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Job search is difficult right now for US citizens. Imagine additional challenges for immigrant professionals when English is not their first language.
Some US citizens have difficulties finding jobs now. Imagine the additional challenges for immigrant professionals when English is not their first language.
Imagine well-educated brilliant minds working in low-skill jobs as their careers are derailed because they need to meet specific requirements in the US, even though they may have decades of experience in their native countries. Physicians are challenged trying to find residencies to prove themselves all over again.
Put yourself in the shoes of a refugee. You can’t unless you were one. You don’t know what it’s like if you don’t have a language barrier, if your education credentials are not easily transferable and you need to recertify.
You don’t know what it’s like to be highly educated and work as an underemployed maid, janitor, babysitter, Uber driver, factory worker, or house cleaner unless you have experienced it firsthand.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, this is called brain waste, and it has a significant impact of billions of dollars to local, state, and federal governments in unrealized taxes for all of the immigrants who are underemployed. If they made more money, they would pay more taxes.
If the immigrant professionals have to recertify or take tests for licenses, which come at an expense, it may be challenging to pay the upskilling expenses when food and housing costs may take precedence for survival.
Immigrant professionals face cultural differences in career documents, eye contact, handshakes, and different cultural philosophies in societies of individualism, like in the US versus collectivism and more. It takes time to acclimate and learn the language, not to mention the slang.
I am excited that the Great Careers is restarting our monthly Immigrant Professionals Career Support Group, where help is available on Zoom, currently running on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 PM..
The chapter leaders will cover various topics each month regarding what job seekers need to consider to prepare for a career transition.
For anyone getting ready to job search, immigrant or citizen, here are areas to review and prepare:
Self-Assessment
Evaluate Your Interests and Skills
- Identify your strengths, interests, and transferable skills
- Consider taking career assessment tests to gain insights
Set Clear Goals
- Define what you want to achieve with your career transition
- Set both short-term and long-term goals
Research and Planning
Research Potential Careers
- Explore industries and roles that align with your interests and skills
- Understand the requirements, job outlook, and growth potential
Identify Gaps
- Determine any skills or qualifications you need to acquire
- Look into relevant courses, certifications, or degrees
Skill Development
Upgrade Your Skills
- Enroll in courses or training programs related to your new career
- Attend workshops, webinars, and industry conferences
Gain Experience
- Volunteer, intern, or take on part-time roles in your desired field
- Work on freelance projects to build a portfolio
Networking
Leverage Your Network
- Inform your professional network about your career transition
- Attend industry-specific networking events and join relevant groups
Seek Mentorship
- Find a mentor in your desired field who can provide guidance and advice
- Join professional associations and online forums
Personal Branding
Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
- Highlight transferable skills and relevant experience
- Use industry-specific keywords and quantify achievements
- Attend upcoming workshops to learn and get questions answered
Create a Compelling Elevator Pitch
- Craft a summary of your background, goals, and what you bring to the table
- Practice delivering it confidently noting there are different elevator pitches for different situations
Job Search Strategy
Targeted Job Applications
- Apply for roles that match your skills and interests
- Tailor your resume and cover letter for each application
Prepare for Interviews
- Practice common interview questions and answers and refer to interview resources and videos on our nonprofit website
- Be ready to explain your career transition and how your skills apply to the new role
Mindset and Adaptability
Stay Positive and Resilient
- Be prepared for challenges and setbacks
- Stay focused on your goals and maintain a positive attitude
Be Open to Learning
- Embrace new experiences and be willing to start at a different level
- Continuously seek feedback and opportunities for improvement
Financial Planning
Budget and Save
- Assess your financial situation and create a budget
- Save enough to cover your expenses during the transition period
Implementing these tips will help you navigate the complexities of a career transition and increase your chances of success.
Did you read the article from last week? Power Up Your Business Through In-Person Networking & LinkedIn
NEXT STEPS
- If you need a resume or LinkedIn™ profile to get you to your next step, book a call to chat!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Check out our Nonprofit Events Quick List Page for More
- Mon Aug 12 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
- Mon Aug 12 – LinkedIn for Nonprofits
- Tue Aug 13 – How to Become a Transformation Leader in Your Life & Your Work
- Tues Aug 13 – LGBTQ+ OUTstanding Careers Group™
- Thu Aug 15 – Recruiter on Call with Jobs LinkedIn Audio
- Thu Aug 15 – The Basics of Interviewing
- Sat Aug 17 – LinkedIn Part 1 of 3 In-Person Workshop at Chester County Library, Exton, PA
- Mon Aug 19 – ChatGPT Made Simple for Career Advancement
- Tue Aug 20 – Lehigh Valley Business Executives Networking Group (BENG)
- Thu Aug 22 – Career Success Group Job Seeker Accountability & Networking
- Tue Aug 27 – Business Executives Networking Group (BENG)
- Wed Aug 28 – Interview Techniques
- Mon Aug 26 – Immigrant Professional Career Support Group
- Tue Aug 27 – Tips to Optimize Your Resume
- Thu Aug 29 – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Recruiting
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