How to Thrive as an Immigrant in Tech: Tips for Your Job Search
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I moved to the United States exactly a decade ago. I’ve been saying this a lot lately — perhaps my brain is still adjusting to this milestone. I remember when a friend once said, “I plan to stay in this country for 5 years.”
At the time, I thought, “Five years is a lot; I’ll definitely be here for much less.”
Well, ten years have passed, and I’m still in the San Francisco Bay Area — this is the longest I’ve lived in any city as an adult.
Before moving, I did a lot of job search research. I felt prepared — I had a good resume and had worked for international companies, including Hewlett-Packard and Visa at one of the largest global ad agency networks. It sounded impressive on paper, but when I started interviewing, I faced real challenges.
It felt like I was saying one thing, but the interviewers heard something completely different. I spent a long time feeling confused, often repeating myself just to make sure to get my message across.
Eventually, they would understand the full breadth of my experience. As I grew more comfortable with this new country, culture, and language, I started to grasp the nuances. It was subtle.
Tips for Your Tech Job Search
The goal of this article is to share observations I’ve encountered and how you can keep these in mind if you’re open to new opportunities and looking to work abroad. My perspective comes from working in the tech space in the Bay Area, and here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Learn the language.
When I say “learn the language,” I’m not just talking about English; I’m talking about the language spoken in your industry.
Different roles have their own jargon. For example, in Agile environments, you’ll hear phrases like, “Do you have any blockers?” or “Are you joining the daily?” UX Designers are now often called Product Designers. Many Scrum Masters have transitioned into Project Management roles.
When people see a resume listing the person as both Product and Project Management it might be confusing, why are they playing those distinct roles?
Understanding and using industry-specific language can make a huge difference in how your experience is perceived and understood.
2. Craft your resume well.
Your resume should be a concise showcase of your skills and achievements.
Before moving to the United States, I hadn’t updated my resume in years — I relied solely on LinkedIn and my network. In a new country and industry, I had to adapt.
In Silicon Valley, resumes typically avoid photos or design elements. Instead, focus on crafting strong bullet points that highlight your responsibilities and the impact you made on your team and product. Show those impact numbers, don’t just describe your role’s responsibilities.
3. Spend time with industry professionals.
This one is hard to quantify, but it’s often about picking up on the small things: the mannerisms, the way people talk, the tools and apps they use, and the priorities of their industry or company. Engage with people, listen to their stories, and learn what matters to them.
Read more:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions; people love sharing their journeys. It’s a great way to stay inspired and learn new things. Learn what they care about whether it’s design, user experience, or innovation.
4. Read more.
I love books; they inspire me, help me learn new skills, and provide insights from the best leaders, almost like an MBA in a book. I used to read primarily in Portuguese, but becoming fluent in English opened up a whole new world of content.
If English isn’t your first language, reading in English can give you access to resources you might otherwise miss. Reading helps accelerate your learning, deepens your understanding of how people in your field think, and teaches you how to communicate effectively in your chosen industry.
I LOVE this book, The Culture Map, and recommend it to anyone working in a different culture than your own. This book, Find Your People, is great too.
5. Understand the interview process.
When I started interviewing, I had no idea what to expect.
In tech, the first interview is usually a phone call with a recruiter who reviews your experience and asks basic questions. The second interview is typically with the hiring manager, focusing more on your overall experience. The third stage could be a panel interview with multiple stakeholders or spread over two days.
Then, you might have a follow-up with the hiring manager where they’ll ask deeper questions before moving on to a test or receiving a job offer.
These five insights have significantly transformed my career in tech over the past decade. Like the books that have inspired me, these learnings have been transformative on my journey.
