Working in the United States is a dream for many. However, there are tons of things to do before you embark on this journey. Adequate resources, thorough preparation, and patience are absolute necessities during your application phase. This is because applying for jobs in the US can be a difficult affair. We list seven tips that will guide you through your application journey and help ease the task:

Have an appropriate work permit
First things first, it is important to understand which visa suits you. Below, we have listed a few primary work visa types:

• F-1 visa
  If you’re planning on enrolling in an academic program in the US, then you need to apply for an F-1 visa. Doing this will allow you to work for 20 hours per week.
• H-1B visa
  The H-1B visa allows a person from a foreign country with specialized qualifications to come to the US to work. This visa is valid for three years.
• H-2A and H-2B visas
  The H2A visa permits a foreign national to work temporarily on agricultural projects, while the H2B visa allows you to work temporarily in a non-agricultural position.
• L1 visa
  The L1 visa permits intra-company transfers for a short period. You are eligible to apply for this visa if your company has a branch in the US and wants to transfer you there.

Try to acquire sponsorship
When an employer from the US is hiring you, you’re most likely to get your visa sponsored. This is because the employer guarantees the government that you’re a part of their company and are legally living in the States. This is a faster and more assured way of getting a work permit in the country. One way to do this is to look for employers from the US seeking employers in your country. Another way is to build your expertise in one of the demanding careers in the US, such as marketing, law, and software development.

Create a strong resume and cover letter
A resume and cover letter make for your first impression. Therefore, you must ensure that you do everything in your power to make them impactful. Here are a few ways to do so:

• If you’re applying for more than one job, tweak your resume to emphasize what each employer will be looking for.
• Your cover letter must be elaborate, original, and show passion for your work.
• Avoid making any grammatical errors; do not include fake information and negative language.
• Mention your career aspirations and use crisp language to explain your experience, past projects, accomplishments, etc.

Have a career plan
Before applying for jobs in the US, ensure you know what you want to do, what your strengths are, and how your qualifications align with your profile. List down the strengths, interests, experience, and jobs that match what you’ve mentioned in your resume and cover letter. Do your homework. Research each company and the job descriptions for the positions they want to fill, and prepare your profile accordingly. Relevance and clarity are key.

Analyze your skill set
Analyzing your skill set will help you understand where you stand. Similarly, people holding advanced degrees, professional experience, or expertise in certain fields are in higher demand in the US. If possible, you can gain experience by working or studying a subject that is in demand in the US. If you are already equipped with the skills that the job may require, then you can simply strengthen them. This is an essential that many top-tier organizations in the US demand.

Keep networking
Finding a connection at an organization you’re planning to work at can go a long way. LinkedIn is a great way to connect with people all over the world. This can help you understand the work culture, expectations, and requirements of an organization. Preferably, connect with people from the organization you’re planning on working at. You could also do so by using social media, a personal blog, or joining online communities for professionals or discussion groups.

Prepare well
Moving abroad is not an easy thing to do. First of all, you must prepare yourself well for the interview. Brush up your understanding of certain concepts, language, and communication skills. Nailing the interview is an important part of the procedure. Plus, living in the States is not an inexpensive affair. So you also need to be financially prepared to make the big move.