is now working part time as a legal assistant for a Filipino law firm in Honolulu, but she also is working a really good home business that was even doubly great because it was free to start and she is earning great money with it. We were regular posters on Asawa before it closed and Pinoy Info and also World of Filipinas, but those forums have slowed down considerable since my wife has arrived in the US. If anyone would like more info, please feel free to send me a message. Or else you can check my signature for the link. Aloha for now and best of luck to you with your job hunting. : )

[jom 4]

Aloha from Hawaii. : ) My wife was an attorney in Bacolod City in the Philippines and when she came here to Hawaii she was disappointed to learn that Hawaii, unlike some other US states, requires foreign attorneys to go through law school again if the judicial system in their home country is not based on the common law system as it is here. In the P.I. it is based on Civil Law so she was out of luck on that front. She got her EAD a couple of months ago and is now working part time as a legal assistant for a Filipino law firm in Honolulu, but she also is working a really good home business that was even doubly great because it was free to start and she is earning great money with it. We were regular posters on Asawa before it closed and Pinoy Info and also World of Filipinas, but those forums have slowed down considerable since my wife has arrived in the US. If anyone would like more info, please feel free to send me a message. Or else you can check my signature for the link. Aloha for now and best of luck to you with your job hunting. : )

I would really like to know your wife. I am also an attorney in the Philippines and would like to work here. Ive done some research too and indeed one has to be a graduate of an american law school before they allow you to take the bar. It would be nice to know your wife. Godbless.

Myla

[Carlawarla 1]

My case is also as different as Cecy.

I graduated with a bachelor of accounting about a year ago. I looked for jobs for months without luck.

Most employers do not want to hire you if you only have a temporary work visa. In their eyes, they see you as a worthless investment (they spend $$ training you when you will be gone a year later).

I ended up signing up with a temp accounting agency. After working a while, the company hired me on their payroll.

My biggest advice to all of you would be to get experience. Do not be picky. The more experience you build up, the better. Take one job in your field and keep your eyes open for a better one.

BTW I read somewhere that volunteering where you get some kind of work experience is not acceptable by the immigration. This is punishable with a fine of $10,000.

You are only allowed to volunteer somewhere where you don't get any kind of benefits besides doing something good (i.e: shelters, kid school etc).

This bolded part is untrue. What is true is that if you volunteer at a company, and that same company hires you when you get your EAD, or GC, that COULD be construed as the company holding off hiring other individuals while they waited for your employment authorization. However, you can volunteer for a company, in the area of say "accounting", and then take a job for another company after getting employment authorization. If you were interested in childcare or something...you could volunteer at a county park, or a daycare, and then take a job in a "childcare" area, after getting employment authorization. Particularly if it's something you enjoy, and is in your area of either expertise or something you'd now like to do.

I've tried to edit this post and can't seem to bold the last part of the previous posters advise! Sorry. The part I wanted bolded was where it says.... "I read somewhere that volunteering..."

I also did want to point out that this poster did give very valuable advise about the temp agency, and to just get experience and not be picky.

Good luck on your job hunt!

Edited March 17, 2008 by Carlawarla

[Lili 3]

My case is also as different as Cecy.

I graduated with a bachelor of accounting about a year ago. I looked for jobs for months without luck.

Most employers do not want to hire you if you only have a temporary work visa. In their eyes, they see you as a worthless investment (they spend $$ training you when you will be gone a year later).

I ended up signing up with a temp accounting agency. After working a while, the company hired me on their payroll.

My biggest advice to all of you would be to get experience. Do not be picky. The more experience you build up, the better. Take one job in your field and keep your eyes open for a better one.

BTW I read somewhere that volunteering where you get some kind of work experience is not acceptable by the immigration. This is punishable with a fine of $10,000.

You are only allowed to volunteer somewhere where you don't get any kind of benefits besides doing something good (i.e: shelters, kid school etc).

This bolded part is untrue. What is true is that if you volunteer at a company, and that same company hires you when you get your EAD, or GC, that COULD be construed as the company holding off hiring other individuals while they waited for your employment authorization. However, you can volunteer for a company, in the area of say "accounting", and then take a job for another company after getting employment authorization. If you were interested in childcare or something...you could volunteer at a county park, or a daycare, and then take a job in a "childcare" area, after getting employment authorization. Particularly if it's something you enjoy, and is in your area of either expertise or something you'd now like to do.

