Employment
Finding a job is a top priority for many immigrants once they arrive in the United States. You can often find job opportunities through friends, family, or others in your community. The federal government has resources to help you look for a job, develop a resume, and prepare for a job interview. Under Employment Standards, you can find detailed information on federal laws that protect job seekers against illegal discrimination.
Finding a job is one of the first things you will want to do once you settle into your new community.
The links below offer tips on finding job openings, applying for a job, and writing a resume.
U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is responsible for helping workers, job seekers, and retirees. This site has employment resources for students, job seekers, employers, and organizations. Some resources are in Spanish.
Online Employment Resources
The American Job Center Network provides access to key federal programs and critical local resources, which can help you find a job, identify training programs, and gain skills in growing industries.
More Employment Resources
DOL sponsors CareerOneStop.org, which can help you find employment information, resources to manage your career, and tools to help job seekers, students, businesses, and career professionals. The site's resources include:
Find Local and Regional Employment Services
American Job Centers, sponsored by DOL, provide a full range of career and job search help, including services that can help you prepare your resume, search for a job, and find training. This site allows you to search for a center near you.
More Employment Resources
USA.gov provides information and resources on job searches, job banks, resume builders, employment assistance, and more.
Preparing a Resume (PDF)
This DOL publication can help you prepare your resume.
Learn About Hundreds of Occupations
The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides profiles of hundreds of occupations. Each profile includes a description of the job, working conditions, required training, how to apply, the average pay, and more.
Search for and Apply for Federal Jobs
USAJOBS.gov is the federal government's official website for federal jobs and employment information.
Confirm Your Eligibility to Work
USCIS’ Self Check service lets you check your personal information against government databases to verify your work eligibility in the United States. This site is also available in Spanish.
All workers in the United States have certain rights. Federal law prohibits employers from discriminating against you because of your race, color, religion, sex (including discriminating against women who are pregnant), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.
The links below provide information on employment standards in the United States.
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces equal employment opportunity laws and regulations.
Federal Laws Prohibiting Job Discrimination
EEOC provides a summary of the federal laws against job discrimination. This site is also available in Spanish.
Comply With Federal Employment Laws
DOL also provides clear and easy-to-access information for workers, employers, job seekers, and retirees on how to follow federal employment laws.
Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice provides information about immigration-related job discrimination, including how to respond if you feel that you have been discriminated against.
U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) seeks to assure safe and healthy working conditions for working men and women. OSHA sets and enforces standards and provides training, outreach, education, and assistance.
Workplace Safety Resources for Spanish-Speaking Employers and Workers
OSHA provides resources for Spanish-speaking employers and workers, including:
- Compliance assistance resources for Spanish-speaking employers and workers
- A step-by-step guide on OSHA's Spanish-language outreach resources (select Spanish in the top right corner)
English-to-Spanish and Spanish-to-English dictionaries for general industry and construction industry terms.
Starting a small business is a great way to earn a living and contribute to the community. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides information on the steps it takes to open your own business.
The links below will help you find information on starting a small business.
Resources on Starting and Managing a Small Business
The SBA offers programs and services to help individuals start and manage a small business.
Financial Assistance Programs for Small Businesses
The SBA can help you explore your options to finance a small business.
Resources for Businesses
Business.USA.gov provides resources that can help you start or grow a business.