Finding a Job in New York City: Tips From Jooble Experts
New York City is an attractive destination for people all over the world. It is called the City of Dreams; no wonder many job seekers consider career opportunities here.
Whether you are a US citizen or a foreigner, finding a job in New York is possible. However, it is going to take a lot of work. The job search process here is incredibly competitive, the cost of living is high, and the number of people coming here every year is immense.
But no difficulties should scare you off if New York City has been your dream job destination. In this article, you'll find the best tips from Jooble experts on approaching the job search in New York City wisely.
Preparing for the Big Apple Environment
The first tip is to be realistic about your job opportunities and options the Big Apple offers. Although job seekers think there are many job opportunities here, this might not be true for every industry.
According to the WalletHub study, New York City is not the best place for a job search, to say the least. In 2017, it didn't even make it to the 100 best cities for job seekers. In 2023, New York City ranked 147th out of 182.
The main reasons for that are:
- Housing and rent are costly;
- The work and commute time ratio is one of the worst in the US;
- There are not many job opportunities;
- The average starting salary might be high compared to other US cities, but the cost of living is much higher. Living in Manhattan is two times more expensive than any other place in the US;
- There are many hidden job opportunities that one cannot find by looking through published job openings.
New York jobs are hard to get, and finding a place to live here is also challenging. However, with the right resources and calculated approach, it is possible. After all, millions of job seekers did it. Maybe your dream job is here; you never know unless you try.
Job Search 101: NYC Edition
The next piece of advice from Jooble experts is to take several crucial steps before you go for job listings or reach out to potential employers. These steps are:
- Identify your goals. Define what jobs you are interested in, what you qualify for, and your desired budget. Calculate how much you need to earn to afford living in New York City. Consider different areas you might live or work in. And think of your personal and career aspirations to know what to tell hiring managers in a job interview.
- Set a period. Giving yourself a deadline creates internal motivation. Without it, finding a job in New York might remain a dream.
- Consider communicating with other job seekers or those who have moved to New York City. Ask them for advice on the community and details to keep in mind.
- Research the best hiring industries, look for job listings on all available resources, and start networking.
- Update your resume and prepare a draft cover letter you will adjust to each job description specifically. Having those documents drafted will make it easier to apply quickly. You need to be fast here not to miss a job opportunity.
- Create a LinkedIn profile and fill it in correctly. It will serve as your digital resume. Also, it can be of massive help in online networking.
Now, let's dive into details on finding job listings and approaching the New York labor market.
Top Job Search Platforms for NYC Opportunities
You can start your search from your current location if you are not a resident of New York City yet. It is going to be cheaper, and it will make it easier to move in when you already have an employer.
Of course, it might be better to network in person or see specific areas for yourself. But it is not always possible. And an online job interview is not out of the ordinary in 2023.
The best way to start with job openings is to explore online resources and career services. Here is the list of the top sites to find a job in New York.
- Jooble is a job aggregator that collects postings from all over the internet.
- NYC Poached for jobs in HoReCa—cafes, restaurants, bars, or coffee shops;
- Digital NYC for tech-related jobs and professional organizations;
- NYC.gov for a job in one of the governmental agencies;
- Dol.NY.gov is the Department of Labor portal for New York;
- New York Foundation of the Arts for jobs in creative niches;
- New York Jobs is a great source to find a position in Manhattan;
- NY Times posts job openings and resumes; one might post their resume here;
- Media Bistro focuses on digital media and marketing opportunities;
- Built-in NYC offers startup jobs and tech positions.
If you are considering several industries, it is a great idea to use Jooble website. So you can search for jobs in New York City and get all available job postings in one place. You can filter opportunities by job title, industry, salary rate, location, or remote/flexible options. It makes uncovering potential employers and interesting careers much easier and faster.
How to Find a Job in New York City: Crafting a Winning Resume
A resume is an integral part of an efficient job search. It is your first impression of recruiters and employers. If you aim at NYC, you must prepare an excellent resume.
Start by looking at examples.
Search for samples online and pay attention to formatting, wording, and small details that make a huge difference.
Adjust it according to your strengths.
You might format your resume differently depending on your skills and the job type you are applying for. You might start with skills and certifications if you lack professional references and experience.
If you have a lot of experience, put it before the list of skills to showcase your first-hand expertise.
Pay attention to the job description.
The best idea is to also adjust your resume and cover letter to every company you apply to. Yes, it is time-consuming. But it allows for finding jobs effectively. You can adjust:
- The formatting and wording;
- Inclusion of specific keywords from a job description (skills, competencies, and traits a company is looking for);
- Presentation of the most relevant experiences (one might value customer management experience, others need someone with computer skills).
Also, research the company before the job interview to know what corporate culture is like, what the vision is, and what the team values the most.
Keep it short.
A two-page resume makes sense only if you have twenty years of industry experience or if you are applying to academic positions in NYC. Otherwise, keep it short and concise. One page is enough. Recruiters do not read all the resumes through.
Also, include only the personal information the company asked for. A potential NYC employer might reject the resume with gender, age, or nationality because it violates anti-discriminatory regulations.
Networking Strategies for NYC Job Seekers
Networking events and opportunities are critical. Many jobs are filled without an opening through referrals and recommendations. Look for professional resources and industry events you can attend to make connections.
Research New York City's industry events like conferences, seminars, and community gatherings that can give you access to a potential employer. Do not miss out on online networking. Here is where LinkedIn comes into play.
Another good resource is the Meetup site, which offers various networking options based on the job type, industry, and relevance.
Collaborating with Recruiters and Employment Agencies
Although it is not for everyone, working with NYC employment agencies and recruiters is a valid choice.
They can help you meet potential employers and provide assistance with the whole process, from resume help to interview preparation. It might be handy for high-demand positions. Usually, such agencies have early access to potential jobs and know hiring companies.
It is a great way to advance your career and build a fruitful partnership, as such agencies are also interested in your employment. Look for agencies located in NYC and companies that work within your industry.
Preparing for Job Interviews in NYC
Preparing for a job interview in NYC is similar to any other place. The main difference is that if you are new to the city, you must indeed plan your logistics. New Yorkers know their way around. But if you are here for the first time, it can be challenging to stay focused and be on time.
Otherwise, prepare in several aspects:
- Know the company you are applying to, and look through its resources like the website and socials to learn more about the culture, mission, values, and products;
- Review your qualifications and experiences that make you the right fit;
- Prepare for the most common interview questions;
- Consider what you can bring to this position and the team;
- Dress appropriately and come on time;
- Have a printed-out copy of your resume and cover letter with you just in case.
Stay confident and present yourself in the best light.
Exploring NYC's Job Market by Industry
Do not get discouraged if you cannot find a new job in your desired industry immediately. Many New Yorkers start with a job available before settling in and moving to a career of their dreams.
If you are sure you want to move and build a future here, consider landing a job you can before finding a career you want. It will give you time and resources to work on your skills, network, uncover new opportunities, and become a good fit for the position you want.
It is not uncommon for New Yorkers to start in service jobs before pursuing a career in other fields. Look for industries that hire the most and decide what job is the most appealing to you. Alternatively, you can consider working non-profit jobs or joining volunteer organizations.
Conclusion
Searching for a job in New York can be challenging. There are plenty of careers to pursue, but the competition is immense. It is not for everyone. But if it is something you want, you can make it happen. Hopefully, these tips will give you a good starting point for the career of your dreams in the Big Apple.
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