What's the best way for a European to find work in the U.S.?

Question

My Hubby is a technician here in Europe and we want to find out what qualifications he'll need to work in the U.S. before we move back to the U.S. What's the best way for us to go about doing a job search and qualification search for him?

We've already started doing job searches (and obviously we know he needs to get a work permit, etc.) but what we don't know is how to find out if the qualifications he has as an electrician/technician will be valid in the U.S. or if he'll have to go through more training or something. Should we contact individual companies and ask them what they think?

Answer 1

I would target specific companies and take a look at their job postings to see what qualifications they list. I'm guessing most electrician positions will be in labor unions, so joining the union will be a requirement in those cases. Sometimes union seniority will play a part in filling positions, but if a job is posted for public view, they are generally open to looking at candidates who are not currently members of the union.

The job posting will also tell you the amount of experience they're seeking, as well as any certifications or education they require. He may also need to obtain a license in the state where he'll be working.

To give you a few examples, here are the requirements for an Electrician position in Austin, TX:
Do you have an Associate-s degree and 3 years relevant experience? Please detail. Do you have experience with AC-DC drives, PLC-s, crane controls and AC-DC motors? Please elaborate. In addition to your electrical skills, please discuss your mechanical ability.

This is for a Journeyman in Oklahoma City, OK:
When did you receive your electrician license for the State of Oklahoma Describe your experience as a journeyman Explain your knowledge of installation of electrical equipment Are you able to work in NE Oklahoma.

And here's one for an Electrician in Phoenix, AZ:
- Must have 8-10 years of experience as an electrician Journeyman 1
- Must have 5-7 years of experience as an electrician Journeyman 2
- Must have 2-4 years of experience as an electrician Apprentice 1
- Must have steel toe boots.
- Must have own tools-Ask about tool list
- Must be able to pass drug test
- Must be able to pass background check


I found those particular listings on CareerBuilder.com.

Answer 2

try an online job search on like monster.com

Answer 3

Firstly, you must have a work permit / green card..