How did you enter the working world once approved with EAD?

[JDTXandShazTT 0]

I just received my EAD a couple of weeks ago and am on the search for a decent job. I have a good career spanning over 14 years and experience of working in a few countries. I have been told that as I am new to the US, it will be impossible for me to find work at the level of responsibility and pay that I am used to. My first degree is from the United States and my post graduate diploma is from my home country. My husband is suggesting that I start with a minimum wage/entry level job and work my way up. I have an advanced degree and have worked at the level of General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator etc.

My questions would be:

1) how difficult was it to translate work experience in your own countries to working in the U.S?

2) Was it difficult to find work in your field of experience?

3) Will it hurt or help if I apply for immediate entry level jobs (just to be able to work) rather than spend full time job seeking a management level position?

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be much appreciated!

[Ryan H 3,815]

Moved from Adjustment of Status from Family Based Visas forum to Finding Work in America forum.

[ascertainLovE 165]

I just received my EAD a couple of weeks ago and am on the search for a decent job. I have a good career spanning over 14 years and experience of working in a few countries. I have been told that as I am new to the US, it will be impossible for me to find work at the level of responsibility and pay that I am used to. My first degree is from the United States and my post graduate diploma is from my home country. My husband is suggesting that I start with a minimum wage/entry level job and work my way up. I have an advanced degree and have worked at the level of General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator etc.

My questions would be:

1) how difficult was it to translate work experience in your own countries to working in the U.S?

2) Was it difficult to find work in your field of experience?

3) Will it hurt or help if I apply for immediate entry level jobs (just to be able to work) rather than spend full time job seeking a management level position?

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be much appreciated!

With your level of English I wouldn't exactly start washing dishes.

[NVC123 0]

I think having your first degree from the U.S. is a plus...International experience shows that you're versatile and your English is good. I would seek an entry level job just to keep busy, but keep applying for jobs that are more suited to your experience. What degree do you have? Just curious..

[Lauren and Kevin 55]

May I also suggest that you create, or change your Linkedin (professional) profile to show that you are in the States. Also subscribe to beyond.com and similar job sites. There is a new type of recruiter who uses Social Media to recruit you, and without a profile you do not exist.

I talked with numerous agencies and researched jobs in and around our area using the job adverts sent in the email each day. It gives you a good idea of what companies are in your area, who recruits regularly, and the levels of qualifications in your field that are being looked for.

For example in my field, I shall be using the three month enforced 'break' to learn PERL and Spanish better as that is more of a requirement in the States for my type of job.

[CowBoE 429]

General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator...those are big titles
but those qualitative descriptions doesn't provide measurable numbers that people can

clearly correlate to.

What will really matter are the quantitative side of your experience that they can relate to...for example...

1) Number of direct subordinates or project team members managed

2) Amount of responsible annual budget or project budget

3) Achievements...like...by doing "this and that"...saved company x millions of dollars,

or increased product/service sales by 30%, etc...

In other words, there is a huge difference in General Manager of few people vs. 100+.

[VOL 425]

I just received my EAD a couple of weeks ago and am on the search for a decent job. I have a good career spanning over 14 years and experience of working in a few countries. I have been told that as I am new to the US, it will be impossible for me to find work at the level of responsibility and pay that I am used to. My first degree is from the United States and my post graduate diploma is from my home country. My husband is suggesting that I start with a minimum wage/entry level job and work my way up. I have an advanced degree and have worked at the level of General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator etc.

My questions would be:

1) how difficult was it to translate work experience in your own countries to working in the U.S?

2) Was it difficult to find work in your field of experience?

3) Will it hurt or help if I apply for immediate entry level jobs (just to be able to work) rather than spend full time job seeking a management level position?

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be much appreciated!

You would be foolish wasting your time at a minimum wage job when you need to be looking for a job that fits your skills and payrate.........

[JDTXandShazTT 0]

May I also suggest that you create, or change your Linkedin (professional) profile to show that you are in the States. Also subscribe to beyond.com and similar job sites. There is a new type of recruiter who uses Social Media to recruit you, and without a profile you do not exist.

I talked with numerous agencies and researched jobs in and around our area using the job adverts sent in the email each day. It gives you a good idea of what companies are in your area, who recruits regularly, and the levels of qualifications in your field that are being looked for.

For example in my field, I shall be using the three month enforced 'break' to learn PERL and Spanish better as that is more of a requirement in the States for my type of jobs

Thanks for the thoughts! I updated Linked in when I arrived and like you, have spent the last 3 months studying and doing certifications in fields that I have some experience and seems relevant to the job market here.

I did not know about beyond.com thanks for the heads up; will check them out. I have signed up as well to Glassdoor and Flexjobs and have been applying through posted opportunities there.

Thanks again for the straightforward response!!

[JDTXandShazTT 0]

ke

I think having your first degree from the U.S. is a plus...International experience shows that you're versatile and your English is good. I would seek an entry level job just to keep busy, but keep applying for jobs that are more suited to your experience. What degree do you have? Just curious..

First degree (Bsc) Economics, Graduate Degree International Relations.... I am thinking it IS better to keep busy and something will come along once I am focussed on applying for relevant jobs.

Thanks for your feedback!

[JohnR! 5,495]

You should have no problems getting a job in your area. You may have trouble finding one, but that's another story.

My suggestions would be:

1 - Use your free time to get an accreditation. Depending on how long you worked as a project manager you may qualify to sit and take the test to get your PMP certification. That counts a lot if you want to find a job in that area.

2 - Make sure your post grad degree is valid in the US. If it's not check out with colleges in your area if you could get it recognized here.

