Did any of you start applying for jobs before EAD?

[aaron-christine 8]

Hi VJ.

I am currently waiting for my EAD and started looking into different jobs. I can't wait to start working again! I was just wondering if any of you had any success with applying for jobs before recieving your EAD. Obviously, I wouldnt actually start working before I have the EAD, however, usually the application process to get hired can take several weeks/months, so I thought it might be good to start now?

I have noticed that several job postings will ask if you are authorized to work? Any smart way to get around answering either yes or no?

Thanks guys!

[ibee 7]

HI!

I started job searching the week I sent in my AOS!

Good thing I started early.. not too much luck so far. 3 to 6 months is what it takes, on average, to land a job.

Believe it or not I did not see many of the yes/no questions. I don't know if mine was a 'smart' way to answer them, but I would put date of availability starting when I thought I would HAVE EAD and then answer yes.. and of course explain that application is pending if I had the option... and I LOVED the "do you require sponsorship" questions because that's an EASY 'no!" Some applications have even stated "can you show proof of work authorization upon being hired" those are great too

Also I didn't bother applying to jobs that needed to be "filled immediately"

Where are you and in what field?

Edited August 15, 2012 by ibee

[Moomin 292]

Hep, glad to see you're getting somwhere! Go ahead and apply, perfectly legal to apply and go to job interviews. Sou just can't start working until your EAD/i-765 is approved. Some jobs aren't possible applying for online because you can't click "legally able to work". Have the future employee use E-verify if you go to a job interview and your EAD is approved but you still don't have it in hand.

Some companies run background checks on you but since you just got here, your history is limited. I offered to give them a copy of my Danish/intl. police record.

Good luck.

[aaron-christine 8]

Thanks for your inputs!

I actually did what ibee suggested. I said yes but wrote that my availability date wouldnt be until the end of September. I really dislike misleading anyone, however, if I answer no, they probably won't even consider my application.

I am currently writing my thesis to finish my masters in international business communication and English business linguistics. Most of my previous work experience is within the field of health insurance/travel insurance though. I am pretty open to most jobs, however, I hope I'll be getting paid for all my time in school We are in the orange county area CA. It seems that there are plenty of jobs, but I'm sure there are PLENTY of applicants as well lol

Edited August 15, 2012 by aaron-christine

[ibee 7]

Thanks for your inputs!

I actually did what ibee suggested. I said yes but wrote that my availability date wouldnt be until the end of September. I really dislike misleading anyone, however, if I answer no, they probably won't even consider my application.

I am currently writing my thesis to finish my masters in international business communication and English business linguistics. Most of my previous work experience is within the field of health insurance/travel insurance though. I am pretty open to most jobs, however, I hope I'll be getting paid for all my time in school We are in the orange county area CA. It seems that there are plenty of jobs, but I'm sure there are PLENTY of applicants as well lol

I hope you didn't think I was suggesting to be misleading! I could be wrong, but I did not see anything wrong with pushing the date of availability AND making sure that,

If I got a phone interview, to explain the work authorization stuff straight away. I'm all for being completely honest.

You're right that they won't look at your application if you say 'no'. Some won't even look at your application if you say you need sponsorship..it costs them $5k just in filing fees to sponsor and they know it!

OH and in the professional fields of work, background checks won't start until (in most cases) AN OFFER has been made... that means you've got to go through final interviews and all that. Obviously it's not the same for labor work. Which is why I asked what field are you in.

Congrats on the Master's! Seems like you have a solid background. I can only hope that you put it to good use soon! It might take you a while, and you probably have the same feeling, which is why it's good to start ASAP !

Best of luck!

Edited August 15, 2012 by ibee

[lilsweetie 32]

Just say "yes" if you are really close to getting authorization anyway. By the time they read your resume and respond you'll probably already be able to work.