Finding work in California (credit, employment, salary)

[happyuk]

Hello everyone.

I wish to investigate what it is like to live and work in America. I have always liked the American 'can-do' attitude and have wanted to become a US citizen for some time. I would also like to find out what the best way to secure employment would be: networking, sending out resumes etc.

How difficult would it be for someone my age (40 this year)? Does the American work ethic differ substantially from ours? How difficult is it finding work right now given the recent credit crunch?

I have plenty of varied industrial experience and my background is in academic research and software development in electrical and mechanical environments. I completed an engineering PhD eight years ago. Having said this I still had to endure periods of unemployment and low paid work when one of my previous jobs finished.

Any feedback would be much appreciated, including British expats who have made the move.

Best regards
Andy

[califmerchant]

try

CBCJobs.com

good local orange county jobs site...works for calif too

[bhcompy]

i think you'll be okay in your field.. maybe even able to get someone to pay for your move since you have experience in a difficult field. i dont want to get your hopes up, but its something you can bargain with in interviews if you wanted.


work ethic.. well, the american work ethic can be put simply as work first, everything else second, especially in engineering fields. im assuming you're from the UK based on your name and im not too familiar with the UK, but in general, some of the european work ethics are a lot more easy going than ours. we have a standard 40 hour work week not including lunch time and being paid a salary as an engineer can mean some overtime

i would post your resume on monster.com as well as the site listed above.

[impala66]

That doctorate is your Golden ticket to California as long as your social skills are up to scratch you should be on the next plane over.
But remember every thing here is “the big sell” done calmly so when you are interviewed, you are doing them a favour to even consider working for them.
Best of Luck

[tonrob]

Originally Posted by impala66

That doctorate is your Golden ticket to California as long as your social skills are up to scratch you should be on the next plane over.
But remember every thing here is “the big sell” done calmly so when you are interviewed, you are doing them a favour to even consider working for them.
Best of Luck

I know it probably goes without saying but he shouldn't take that "next plane over" too literally, or he's liable to get himself into hot water at POE when they ask him the purpose of his "visit"!

OP - try the USCIS website for Visa advice. At least it will give you an idea of what you're actually asking potential employers to consider doing if they were to sponsor you.