While the USA boasts the largest economy in the world and is home to a number of key business hubs, it still suffers from a shortage of skilled workers – discover the sectors taking on graduates and find out how to apply for role.
The country’s unemployment rate stands at a relatively low 3.9% (August 2023), and the graduate labour market remains robust and is as strong as it has been for some time. Competition for graduate jobs is fierce but candidates with the right qualifications, skills and experience stand a good chance of securing employment.
Language skills are increasingly important, making many foreign nationals desirable candidates. The USA has many international communities, so as a foreign worker you’ll be in good company.
With the USA’s diverse job sectors, good working conditions and numerous employment opportunities, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for international graduates wanting to kick start their careers.
Jobs in the USA
Major industries in the USA include:
- accounting, banking and finance
- construction
- education
- engineering
- healthcare
- retail.
The services sector dominates the USA economy with IT, banking, insurance and business all key drivers of the country’s growth. Other important industries include metals, chemicals, aerospace, shipbuilding, motor vehicles, food processing, textiles and clothing, design, the arts and electronic and communications equipment.
In recent years there has been a decline in the manufacturing industry, although it’s important to note that this sector still employs a large number of workers.
Skills shortages
There are currently a number of shortage occupations, including:
The hardest-to-find workers are no longer computer engineers. There are labour shortages for home health care aides, restaurant workers, and hotel staff. The shift is happening because more and more young Americans are going to college and taking professional jobs, after high school.
Most often, for a local company to be interested in hiring a foreign worker and for the authorities to agree to issue a work visa, it is necessary to have sufficient experience, qualifications, skills, and knowledge of English at a good level. A diploma from an American university is ideal. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, provide an average annual salary and an up-to-date list of the most popular occupations in the United States in 2023.
The 13 states most affected by labor shortages, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are Alabama, Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah and Vermont.
When it comes to career aspirations, finding easy jobs that pay well is a common goal. After all, who doesn’t want to make a boatload of money doing work that they don’t find overly stressful? That’s the dream, right?
Here’s a look at the top 18 easy jobs that pay well that you may be able to land in 2023.
- House Sitter
- Personal Trainer
- Optometrist
- Flight Attendant
- Dog Walker
- Toll Booth Attendant
- Massage Therapist
- Librarian
- Tour Guide
- Private Tutor
- Park Ranger
- Pharmacy Technician
- House Painter
- Sales Representative
- Voice Actor
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
- Medical Records Technician
- Truck Driver
How to get a job in the USA
In the USA you can apply for most jobs online by sending a CV and cover letter or by filling out an application form. Where possible, Resumes should be no longer than two sides of A4 and cover letters no more than a page. Learn more about writing Resume and cover letters.
Networking is important and many vacancies are filled through word of mouth. Use any pre-existing USA contacts to make enquiries about vacancies and let them know that you’re actively looking for work in the country.
Speculative applications are also welcome and these can be useful when applying to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as they don’t always advertise vacancies.
Apply for work as early as possible, as many companies have long recruitment processes. Complete the application in your home country and make the move once you have secured a position.
Due to a high turnover of staff, the hospitality and retail industries often recruit all year round. The creative arts and design sector often recruits in New York, while marketing and PR is thriving in cities such as Los Angeles and Miami.
