How to Find a Job When You Need a Sponsored Visa

My go-to advice for finding a good job fast? 👉 People. You have to talk to people. 👩🏼‍💻 Computers don’t hire. People do!

And recruiters are great — but you really need to focus your energy on networking with people you have a mutual affiliation with (university/hometown/sports team lol) 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼 Department heads make decisions for their teams — focus on networking with them, too!

Don’t fixate on tweaking your resume or spend hours every night scrolling for jobs. 💁‍♀️ Instead, focus your energy on LinkedIn + other networking mediums like Facebook groups, Fishbowl, Blink, etc. 📝 So here’s what you can do if you were recently laid off and need a new job with a company willing to sponsor your visa in order to stay in this country. 

1. Leverage Specialized Websites:

The first step is to identify employers who regularly sponsor visas 🎉 Websites like h1bgrader.com and myvisajobs.com are invaluable resources for discovering these companies. You can search for employers in your field and gather a list of potential employers.

2. Apply Directly:

Once you have your list of prospective employers, visit their careers pages directly. 💻 These companies are already open to hiring individuals who need visa sponsorship, so you're starting on the right foot. Tailor your applications for each company to showcase your skills and apply. 🙋‍♀️

3. Make Personal Connections:

Use LinkedIn! Identify department heads or recruiters within these companies and send them a personalized message expressing your interest. 👋🏼 Explain your background, the value you can bring to their organization, and your need for visa sponsorship. Something like this:

✨“Hi, my name is Erin, I’m a New York based editor who specializes in trailers and promos. I just applied to the open editor position and wanted to reach out to put a face to an application. Thank you for your consideration!”✨

4. Network Your Way In:

Check your network for connections working at these companies. ✍🏼😊 Send them a message to let them know you've applied. Employee referrals can be a valuable way to stand out among other candidates.

5. Explore Referral Platforms:

Utilize referral programs where current employees can oftentimes get a $1-2k bonus for referring someone who gets hired. 💰🫶🏼So it’s a win-win situation. Websites like refer.me are designed to connect job seekers with employees who are willing to refer them for a job. ❗️But be sure to reach out BEFORE applying!

A simple ✅✍🏼 “Hey, I am about to apply for X role at Company and saw a fellow Mascot works there! I read the company has a referral bonus program. Before submitting, I wanted to check in to see if you’d be interested in referring me. Thank you!” (or whatever you want to say)

🔥 Another tip? Get plugged in with your community! Check out Facebook groups for other people from your country as they will have the most specific & up to date advice.

I know many watching aren’t visa holders—but this is honestly good advice for anyone! And to my h1b visa holders — it must feel awful to lose your job and then on top of that have the pressure to secure a new one fast. Lean into your community + know you’re not alone!

You got this!! 👏

Looking for a new job? I invite you to join my Career Workshop Intensive, a 4-part program designed to help you find a job you truly love 🌈