I've tried to edit this post and can't seem to bold the last part of the previous posters advise! Sorry. The part I wanted bolded was where it says.... "I read somewhere that volunteering..."

I also did want to point out that this poster did give very valuable advise about the temp agency, and to just get experience and not be picky.

Good luck on your job hunt!

Thanks for the clarification CarlaWarla. What about having an unpaid intership? Would that be considered okay?

I can't seem to find anything very specific from USCIS.

[Carlawarla 1]

My case is also as different as Cecy.

I graduated with a bachelor of accounting about a year ago. I looked for jobs for months without luck.

Most employers do not want to hire you if you only have a temporary work visa. In their eyes, they see you as a worthless investment (they spend $$ training you when you will be gone a year later).

I ended up signing up with a temp accounting agency. After working a while, the company hired me on their payroll.

My biggest advice to all of you would be to get experience. Do not be picky. The more experience you build up, the better. Take one job in your field and keep your eyes open for a better one.

BTW I read somewhere that volunteering where you get some kind of work experience is not acceptable by the immigration. This is punishable with a fine of $10,000.

You are only allowed to volunteer somewhere where you don't get any kind of benefits besides doing something good (i.e: shelters, kid school etc).

This bolded part is untrue. What is true is that if you volunteer at a company, and that same company hires you when you get your EAD, or GC, that COULD be construed as the company holding off hiring other individuals while they waited for your employment authorization. However, you can volunteer for a company, in the area of say "accounting", and then take a job for another company after getting employment authorization. If you were interested in childcare or something...you could volunteer at a county park, or a daycare, and then take a job in a "childcare" area, after getting employment authorization. Particularly if it's something you enjoy, and is in your area of either expertise or something you'd now like to do.

I've tried to edit this post and can't seem to bold the last part of the previous posters advise! Sorry. The part I wanted bolded was where it says.... "I read somewhere that volunteering..."

I also did want to point out that this poster did give very valuable advise about the temp agency, and to just get experience and not be picky.

Good luck on your job hunt!

Thanks for the clarification CarlaWarla. What about having an unpaid intership? Would that be considered okay?

I can't seem to find anything very specific from USCIS.

Does this internship count towards your degree or certification? That might be a tricky one....

Working for a firm for no pay, as long as you're not going to be hired there would be okay.

If you're looking at this unpaid work as being something to help you get a job later, in this field...I'd say it would be okay. Be cautious however...especially in answering anything at your AOS interview (if you have one) about doing this. If you're asked at an interview if you're working, of course you would say no. You can say you're doing volunteer work.

What kind of work do you do? What type of "internship" is this?

I've just reviewed what you posted earlier Lili and sorry I didn't fully comprehend until now that you are working now, after signing up at a temp agency. This was a great idea!

So if you're asking for others, or wanting some clarification again, I think it's one of those slippery slopes. If say you have experience in accounting (not you, I know), it might be better to volunteer your skills at a non-profit agency (I'm SURE they could use your help), rather than a business.

Edited March 18, 2008 by Carlawarla

[Lili 3]

Does this internship count towards your degree or certification? That might be a tricky one....

Working for a firm for no pay, as long as you're not going to be hired there would be okay.

If you're looking at this unpaid work as being something to help you get a job later, in this field...I'd say it would be okay. Be cautious however...especially in answering anything at your AOS interview (if you have one) about doing this. If you're asked at an interview if you're working, of course you would say no. You can say you're doing volunteer work.

What kind of work do you do? What type of "internship" is this?

I've just reviewed what you posted earlier Lili and sorry I didn't fully comprehend until now that you are working now, after signing up at a temp agency. This was a great idea!

So if you're asking for others, or wanting some clarification again, I think it's one of those slippery slopes. If say you have experience in accounting (not you, I know), it might be better to volunteer your skills at a non-profit agency (I'm SURE they could use your help), rather than a business.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer. It is just such a fine line with immigration.

I have thought in case of not having EAD's overlapping each other to work for an internship. However, it seems to me that immigration consider this as working.

I just find it quite unfair that the immigration has both our hands and feet tied up like that. I mean i don't see how we hurt anyone when working for free. Oh well!

The idea of working for a non-profit agency is a good one and i will definitely keep that in mind. The only thing is that most places require a 3 months commitment to them.

Thank you again!!!