3 - Write a brand new resume. If you already have a resume, benchmark it against some of the models available online. Make sure your resume looks and feels like a US resume. My first impression of a candidate with a European resume style is that the individual didn't even have the courtesy to adapt it to US standards.

4 - Update your resume constantly as you look for jobs - you will come across jobs with certain requirements that you may have had but not listed on your resume.

5 - One resume for each application - Edit your resume to fit the job you're applying for. If you're looking for a job as a PM, make sure that you provide tons of content for your PM experience and make sure that your resume hits most, if not all, of the requirements for the job, if you have them, to be sure.

6 - Find those hidden feathers and display them prominently in your cap. You mention you have experience working in a few countries. That translates in 'seasoned traveler and ability to communicate across geographical and cultural borders'.

7 - This is America. Don't sell yourself short. Don't be self-effacing. If you make it to the interview, act as though the job is yours; show confidence and again, act the part.

8 - This is America. Be thick skinned. I hope not, but you may have to apply for a number of jobs before you get an interview and land it. Remember to craft a different resume for each application.

Welcome and good luck!

I just received my EAD a couple of weeks ago and am on the search for a decent job. I have a good career spanning over 14 years and experience of working in a few countries. I have been told that as I am new to the US, it will be impossible for me to find work at the level of responsibility and pay that I am used to. My first degree is from the United States and my post graduate diploma is from my home country. My husband is suggesting that I start with a minimum wage/entry level job and work my way up. I have an advanced degree and have worked at the level of General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator etc.

My questions would be:

1) how difficult was it to translate work experience in your own countries to working in the U.S?

2) Was it difficult to find work in your field of experience?

3) Will it hurt or help if I apply for immediate entry level jobs (just to be able to work) rather than spend full time job seeking a management level position?

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be much appreciated!

Edited March 16, 2015 by JohnR!

[Dusty&Mono 6]

It might all depends on the job you are applying for qualifications and skills you have. I have a bachelor's degree that allows me to work as a teacher since my studies are recognized here. However, after one week of receiving my EAD, I got a job at my husband's office where I will have a fixed salary and also make extra money through commission which could potentially be 3,500, 5000, 7000, 9,000 and even more depending on your performance. I got the job because of my communicative skills and the fact that I am bilingual I believe. I still consider working as a teacher because I love that. I think it could be easy for you to get a job since you obtained your degree in the US.

[Yilees 1]

You should have no problems getting a job in your area. You may have trouble finding one, but that's another story.

My suggestions would be:

1 - Use your free time to get an accreditation. Depending on how long you worked as a project manager you may qualify to sit and take the test to get your PMP certification. That counts a lot if you want to find a job in that area.

2 - Make sure your post grad degree is valid in the US. If it's not check out with colleges in your area if you could get it recognized here.

3 - Write a brand new resume. If you already have a resume, benchmark it against some of the models available online. Make sure your resume looks and feels like a US resume. My first impression of a candidate with a European resume style is that the individual didn't even have the courtesy to adapt it to US standards.

4 - Update your resume constantly as you look for jobs - you will come across jobs with certain requirements that you may have had but not listed on your resume.

5 - One resume for each application - Edit your resume to fit the job you're applying for. If you're looking for a job as a PM, make sure that you provide tons of content for your PM experience and make sure that your resume hits most, if not all, of the requirements for the job, if you have them, to be sure.

6 - Find those hidden feathers and display them prominently in your cap. You mention you have experience working in a few countries. That translates in 'seasoned traveler and ability to communicate across geographical and cultural borders'.

7 - This is America. Don't sell yourself short. Don't be self-effacing. If you make it to the interview, act as though the job is yours; show confidence and again, act the part.

8 - This is America. Be thick skinned. I hope not, but you may have to apply for a number of jobs before you get an interview and land it. Remember to craft a different resume for each application.

Welcome and good luck!

Married to my husband and moved to the USA last year. Learned how to cook first and took a break in life, and I'm now thinking about getting a job (as it's so boring for me to be a housewife). Your post is very helpful to me. Thanks!

Edited March 24, 2015 by Yilees

[FabtheFab 67]

I think applying for an entry-level job is silly, and a waste of time and energy with your credentials. All your previous work experience plus international exposure give you plenty of advantage compared to the average American candidate.

Don't get desperate. Take your time and try to find something that will actually add to your previous experiences. Do not take a step back.

Edited April 28, 2015 by BRlove

[Lights 56]

I just received my EAD a couple of weeks ago and am on the search for a decent job. I have a good career spanning over 14 years and experience of working in a few countries. I have been told that as I am new to the US, it will be impossible for me to find work at the level of responsibility and pay that I am used to. My first degree is from the United States and my post graduate diploma is from my home country. My husband is suggesting that I start with a minimum wage/entry level job and work my way up. I have an advanced degree and have worked at the level of General Manager, Project Manager, Program Coordinator etc.

My questions would be:

1) how difficult was it to translate work experience in your own countries to working in the U.S?

2) Was it difficult to find work in your field of experience?

3) Will it hurt or help if I apply for immediate entry level jobs (just to be able to work) rather than spend full time job seeking a management level position?

Any thoughts, experiences or advice would be much appreciated!

I just posted about a career change... but to answer your questions.

1) It wasn't difficult for me at all. Perhaps Canada and the US are so similar, that my experience was well recognized.

2) No, it wasn't difficult. My previous companies in Canada had US offices, so my network helped me a lot.

3) It really depends on what you want. Have you given yourself enough time to look for a job closer to your experience level? I would try that and if no one bites, then scale back and work your way back up.