There is so much going on with moving to a new country (such as the US) and of course, one of the first things new immigrants have to do is find work. The most successful American job market – You need a professional resume that makes the most of your abilities and experience. Be it for your first job in the US or relocating to a better-paying position, a good resume is everything.
In this post, we’ll give you resume-building advice for immigrants in your first year, with format, content, and tools to get you started. How to tailor your resume to the American hiring landscape, too, and what to put on it to make the most of it.
Tailoring Your Resume
1. Research Your Potential Employer
If you’re going to begin creating your resume, do your research and know who an employer is before you start writing yours. Knowing which skills and qualities employers value the most will enable you to design your resume accordingly.
Here are a few companies to research:
- Website of the Company: You may read about the company’s mission and values to know what they’re interested in. This can also tell you about what you need to include in your resume for specific skills and qualifications.
- Glassdoor Employee Reviews: Websites such as Glassdoor offer employees reviews, salaries, and company culture that can let you know more about the company.
- LinkedIn: Look for employees and previous employees to find out what kind of background and qualifications they have. You can then figure out what qualifications are valued by the firm.
The more you know about a company, the more specifically your resume will be relevant to that company and stand out from other candidates.
2. Find the Perfect Style for Your Resume
Choosing the right resume format is going to be hard initially, but not really. Simple and formal: Make your resume readable and appealing. These resume format rules of thumb are to make sure you don’t send off your resume.
- Keep it Simple: Avoid using a lot of fancy fonts or designs. Use fonts that are easy to read such as Arial or Times New Roman (font size 9-12). Your name and work titles can be a bit bigger to pop out.
- Remain Within One Page: If possible, limit your resume to one page. Then if you really have to add another page, then be sure all sections are related to the job.
- Reverse Chronology: Work chronologically in reverse order from last job to most recent job. If you have lots of gaps in employment, you can always organize your resume by relevancy, not date.
- Highlight Important Details: Hiring managers only spend 15-20 seconds going over every resume, so you need to highlight the most relevant skills and experiences you’ve got. Include some introductory text in big type to make the relevant responsibilities, skills, and accomplishments.
3. Stay on Point: What to Put In It
When creating your resume, be specific in your resume and how much experience you have for the role. Do not be afraid—confidence is everything in the US job market. Don’t forget to mention all your relevant credentials, certificates, and accomplishments to show you are the right person for the job.
Here’s what to focus on:
- Showcase Your Work: In the U.S., announcing your work is quite acceptable. You want to include achievements that you can track (like “sales up 20%”) so that people know that you can do the job.
- Qualifications and Skills: Any Certifications, Skills, or Training related to the job you’re applying for. It can be technical knowledge, language, or professional training that you have.
- Immigration status: If you are legal to work in the U.S., state this on your resume. If for instance, you are a Green Card holder or work permit holder, tell them.
- Correct Grammatical and Spelling Errors: if your first language is not English, have someone proofread your CV. Your CV can get off the marks with even the smallest mistake. Make sure your resume is perfect before you send it in.
4. Utilize Helpful Resume Resources
You can do this — professionally writing a resume is a slow process, but there are lots of great resources that can assist you. Whether it’s resume samples or professional guidance, these will make your resume writing so much easier.
Resources to Use
For new immigrants, here are some resources:
University Career Centers
Universities in the United States generally publish guides on how to write a resume online, and even templates and formatting guides. For instance, you can get professional resume tips, templates, and action verbs for bullet points at the University of Michigan Career Center.
Jobversity
Jobversity provides resources specific to immigrants like resume checklists and video tutorials. You’ll also find templates and job-industry guides for writing the best possible resume.
USAHello
Free resources for immigrants and refugees, such as job search tips, resume help, and interview tips. They provide you with step-by-step guides and checklists on how to prepare a resume that will attract U.S. employers.
Local Libraries
A lot of public libraries in the U.S. provide resume-writing workshops and private sessions for free. There are, for instance, resume services via email from Brooklyn Public Library, and resume workshops and tools at the Seattle Public Library are free. Check your local library to see if they offer something like this in your area.
5. Customize Your Resume For Each Position You Apply To
The number one piece of advice when it comes to being successful in the U.S. job market is to create a different resume for every job you apply for. Take your time, read the job description, and make sure to tailor your resume to the employer’s needs and qualifications. This might include those experiences, abilities, or achievements that are relevant most to the job.
