Job Hunting in the US as a Foreigner
Moving to the U.S. and looking for a job? Here’s my experience as a Dutch professional navigating the American job market, resume screening, LinkedIn networking, and landing my first role in the U.S.
Moving to America and Starting the Job Search
When I moved to the United States, I knew job hunting in America would be challenging. The U.S. job market offers an enormous number of open positions, but competition is intense. For every role, hundreds of candidates apply — and the competition doesn’t stop at U.S. borders. International applicants are often part of the pool as well.
Finding a job in the U.S. as a foreigner requires more than simply submitting applications. It requires strategy.
Why a Foreign Resume Often Gets Overlooked
One of the biggest challenges I faced was resume screening in the U.S. Recruiters receive an overwhelming number of applications. To manage this volume, many companies rely heavily on AI-driven Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them.
That’s where international candidates often fall behind:
- Foreign universities are unfamiliar
- Company names don’t ring a bell
- Job titles don’t translate one-to-one
- Resume formats differ from U.S. standards
Before you know it, your resume gets filtered out — not because you’re unqualified, but because the system doesn’t recognize your background. Optimizing your resume for the American market is essential when applying for jobs in the U.S.
What Didn’t Work at First
Initially, I focused on roles that perfectly matched my experience. I carefully selected companies and sent tailored applications. I also reached out directly to recruiters on LinkedIn. Despite my efforts, I saw little traction. This is a common frustration for professionals moving to the U.S.: strong experience, but limited responses.
What Finally Helped Me Land a Job in the U.S.
Two strategic changes made a significant difference in my job search:
1. Posting Openly on LinkedIn
Instead of only applying privately, I shared a public LinkedIn post announcing that I was open to new opportunities in the U.S. That simple step created visibility. My network responded. Conversations started. Introductions were made. And suddenly, opportunities came to me instead of the other way around.
In the U.S., networking plays a crucial role in job hunting. Visibility matters.
2. Targeting Companies with a Dutch Connection
As a Dutch professional, I strategically focused on companies with a connection to the Netherlands. If there were Dutch offices, leadership, or colleagues, internal referrals became possible. Referrals significantly increase your chances of getting an interview in the American job market. And that’s exactly how I landed my current role.
Getting the First Interview Is the Hardest Part
Breaking through and securing that first interview in the U.S. was the toughest step. But once I was in the room, something shifted. Companies didn’t see my international background as a disadvantage. Instead, they valued my “different backpack” of experiences. My European perspective, adaptability, and cross-cultural insights were seen as refreshing — and often as a competitive advantage. The key wasn’t changing who I was. It was positioning my background correctly.
Final Thoughts on Working in the U.S. as a Foreign Professional
Job hunting in America as a foreigner requires resilience, strategy, and visibility. The system is competitive, technology-driven, and heavily network-based. But once you understand how the American job market works, your international experience can become your greatest strength. For me it was worth the struggle and grateful it all worked out so good.
