Looking for a job in the United States can be challenging. It takes time for people to find the right pay, hours and industry. Many jobs require English skills. Getting an initial job, even if it is outside your profession, will prepare you for a better job in the future. Many first jobs in the United States require working outside normal business hours. It is common to work weekends, late at night, or during holidays. Some government benefits require you to have a job, be looking for a job, or be training for a job.
Key Terms
- A job is working for money for an employer.
- An employer is the person or company who gives you a job and pays you.
- An employee is the person who works.
- An independent contractor is being self-employed, getting paid by the tasks or work you complete. Examples include Uber drivers or interpreters.
- A resumé is a brief summary of experiences, skills, and education history that most employers require during a job search. This can also be called a curriculum vitae (CV).
- A career is the path you choose as your life’s work – for example a nurse, lawyer or teacher.
- Wages are the amount of pay that you receive on a regular basis. This amount in a year is also called a salary. See Employee Rights for details on the minimum wage that is required.
- Benefits are the things that an employer provides in addition to money, such as medical insurance, paid time off, and savings for retirement.