getting a job in uk

What are my chances of getting a job?

The outlook for the US economy remains rather depressed; however, there are some signs of positive growth and a number of industries are expected to expand over the next few years. Opinion is divided over whether the stimulus package, introduced by the government in February 2009, has been successful or not. Unemployment remains high and so the jobs market is competitive, making it particularly difficult for non-US citizens to find work in the country. Until the situation improves, an easier route may be to gain work with a UK-based employer who also has an office in the USA and work towards a transfer there.

• Typical problems encountered: high unemployment levels are creating an extremely competitive jobs market. In many sectors graduate employers are decreasing their yearly graduate intake and priority may go to US nationals.
• How to improve your chances: there are opportunities in healthcare since there is a shortage of skilled, qualified nurses. The biofuels industry is a developing area likely to create around 90,000 new jobs in the near future (Expertise in Labour Mobility). Generally speaking, employers are looking for applicants who are proficient in the skills needed for the job so it is advisable to gain some work or volunteering experience before making an application.
• Language requirements: English is the main language but Spanish is also spoken by a significant percentage of the population. There are also many other languages spoken by the different ethnic minority groups.

Where can I work?

• Major industries: petroleum, steel, motor vehicles, aerospace, telecommunications, chemicals, electronics, food processing, consumer goods, lumber and mining.
• Recent growth areas: research and development in biotechnology means the ‘green’ industry (renewable energy and energy efficiency industries) is growing. An increasing number of jobs are arising in the industry, particularly in the area of sustainable agriculture using biofuels and other alternative sources of energy.
• Industries in decline: manufacturing (except chemical and pharmaceutical), especially textiles due to an increase in imported clothing. The motor vehicle industry was in serious trouble but saw a steady recovery throughout 2010. According to reports, the construction industry is no longer in decline and in fact has seen a small recovery but it could take a long time to reach pre-recession levels.
• Shortage occupations: nursing.
• Major companies: Wal-Mart, ExxonMobil, Chevron, General Electric, Bank of America Corp, AT&T, Ford Motor, JP Morgan Chase & Co., Hewlett-Packard, Procter and Gamble.
• Search for more companies: Yellow Pages - USA, US Chamber of Commerce,Kompass - a worldwide business directory searchable by company, Wikipedia - List of United States Companies by State.
• Major cities: Washington DC (District of Columbia) (capital), New York City (largest), Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.

What’s it like working in the USA?

• Average working hours: approximately 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week (although overtime, without pay, adds to the number of hours worked each week). It is roughly the same as European nations.
• Holidays: two weeks' annual leave is standard. Paid leave also includes national holidays such as 4 July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Annual leave entitlement may increase with long service.
• Average graduate starting salary: $48,288 (National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)).
• Tax rates: if you become a ‘resident alien’ via a green card, you may be subject to the same tax rates as US citizens. You can contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or check their page on the US Embassy's website.  
• Working practices and customs: business dress is similar to the UK, with smart suits for men and a conservative and professional look for women. Punctuality is considered very important for business meetings/job interviews. Business etiquette may differ slightly from state to state but politeness is always rated as very important. Handshakes are commonly used in greetings and business meetings are taken seriously.