Employment: Where to Find Jobs
(Click here for specific information for Doctors and Nurses, Working with Children and in Education, Massage therapists, Secretarial or Clerical)
Working in the Embassy
There are often vacancies for jobs within the Embassy. If you wish to work in the Embassy you should contact The Assistant Human Resources Officer. Most vacancies are clerical, though occasionally there are openings in more specialised areas such as IT.
Most vacancies will be circulated by your BESA reps
Most vacancies will be circulated by your BESA reps
Working outside the Embassy
There are many opportunities for obtaining employment beyond the Embassy walls.
Finding employment outside the Embassy is more complex than the job search techniques used in the UK. Most employers do not respond to applications or return phone calls even after they have promised to do so. The ball is always in the job-hunter’s court. You should be prepared to take the initiative, at every stage of your search – be persistent, assertive but never aggressive.
You need to be focused and clear about your skills before you start the job hunt. Research is vital – find the key characteristics and trends of your chosen industry – the potential employer would expect you to be aware of them. Research the individual organisations you are interested in – this will help you to understand the internal structure of an organisation and where you will best fit in.
The vast majority of jobs, especially at the professional level, are obtained by networking with other people. 99% of jobs for non Americans are got by networking. It takes an average American 3.5 months of active searching increasing to 5.5 months for Senior Execs – all through networking. So it’s well worth having business cards/ calling cards printed to hand out whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Associations often provide this opportunity. If you join an association in your field it is one way to establish contact with other professionals and like-minded individuals. The good news is that about one third of all associations in the US are located in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area.
Associations often have monthly meetings, semi-annual conventions or special training sessions to help professionals stay up to date in their fields and meet others in the same field. They may also publish newsletters or journals of professional interest. These publications may also list job opportunities.
Finding employment outside the Embassy is more complex than the job search techniques used in the UK. Most employers do not respond to applications or return phone calls even after they have promised to do so. The ball is always in the job-hunter’s court. You should be prepared to take the initiative, at every stage of your search – be persistent, assertive but never aggressive.
You need to be focused and clear about your skills before you start the job hunt. Research is vital – find the key characteristics and trends of your chosen industry – the potential employer would expect you to be aware of them. Research the individual organisations you are interested in – this will help you to understand the internal structure of an organisation and where you will best fit in.
The vast majority of jobs, especially at the professional level, are obtained by networking with other people. 99% of jobs for non Americans are got by networking. It takes an average American 3.5 months of active searching increasing to 5.5 months for Senior Execs – all through networking. So it’s well worth having business cards/ calling cards printed to hand out whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Associations often provide this opportunity. If you join an association in your field it is one way to establish contact with other professionals and like-minded individuals. The good news is that about one third of all associations in the US are located in the Greater Washington Metropolitan area.
Associations often have monthly meetings, semi-annual conventions or special training sessions to help professionals stay up to date in their fields and meet others in the same field. They may also publish newsletters or journals of professional interest. These publications may also list job opportunities.
What do US employers value in spouses?
Diversity
Adaptability
Diligence / conscientiousness
Languages
Experience of living in other countries
Experience of other cultures
Global contacts
Lead with your strengths – Think out of the box (see advice on updating your CV)
Tap expert resources – Seek where others don’t – minority groups/
Adaptability
Diligence / conscientiousness
Languages
Experience of living in other countries
Experience of other cultures
Global contacts
Lead with your strengths – Think out of the box (see advice on updating your CV)
Tap expert resources – Seek where others don’t – minority groups/
Self-employment/working from home
If you want to work from home, and if the nature of the work will involve someone other than just yourself (e.g.clients) in addition to any licences
you need for your occupation, you will have to check your zoning to be sure
the area you live in is zoned to legally conduct commerce from your home.
You will need to obtain a local business licence. You will need to register your name if you are using a business name other than your own. You may need to enquire about insurance. For some uses your home will need to be inspected by the Fire Department!
You will need to obtain a local business licence. You will need to register your name if you are using a business name other than your own. You may need to enquire about insurance. For some uses your home will need to be inspected by the Fire Department!
