At Interstaff, we want to make sure we offer support and guidance not only to the nurse, but also to their family members who are with. We know how important it is for your spouse to also begin to assimilate and find success for themselves here in the US, and a big part of that is securing a job. Here are a few things to consider and begin doing that might help guide that search process:
- Update your resume: We’ve included a simple resume template here to help you start building and finalizing your resume. A professional resume that is easy to read and highlights your strengths is integral to the job search. Please ensure your resume reflects your work eligibility as a permanent resident/green card holder. Below are a few websites that will help you build your resume for free if you do not have one already!
- Certification & License check: Before leaving your home country, research whether or not your job position in the US will need any certifications or licenses before applying. Most medical/healthcare jobs will require something, as well as some finance jobs. If you currently have a comparable license or certification, we encourage you to ensure it’s active and check on any specifics for transferring validity to the US.
- Current Employer: Ask your current employer if they have any divisions in the US that you can be transferred to or if there are any companies they have partnered with that they could inquire about a job position for you. Many of our nurses are surprised to find out that the company they worked for in their home country has an office in the US. You can also ask them if they know what job positions you should search for that would be similar to your current employment.
- Websites: Below are some of the more popular and widely used websites for job searching in the US. Each site has hundreds of thousands of jobs and are very user-friendly search engines. With large search engines like this, the most helpful searching tip is to be specific. The more you can be specific or define the exact type of role you’re looking for, the more you can narrow down the search to a reasonable amount of options.
As well, every city has (or should have) a Chamber of Commerce. Searching for your city's chamber of commerce online will often take you to their website that will include job postings and other resources to help you search for a job nearby.
- LanguageLine Solutions - Interstaff has connected with LanguageLine Solutions, a company that could potentially hire your spouse to work from home! They are looking for interpreters and would completely train your spouse for the job.
Here are a few helpful networking tips when searching for a job before or after you have settled in your new city. Networking is extremely beneficial when searching for a job because it can introduce job opportunities you might not have found otherwise, as well as build connections to further your professional aspirations:
- Start at your hospital: Our partner hospitals are VERY invested in your success, including how successfully your family settles in your new town. Please let us know if a family member is a medical professional or is interested in working at the hospital in a non-medical role. Don’t hesitate to ask your manager, the hospital’s HR, and/or look on their website for job openings or roles that might be available (and a fit) for your family members. There is no guarantee, but several of our hospitals have a history of hiring family members who are quality candidates for a specific role and need. Those connections often start with a conversation with hospital staff. If you see something online that interests you- let us know!
- *Add link to nurse’s hospital careers/job openings website*
- If you have any certificates or qualifications applicable to any of the hospital careers or job openings, please email them to support@interstaffinc.com and we will forward it to the facility.
- Other Interstaff nurses: If you are at a hospital with other Interstaff nurses, please ask your colleagues how their family members have found success in the job search process. Many great ideas, recommendations, or references could come from your colleagues and their families. Commonly, these conversations lead to learning about new opportunities!
- Ask around! As you meet people, build friendships, and have conversations, don’t be afraid to ask around. Tell people what type of work you’re looking for, and ask if they have any recommendations on where to look. Every city and state is different, and you might learn some secrets of that local area. Don’t be shy about letting people know you’re looking for work! People often love to help others who want to be helped, so be open and humble in your conversations about your job search with others.
The value of working on English proficiency: Although most companies in the US are actively hiring people who don’t speak English as their primary language, most immigrants find it helpful to continue to refine their English speaking, writing, and listening capabilities. Here is a link that explains:
- Most studies have shown that the single most important factor in determining the economic success of immigrants in the United States is their ability to speak English. One study has shown that immigrants can increase their earnings by 20 percent by improving their English language speaking ability from “not well” to “very well.”
- In terms of long-established immigrants, those who have learned to speak English very well earn 67 percent more than those who speak it poorly.