Omari Gates
Applying for a job in a different country can be challenging, and the US and Australia are no exception. There are a number of rules and requirements for foreign workers in Australia, and the visa application process is complex. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to increase your chances of successfully applying for a job in the US as an Australian. We will cover topics such as visa requirements, cultural differences, resume and cover letter writing, and job searching strategies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Resume/CV | Include all relevant qualifications, certifications, and educational achievements in chronological order. Proofread for any errors. |
| Cover letter | Include a tailored cover letter to introduce yourself and outline why you're the best candidate for the job. |
| Job portals | Seek, Australia's largest online employment marketplace, and other portals that specialize in niche roles. |
| Visa | Research the different types of visas and their requirements, such as the Australian Work Visa, Tourist Stream Visa, Student Visa, Work and Holiday Visa, or Skilled Migration Visa. |
| Visa costs | AUD 285 to AUD 2,455, with Temporary Skill Shortage visas typically being more expensive. |
| Visa requirements | Proof of sufficient funds, return airline ticket, proof of intent to return home, and a letter of invitation from family or friends in Australia. |
| Employment opportunities | U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Australia, including internship opportunities at the U.S. Embassy Canberra and consulates in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. |
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What You'll Learn
Resume and CV preparation
In the United States, employers typically ask candidates to submit resumes. A resume is a concise document that highlights an applicant's work experience and professional skills. It is usually no more than two pages long.
When applying for a job in the US from Australia, it is important to prepare your resume according to the expectations and standards of US employers. Here are some key points to consider for effective resume and CV preparation:
Formatting and Length:
US resumes are typically one to two pages in length, whereas Australian resumes can be longer, ranging from two to five pages. Ensure your resume is concise and adheres to the expected length to increase your chances of being considered.
Work Experience:
List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent job. Focus on highlighting your professional skills and accomplishments. Include metrics and quantifiable data to emphasise your achievements.
Education:
While US resumes generally focus more on work experience, you should still include a section on your educational background. List your degrees, including those earned and those in progress, in reverse chronological order, with the most recent ones first. You can also mention your GPA and the dates you attended.
Personal Information:
Do not include personal details such as your date of birth, marital status, nationality, or a photo in your US resume. This differs from Australian practices, where including a photo and personal details may be common.
Optional Sections:
Consider adding optional sections to make your resume stand out. You can include volunteer work, awards, hobbies, or other achievements that showcase your skills, values, and personality.
Visa Status:
If you are applying from Australia, remember to provide your visa or work permit status in your resume. This is an important piece of information for employers when considering international candidates.
Remember to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for, highlighting how your unique qualifications match their requirements. Review your resume thoroughly before submitting it to ensure it aligns with US standards and effectively showcases your strengths as a candidate.
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Visa requirements
Understanding Visa Types:
The United States offers various visa categories, each with specific requirements and eligibility criteria. The most common visa types relevant to employment include:
- Temporary Work Visas: These visas are suitable for temporary employment in the US and include categories like H-1B for specialty occupations, H-2A for temporary agricultural workers, and H-2B for temporary non-agricultural workers.
- Permanent Employment Visas: These visas are for individuals seeking long-term or permanent employment in the US. Examples include the EB-1 visa for priority workers with extraordinary abilities, EB-2 for advanced degree holders or individuals with exceptional abilities, and EB-3 for skilled, professional, or unskilled workers.
- Exchange Visitor Visas: These visas, such as the J-1 visa, are for individuals participating in exchange programs, including trainees, scholars, professors, teachers, and au pairs.
- Investor Visas: The E-2 visa is for individuals investing in or starting a business in the US.
Identifying the Right Visa:
Navigating the visa landscape can be daunting, so it's essential to identify the visa that aligns with your specific circumstances and goals. Consider factors such as the nature of your employment (temporary vs. permanent), your qualifications and skills, and the requirements of the job you are applying for.
Application Process:
Once you have identified the appropriate visa category, follow these steps:
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare all the necessary documents, including proof of your qualifications, employment contract or offer letter, passport, and financial records.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the visa application form accurately and honestly, providing all the requested information.
- Pay the Visa Fees: Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. Ensure you are aware of the current fee structure, which can be found on the official US government website.
- Schedule an Interview: Depending on your visa type and nationality, you may need to schedule a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in Australia.
- Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary, so it's advisable to initiate the process well in advance of your intended travel date.
Additional Considerations:
Keep the following in mind during your visa application journey:
- Seek Current Information: Visa requirements and policies can change, so ensure you refer to official US government websites and sources for the most up-to-date information.
- Understand Cultural Differences: Working in the US may involve adjusting to cultural differences in the workplace. Be mindful of these variations to ensure a smooth transition into your new work environment.
- Network and Seek Support: Tap into your professional network, including colleagues, friends, or alumni connections, who may have experience with the US visa process or who may be able to offer employment referrals or support.
Navigating visa requirements is a crucial step in your journey to employment in the USA. Remember to stay informed, plan ahead, and seek guidance where needed to increase your chances of a successful application.
