Resume Tips for Immigrants Living in the United States

As a U.S. immigrant, one of the first things you are likely to do, even before finding housing, is looking for work. Though there are certainly bound to be some similarities between the job search process in the United States and the job search process in your home country, there are likely to be more differences than anything else. While slight, those differences can make landing an interview difficult, if not impossible. If you are not receiving callbacks or job offers despite your qualifications, it may be because your resume is lacking. It may also be because you do not have the proper visa to work in the United States. For guidance during the job search process, and for help resolving any legal issues you might face, contact the Chicago immigration lawyers at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today.

Use a Standard American Resume Template

There are three types of resume formats to which American employers respond positively – a reverse chronological format, a functional format, and a hybrid format. Each format is geared toward certain levels of industry experience and work experience in general. It is important to know which type of format is right for your particular work history and the industry in which you wish to work. In addition to knowing which format to use, you also need to know how to format your resume. If that sounds confusing, know that you are not alone. The best advice we can give is to use an online resume building tool that can help you select the proper format and devise a resume with which American hiring managers will be impressed.

Proofread Your Documents

The worst thing you can do is send a resume to a professional with less-than-professional style errors. Because errors may not be so obvious to you, have a native English speaker look over your resume to scan for minor spelling and grammatical errors as well as syntax blunders.

Keep Your Resume Straightforward and to the Point

Unlike CVs, which allow job seekers to be creative with their documents and share personal anecdotes as well as professional ones, resumes are more straightforward and to the point. American hiring managers spend an average of six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding to move forward with the applicant or discard the application. In that time, they are looking for relevant experience and skills, minimum education requirements, and evidence for ways in which an applicant can contribute to the company’s bottom line. If your resume has too much fluff, or if it is difficult to scan, there is a good chance it will land in the waste bin.

Be Honest

You may be tempted to over-exaggerate your English speaking capabilities, or to fudge your skill set a bit, but do not do either of those things. In fact, do not be untruthful at all in your resume. During an interview, you will be asked about the information in your resume. If you can not answer a question because the information that prompted the question was false, you will likely be turned down for the position.

Consult With an Experienced Chicago Immigration Attorney

At Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, our Chicago immigration attorneys strive to help immigrants and their families make the best lives for themselves possible here in the United States. Oftentimes, that means advising them on how to create an “Americanized” resume and cover letter. If you need help kick-starting your life here in the U.S., contact our law firm today.