Get Going on Arrival

Securing employment in your 3 months as a refugee in the U.S. is crucial for achieving financial stability and beginning your new life. As a refugee, you have immediate work authorization upon arrival, distinct from the rights you’ll gain later as a Permanent Resident. This guide provides practical steps for refugees, including Afrikaners, to navigate the U.S. job market, obtain necessary documentation, and build a strong application to start your journey toward economic self-sufficiency.

Understanding Refugee Status and Work Authorization

As a refugee admitted to the U.S., you are automatically authorized to work upon arrival, thanks to your refugee status. This is facilitated through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which serves as proof of your legal right to work. Additionally, explaining your refugee status to employers can help them understand your background and unique circumstances.

Searching for Job Opportunities

Finding a job requires proactive effort and leveraging multiple resources. As a refugee, you can explore various platforms and local opportunities, including industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality, which often have openings for newcomers.

Online Job Platforms

• Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine with filters for location and industry. Indeed.com
• LinkedIn: Ideal for professional networking and job postings, especially for skilled roles. LinkedIn.com
• CareerBuilder: Offers job listings and resume-building tools. CareerBuilder.com
• Monster: Features job postings and career advice. Monster.com
• Jobversity (Upwardly Global): Tailored for immigrants and refugees, offering job search resources and career coaching. Jobversity.upwardlyglobal.org
• Talent Beyond Boundaries: A platform connecting skilled refugees with employers in countries like the U.S. and Canada. TalentBeyondBoundaries.org
• Amazon Welcome Door Program: Offers jobs and support for refugees, including EAD renewal fee reimbursement and ESL training. Hiring.amazon.com

Local Job Search Strategies

• Help Wanted Signs: Look for “Help Wanted” or “Now Hiring” signs at local businesses, such as restaurants, retail stores, or construction sites. These are common in industries with high demand for entry-level workers. Visit shopping centers, industrial areas, or small businesses in your community to spot these opportunities.
• Job Fairs and Workforce Centers: Attend local job fairs, often hosted by community organizations or workforce centers. Check with your local library or refugee resettlement agency for schedules. The U.S. Department of Labor’s American Job Centers provide free job search assistance: Find an American Job Center.
• Refugee Employment Programs: Organizations like MOSAIC (in Canada, but similar programs exist in the U.S.) offer one-on-one job search support, resume help, and employer connections. Contact your local refugee resettlement agency, such as those funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), for tailored support. ORR Programs

Tips for Job Searching

• Check online platforms daily and set up job alerts for roles matching your skills.
• Visit local businesses in person to inquire about openings, especially in agriculture or construction, where many refugees find work within 3 months.
• Network with community members, resettlement agencies, or faith-based organizations to uncover unadvertised opportunities.

Building a U.S.-Style Resume

A well-crafted resume is essential for standing out to U.S. employers. Tailor it to highlight your skills and align with American hiring expectations.

Steps to Create a Resume

Use a U.S.-Style Format:

• List your work experience in reverse chronological order (most recent first).
• Include your name, contact information, skills, work history, and education.
• Keep it concise (1–2 pages) and professional, avoiding personal details like age or marital status.

Highlight Relevant Skills:

• Emphasize transferable skills, such as farming, trade skills, or customer service, that align with local job markets.
• Include language proficiency (e.g., English, Afrikaans) and any certifications.

 Use Free Resources:

• Access free resume templates at libraries or online platforms like Canva or Microsoft Office Templates.
• Seek help from refugee support organizations like Upwardly Global, which offer resume-building workshops.

Cost and Time:

• Formatting and printing a resume at a library or print shop costs around $10–$50.
• Aim to complete your resume within 2 weeks of arrival to start applying promptly.

Sample Resume

Below is a sample resume tailored for a refugee with nursing experience, formatted for U.S. employers.

Resume Writing Tips

• Tailor Your Resume: Customize it for each job, emphasizing skills that match the job description.
• Get Professional Help: If needed, hire a resume writer for $50–$100 or ask a friend with U.S. job experience to review it.
• Include Keywords: Use terms from job postings to pass applicant tracking systems.

Job Search and Resume Resources

Video Tutorials:

• How to Write a Resume (Indeed): A step-by-step guide to creating a U.S.-style resume.
• Job Search Tips for Immigrants (Upwardly Global): Advice tailored for refugees and immigrants.

Career Resources:

• Jobversity Career Guides: E-guides for industries like agriculture, construction, and hospitality.
• WES Webinar Library: Tutorials on job searching and resume writing for newcomers.

Managing Your Job Search for Financial Stability

To establish a financially stable start, follow these actionable steps to secure employment within your first year.

• Obtain Your SSN Early: Visit an SSA office within your first month to apply for your SSN, ensuring you’re ready to work legally.
• Search Actively for Jobs: Dedicate time weekly to check online platforms, visit local businesses, and attend job fairs. Look for “Help Wanted” signs in high-demand industries like agriculture (e.g., Iowa’s farming communities) or construction (e.g., Texas’s urban hubs).
• Build Your Resume Promptly: Use free templates or local resources to create your resume within 2 weeks, enabling quick applications.
• Leverage Support Programs: Connect with refugee resettlement agencies or programs like MOSAIC or Upwardly Global for one-on-one job search support.

A Stable Start to Your New Life

As a refugee, securing employment in the U.S. lays the foundation for your financial stability and integration into your new community. By obtaining your SSN, securing your EAD, actively searching for jobs, and crafting a tailored resume, you can confidently enter the workforce—whether in the agricultural fields of Iowa, the construction sites of Texas, or other industries welcoming newcomers. With persistence and the right resources, your first year will mark the beginning of a successful new chapter.