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Cost of living
The cost of living in the USA is about 7.4% higher than in Australia. For a single person, the average monthly cost of living in Australia is approximately $2,923, while in the USA it is $3,189. For a family of four, the average monthly cost is $5,226 in Australia and $7,095 in the USA.
However, the cost of living varies depending on location. For example, New York City and Los Angeles are known to be very expensive, with housing costs in particular far exceeding those of Sydney. On the other hand, Chicago is roughly as expensive as Sydney in terms of rent, dining out, groceries, and most consumer expenses.
The cost of food and groceries is a significant factor in the cost of living. In the United States, people tend to spend more on food and groceries overall. However, meat products tend to be more expensive in Australia, as the US is the world's largest producer of beef and the second-largest producer of poultry.
Healthcare is another important consideration. The US has a mix of government and private health services, and healthcare can be expensive due to private insurance. In Australia, the healthcare system is divided into two levels: public and private. Australia offers a range of scholarships and Medicare, making healthcare more affordable.
When it comes to education, the cost of living for students varies between the two countries. In Australia, the estimated cost of living for students is A$2,236 (USD 1,431.04) per month for off-campus accommodation, while on-campus accommodation is approximately A$ 3,190 (USD 2,041.6). In the US, the overall monthly expenses for off-campus living are $1,504, while on-campus accommodations cost around $1,850.
In summary, while the overall cost of living in the USA is slightly higher than in Australia, the specific costs vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
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Cultural differences
When applying for a job in the USA from Australia, it is important to be aware of the cultural differences between the two countries. Both countries have a common language and similar values, but there are also significant differences in their work cultures.
Firstly, the Australian work culture is generally considered more relaxed and laid-back than that of the USA. Australians value modesty and brevity in speech, and prefer honesty and directness in communication. They are also known for their strong sense of "mateship", showing loyalty to friends, family, and colleagues, and this can extend to the workplace, where team members may be more loyal to each other than to their employer. Australians also tend to be naturally skeptical and demonstrate a suspicion of authority, with decisions often being made by consensus.
In contrast, the USA has a reputation for its hustle culture and competitive work environment. Americans are often driven by performance and profit, and the hiring and firing process can be rapid. While American companies typically have flat structures, decisions are usually made from the top, with the decision-maker taking responsibility for the outcome. This results in a respect for authority that may not be as prevalent in Australia. Americans are also more likely to be task-oriented, focusing on the bottom line and judging success based on results and profits.
Another difference is in the recruitment process. In Australia, job boards are still the most effective way to attract applications, while in the USA, social media, particularly LinkedIn, has become increasingly important. Referrals are also highly valued in both countries, but the large number of applicants in the USA means that creativity and differentiation are key for candidates.
Additionally, the work-life balance differs between the two countries. Australians enjoy strong legal protections for work-life balance, including generous holiday and leave entitlements. In contrast, the USA often has a culture of long working hours and less vacation time, typically around two weeks per year compared to Australia's four weeks.
Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for anyone seeking to apply for a job in the USA from Australia. It can help applicants navigate the recruitment process, build relationships with colleagues, and adapt to the work culture in their new country.
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Online job portals
USAJOBS
The official employment site of the Federal Government of the USA is USAJOBS.gov. This site allows you to search for federal government jobs, create and complete your profile, save jobs, automate job searches, and manage your application process. Once you have created your profile, you can search for jobs, using filters such as location, salary, work schedule, or agency to narrow your results.
Other Online Portals
There are several other online job portals that can be used to find jobs in the USA. These include:
- Relocate.me—This site helps tech professionals find developer jobs and IT jobs abroad, and specifically curates jobs that will help with relocation.
- We Work Remotely—One of the oldest and most popular boards for remote jobs, with over 200 active openings in areas like programming, design, and admin.
- Jobs Abroad Bulletin (JAB)—A monthly newsletter, guide, magazine, blog, and Facebook group for travel-minded people. It is better for workers looking for casual gigs or volunteering.
- Go Overseas—A portal to check opportunities for teaching English in countries such as the USA, Costa Rica, Japan, and South Korea.
Additionally, when searching for jobs in the USA from Australia, it is important to be aware of any visa requirements and to ensure that you are eligible to work in the USA. Some job portals may also require you to upload your resume or CV, so it is important to have this prepared and tailored for the specific job you are applying for.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to research the culture and cost of living in the USA. It is important to understand what life would be like in the USA and factor in things like the cost of living and local culture before applying for jobs.
There are over 20 different types of work visas in the USA. Some common visas are the Student Visa, Work and Holiday Visa, and Skilled Migration Visa. The type of visa you need will depend on the type of job you are looking for.
Make sure your resume includes all relevant qualifications, certifications, and educational achievements in chronological order. Include a tailored cover letter to introduce yourself and outline why you are the best candidate for the job. Use keywords relevant to the job you are applying for to help your resume get picked up by recruitment software.
Many employers in the USA recruit through online employment marketplaces. The largest is SEEK, but there are plenty of other websites to find job postings.