Your chances of standing out and passing the first round of hiring by personalizing your resume for each job application are higher if you adapt your resume for each application.
Creating a Resume Summary vs. Objective Statement
When crafting a resume, one of the first decisions you face is whether to include a resume summary or an objective statement. Understanding the differences between these two options is crucial for effectively presenting your qualifications and career goals to potential employers.
Differences Between a Resume Summary and an Objective Statement
Resume Summary:
- A resume summary provides a concise overview of your professional background, skills, and notable achievements. It typically consists of 2-3 sentences and is tailored to highlight your qualifications relevant to the job you are applying for.
- This format is most effective for individuals with significant work experience, as it allows them to showcase their accomplishments and how they relate to the prospective employer’s needs.
- A summary shifts the focus from the job seeker to the employer, emphasizing how your expertise can contribute to the company’s success.
Objective Statement:
- In contrast, a resume objective is a brief statement that outlines your career goals and what you hope to achieve in the position you are applying for. It usually consists of one or two sentences.
- Objective statements are particularly useful for entry-level candidates, recent graduates, or individuals changing careers, as they allow you to express your ambitions and potential contributions despite limited experience.
- This format tends to focus more on the job seeker’s aspirations rather than their past achievements.
When to Use a Summary vs. an Objective
- Use a Resume Summary: If you have several years of experience in your field and want to highlight relevant skills and accomplishments that align with the job description. This approach is beneficial when applying for positions similar to those you have held in the past.
- Use an Objective Statement: If you are entering the workforce for the first time, transitioning between careers, or targeting a specific role or industry. An objective can effectively communicate your enthusiasm and how your skills can benefit the employer.
Examples of Effective Resume Summaries and Objective Statements
Resume Summary Example:
“Results-driven marketing professional with over 8 years of experience in digital marketing strategies and brand management. Proven track record of increasing online engagement by 30% through targeted campaigns and innovative content creation. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve business objectives.”Objective Statement Example:
“Recent graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science seeking an entry-level software development position at XYZ Corp. Eager to leverage programming skills and passion for technology to contribute to innovative projects while gaining valuable industry experience.”
Showcasing Education and Certifications for Immigrants
For immigrants seeking employment in the U.S., presenting foreign degrees and educational experiences effectively is essential:
- Presenting Foreign Degrees: List your degrees on your resume, including the name of the institution and its location. If applicable, include any honors or relevant coursework that aligns with U.S. job requirements.
- Credential Evaluation: To ensure that U.S. employers recognize your foreign credentials, consider getting them evaluated through organizations like World Education Services (WES). This process translates your educational qualifications into U.S. equivalencies, making it easier for employers to understand your background.
- Highlighting U.S. Certifications: If you have obtained any U.S.-based certifications or completed relevant online courses or workshops, be sure to include these on your resume. This demonstrates your commitment to gaining knowledge within the U.S. context and enhances your employability.
Writing a Cover Letter to Complement Your Resume
A well-crafted cover letter plays a vital role in the job application process:
- Role of a Cover Letter: The cover letter provides an opportunity to elaborate on points made in your resume, explaining how your experiences align with the company’s needs. It allows you to convey personality and enthusiasm that may not come through on a resume alone.
- Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter: Immigrants should focus on clearly articulating their unique experiences and how they add value to potential employers. Highlight transferable skills gained from previous roles or educational experiences that relate directly to the job description.
- Tailoring Your Cover Letter: Customize each cover letter for specific job applications by addressing key qualifications mentioned in the job posting. Research the company’s values and mission statement, incorporating this information into your letter to demonstrate genuine interest.
It may be hard to put together a resume as a new immigrant to the US, but you can do it if you have the right tools and tips and have a good professional resume that will make you stand out. Spend some time researching the companies you’re applying to, stick to a clean design, write about your top skills and accomplishments, and leverage the tools you have to edit your resume.
These hints will get you one step closer to landing that job you crave in the U.S. and getting set up with a confident foot in the door. Also make sure to proofread, tailor your CV to each job, and take advantage of free resources as well!
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for a TN Visa or an E-2 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
