When to Move to New York
Seasonally, any time of the year is beautiful in this megalopolis that is New York City. Strategically, there are a few key times of the year that are more favorable to the job and apartment search. Apartments are in hot demand between the months of May-August when the obnoxious summer internship crowd come in droves. It is also a time when job applications shut down. Autumn and winter will give you a little more bargaining power up your sleeve as owners won’t have as much choice as they do in the warmer months.
Visa
Ideally, everyone wants to move to New York with a famously paying job with a company that will pay for all the relocation fees, but that usually isn’t the case and a lot more work goes into making it a success.
There are many types of visa’s available that allow valid work.
Visa Waiver Program
While this isn’t a work visa, it is a good starting point for those looking to move to the States. It allows you to spend up to 90 days in the country in which this time you are permitted to apply for jobs and attend interviews. You can apply for an ESTA online for $14. https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/
E3
The E3 is a special work visa created exclusively for Australians. There is a huge advantage to this visa, with a simple application process and small fee of $270. While this visa is nearly 10 years old, in my experience it is still relativity unknown within HR departments and is often mistaken for H-1B sponsorship (see below). To qualify for an E3, you must have completed a bachelor’s degree in your field.
H-1B
For anyone else looking to work in the U.S. they must compete for the H-1B. This visa is significantly more involved then the E3 and can cost anywhere close to $3000. There are also limitations as to when the application is filed in the year and the quota of 65,000 is usually filled to capacity within a few months of opening.
Getting that Job
There are certain rules of the ‘game’ that need to be followed in the hunt for a job in New York.
One page résumé
I have done everything to create as much space on the page from downsizing the font to widening the margins. This is just the rule, I don’t know why but everywhere I go it’s all about the one page résumé. Paper size is also different in the states so make sure you change your page setup to match the US sizing
The Australian A4 size is referred to as a ‘US Letter’ and yes, it’s smaller.
Applying online is like sending your résumé into black hole.
This is my opinion, but I do know many others who agree with me. You are better off cold emailing supervisors and managers of departments you are interesting in. Legally companies have to advertise jobs online even if they have already been filled with internal candidates.
Make sure you update your profile with your current city. Leaving holes in your profile will only be harmful to your application. It might be worthwhile also checking that all the dates match those on your résumé. How embarrassing.
Recruiters
Depending on the industry recruiters will be able to get you in front of the company. Don’t be scared to use two or three either. Just be honest and make sure you inform them of what jobs each recruiter is applying for on your behalf. This will make them work that little bit harder.
Sell Yourself
There is a very forward way here in the States. Someone once told me that I had to go into an interview and act like I already had the job. It has taken a lot of practice for me to get comfortable with talking about myself like I’m top shit. Finding a happy medium I found worked the best for me.
Follow Up With an Email
Once you do get in front of the company, whether it is for a potential position or just an informational interview, always follow with a short email thanking the person for their time to see you.
Network
Last, but definitely not least, in fact most importantly, network. I cannot even start to explain the importance of networking especially in certain industries. There is a good chance someone you meet will know someone who can connect you to someone in your industry.
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