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Job search tips for skilled immigrants to find jobs in the US during economic downturn
NEW YORK—Manuel and Rosario Adviento arrived from the Philippines on May 2008 to join their son and his family in Queens. Both logged in decades of experience working in the government back in the Philippines. For months since their arrival, they searched for work but were unsuccessful in finding jobs suitable for them.Then they found Upwardly Global, a national nonprofit organization with a mission to equip skilled immigrants with the necessary skills to rebuild their careers in the US.
Last month, the Advientos graduated from the organization’s two-month Jobseeker Services Program and are now in the thick of applying what they have learned as they both look for jobs.
"It was a very good learning experience, inspiring, and enriching for us," shared Rose, who added that they had workshops that focused on marketing themselves, interviewing skills, networking, business English and even surviving the American workplace.
In addition to the career search training provided by the organization, professionals also provided the couple with advising services where they helped them prepare their resume and cover letter in accordance with US standards and practices.
"We were matched with a volunteer mentor, a professional with American work experience who provides us individual coaching and assistance," Manny added.
The economic slowdown and cuts in the job market should not deter skilled immigrants from pursuing their dreams to rebuild their careers in the US. Although the employment landscape looks sparse right now, Upwardly Global is offering hope for 2009.
Nikki Cicerani, Upwardly Global’s Managing Director, advises skilled immigrants to be more creative in their job search. "Despite the recession, people can still find professional jobs. In fact, more than 70 of our jobseekers found jobs back in their trained fields over the past year. Jobseekers should think unconventionally, consider alternatives, and remember to promote their transferable skills," said Cicerani.
Upwardly Global’s help continues through a three-month period of follow-up and assistance in order to effectively utilize the tools and skills their graduates acquired through intensive training. This includes, among others, participation in mock interviews, networking events and other activities lined up for professional opportunities in the graduates’ respective areas of expertise.
In a commitment to helping skilled immigrants navigate even the toughest job market, Upwardly Global, offers eight job-hunting tips to help them navigate their job search for the rest of 2009.
1. Look for hidden jobs. Companies opt to post jobs on their own web sites to cut costs and, as a result, a large percentage of jobs are not advertised. Be more diligent in your job search by creating a list of targeted companies and visiting their websites to learn about career opportunities. In addition, research a company’s website to learn more about the company’s performance. Demonstrate your familiarity with the company’s development and new initiatives, because the job offer goes to the applicant who has done the best job preparing for the interview.
2. Research industries and locations where there is growth and focus on transferrable skills. Jose Chanes, one of Upwardly Global’s jobseekers is a great example of this situation. Originally from Bolivia, Jose had been working with numbers and math during his 15-year career as a civil engineer. Jose worked with Upwardly Global during his job search, and from the organization he learned about the shortage of math teachers in the US. Realizing that his extensive knowledge about math could fill the gap, he applied for a teacher position. He used the interviewing skills he learned from Upwardly Global, passed the tests, and successfully secured a position as a math teacher at Vineland Public High School in New Jersey.
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