Looking For a Job
How do I search for a job in the United States?
You can search for a job in the United States by:
- Looking for “Help Wanted” signs
- Check with the department of employment services for your state or locality
- Ask friends, family, neighbors, and people in your community about job openings
- Look in your local newspaper under “Employment”
- Search for jobs on the internet
- Check bulletin boards
- Go to employment or human resources offices to ask about job openings
- Visit community agencies that help immigrants find jobs and administer job-training programs.
How do I apply for a job?
You will need to fill out a job application. This form has questions about your education, past work experience, and personal information. It may also ask for recommendations or references, which are people you have worked with in the past that your employer can call to ask questions about you.
Do I need to provide anything other than information?
You will need to provide a resume, which details your work experience. Your resume informs the employer of your education, training, and past jobs.
What information should my resume have?
Your resume should have your name, address, phone number, email address, a list of your past jobs including dates, your level of education, and any special skills. Make sure it is organized, easy to read, and has no mistakes.
Once I give them my resume, will I be asked for an interview?
If the employer likes your resume and considers you a potential candidate, you may be asked to go in for a job interview. A job interview is where you will meet with your employer to talk about yourself and the job.
Am I allowed to ask questions in the interview?
Yes! You should ask questions in your interview so you have a better understanding of the positions
What are some questions I can ask during the interview?
You may want to ask how you would be trained and introduced to the job, how the job fits into the organization, a typical day in the position, the type of work environment the office is in, and the positives and negatives of the position.
In the interview are employers allowed to ask me anything?
No, employers are not allowed to ask about race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, family status, or disabilities.
Can I ask about benefits in my interview?
Yes, you should ask about benefits in your interview. Benefits, in addition to your pay, are extra employment benefits, such as a retirement plan, eye care, medical care, dental care, and life insurance. An employer can pay all or some of these costs.
I was hired, what should I expect?
If you are hired, you will need to fill out Form I-9, Form W-4, as well as other forms
What is Form I-9?
Form I-9 is the Employment Eligibility Verification. By the law, all newly hired workers have to be verified as eligible to work in the United States. You will not be asked to fill out this form until you get the job. Within three business days of excepting the job, you need to give your employer documentation that shows your identity and authorization to work. Your employer will provide you a list of accepted documents. Examples include your Permanent Resident Card or a state-issued driver’s license with your unrestricted Social Security card.
What is form W-4?
Form W-4 is the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. This form is used for withholding tax, which is when your employer takes federal taxes out of your paycheck and sends it to the government. This form helps you determine the correct amount to withhold so your tax bill is not due at the end of the year all at once.
What other forms may I have to complete?
Other forms you may have to complete include a tax withholding form for the state you live in and other forms so that you can receive benefits.
How often will I get paid?
You may be paid each week, every two weeks, or once a month.
Will my paycheck show the amount taken out for federal and state taxes, Social Security taxes, and any employee benefits that you pay?
Yes, your paycheck will show the exact amount taken out for federal and state taxes, Social Security taxes, and any employee benefits that you pay.
How will I receive my paycheck?
You will receive your paycheck in a check form, and some employers even pay you directly to your bank account, which is called direct deposit. You may ask your employer how often you will be getting paid and how.
How does my employer confirm my eligibility to work?
Your employer will confirm your eligibility to work through E-Verify, which is an internet-based system that employers use to compare information from your I-9 Form to USCIS and Social Security Administration (SSA) records. Some employees are required to use E-Verify, others participate voluntarily.
Can I confirm my eligibility to work by myself?
Yes, you can confirm your own eligibility through Self Check, which is a free, internet-based application. You can use this tool to check your employment eligibility if you are in the United States and you are over the age of 16. Once you enter your information, this application will compare your information with various government databases to determine your work eligibility.
Will I be drug tested or have a background check completed on me?
Yes, for some jobs you may be required to do a test proving you do not use illegal drugs. Yes, for some jobs you may be required to do a background check, which is an investigation into present circumstances and past activities.