How To: Apply for a job in the US

The dream of living in the US often stands or falls on a job offer in the US or a finding an employer. And if you do find an offer, there's the next obstacle: writing a correct application.
The US not only has different rules for the application itself, but also for the process of choosing the employee. That's why we would like to introduce you to the American application process. Below, we have compiled a few useful tips for you.

Preparation Companies in the US are especially interested in the applicant's qualifications and personality, in that respect the American system is only slightly different from the German system. Please keep in mind that this is what they will be looking for in your application, and what they want to see when they meet you in person. Some companies try finding out as much as possible about the applicant before the job interview through a personnel questionnaire.

Application documents Applications for the US often only consist of the cover letter and resume. Of course you should make sure that the company doesn't require more, the so-called "complete dossier." That means you will have to submit a complete application portfolio including all your diplomas and certificates etc.

US companies don't always expect foreign applicants to send their applications by mail. More and more companies also accept email applications. So in case the job offer includes an email address, you may send your applications via email. Please keep in mind that even an email application should meet the usual application standards (personal address etc.). Also, please make sure that your English sounds elaborate and adept, because good English is a basic requirement for a successful job application in the US (and especially for a highly-qualified position).

Your cover letter should not be longer than one page, brevity is the soul of wit. For the address, use "Dear Mr./Mrs." and for the salutation, use "sincerely." Avoid anything too personal, such as "best regards" etc. The contents are similar to a German cover letter, just convince the US company that it will be beneficial for them to hire you. The human resources department like to read about your career plans, i.e. your professional plans for the future. Please also keep in mind that the date is written differently in English.

Try also fitting your resume on one page, if possible. But, of course, you should include all your qualifications, so if you need two pages, that's also okay.

Your resume should be structured like this: your personal information, training/education, work experience, internships, special skills/knowledge, volunteer work etc. However, always focus on those experiences and trainings that especially qualify your for the offered position. Too much information is not going to be helpful.

Since you will usually not include diplomas etc in your initial application, please keep in mind to state your exam grades on the resume. Remember that the grading system in the US is different from the German one, so please explain your grades, e.g. by stating how long it took you to obtain the degree, and what kinds of exams and qualifications were necessary. You should especially focus on the last years of your education/training, since the company will be especially interested in that.

A headline, as required for German resumes, is not required for the American ones. So start with the letterhead. Please don't write anything about your personal situation. Name and address is sufficient, you won't need to add a photo. The reason for this are the strict anti-discrimination laws in the US, no company wants to be suspected of hiring you because of your experience, skin color or religion. Please also don't state your birthday and don't sign the resume.

Also state your extra-curricular and sideline activities in your resume. Volunteer work is very important in the US, so don't just explain your specific tasks, but also your area of responsibility. Also sports achievements will be appreciated.

In case you have references for any of your previous jobs, please state "references available on request" on your resume.

In case you're asked to send in a complete application portfolio, include all of your certificates, diplomas, work samples, references etc, same as you would in a German application.

Our advice: stay actively involved. Your future employer will include follow-up calls, e.g. if you call to ask whether your application has been received, if anything is missing etc.

The job interview Some US companies will conduct a phone interview after reviewing your application (usually ca. 30 minutes). It certainly makes sense if the applicant is living on another continent. This is a tool to conduct a first pre-selection.

If your phone interview is successful, you will usually be invited for a personal interview on-site. Don't expect your potential future employer to pay for this, that privilege is usually reserved for high-ranking positions.

Politeness and friendliness are very important in the US and will also be expected of the foreign applicant. Please don't be tempted by the usually informal and companionable tone to use the same during your job interview. Best is a friendly, but not too casual style. Please also keep in mind that the American dress code is usually a lot more strict and conservative than it is in Germany. You should wear a suit to work. The same applies to the dress code for your job interview.

Keep in touch after the interview. After the successful interview, it is customary to call or write and thank the company for the invitation, let them know that you are still interested in the position.

The visa issue Many of our customers are surprised when they don't receive a response to their application. The reason may be that there are currently no positions available; what is usually overlooked in those examples is the fact that US companies will not be very much interested in an application if they don't have a guarantee that the employee will have a valid residence/work permit.
However, it is not always necessary to have a green card - as a symbol for a permanent residence permit / unlimited work permit - this is one of the most common misapprehensions. Instead, you should prove in your application that you do qualify for a work permit suitable for the position. You may even point out the visa category you think is most appropriate and explain how it may be obtained. Depending on how you phrase it, this does not have to sound patronizing, but will rather be an incentive to consider your application and include in the short list.

According to our experience, it may also be helpful to offer paying an appropriate portion of the visa fees. Considering that a visa process may cost up to $7,000, it is understandable that many companies hesitate to employ a foreign worker. If you negotiate smartly enough, you may end up paying the smaller portion of the visa fees or have it taken out of your pay at the end of each month.

For this, you will of course have to know what visa category applies to your specific case. In case you need consulting and /or support, we will be glad to help you realize your dream of living and working in the US.