umziehen-in-japan
umziehen-in-japan
umziehen-in-japan
Emigrating to Los Angeles for Your Dream Job: Here's How It Works!
Are you considering moving to Los Angeles to find your dream job? Job hunting and obtaining a visa can be challenging. We show you how to overcome these hurdles and which industries offer particularly good opportunities. For personal advice, contact us now.
The topic short and concise
Are you considering moving to Los Angeles to find your dream job? Job hunting and obtaining a visa can be challenging. We show you how to overcome these hurdles and which industries offer particularly good opportunities. For personal advice, contact us now.
Are you considering moving to Los Angeles to find your dream job? Job hunting and obtaining a visa can be challenging. We show you how to overcome these hurdles and which industries offer particularly good opportunities. For personal advice, contact us now.
Are you considering moving to Los Angeles to find your dream job? Job hunting and obtaining a visa can be challenging. We show you how to overcome these hurdles and which industries offer particularly good opportunities. For personal advice, contact us now.
Do you dream of a career in Los Angeles? Find out how to land the right jobs, secure your visa, and successfully kickstart your journey in California. Get informed now!
Los Angeles, the City of Angels, attracts numerous people from around the world each year who dream of a career in the USA. If you are also considering emigration to Los Angeles to find your dream job there, you are faced with an exciting yet challenging task. This guide provides you with a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges awaiting German employees in L.A. At GoMovin, we understand that an international move is more than just transporting belongings. Therefore, we offer you an all-in-one solution for international relocations with personal consulting, legal support, property service, and cultural integration.
Careful preparation and planning are crucial for a successful job search in Los Angeles. It is important to identify the right industries and companies, optimally present your qualifications, and understand the complex visa regulations. Financial aspects and cultural integration should also not be neglected. With our services, we support you in simplifying your relocation process and making your international move stress-free, efficient, and tailored to your needs.
Job search in L.A.: Visa or Green Card is mandatory
To legally work in Los Angeles, you absolutely need a valid visa or a Green Card. The Green Card is the optimal solution as it grants you unrestricted work authorization. This is a significant advantage over temporary work visas, which are often tied to a specific employer. The Green Card offers you the flexibility to choose your job freely and change employers if necessary.
As an alternative to the Green Card, there are various work visas (E, L, H-1B), which, however, require fulfilling specific conditions and usually involve sponsorship by a US employer. Family members of expats may apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), allowing them to work as well. An exception applies to spouses of E or L visa holders with a specific COA code on their I-94 form (E-1S, E-2S, E-3S, or L-2S).
In addition to formal requirements, your language skills play a crucial role. English is essential to navigate both work life and social life in Los Angeles. Additional Spanish skills can be advantageous, given that a large portion of California's population speaks Spanish.
It is advisable to familiarize yourself with visa regulations early on and seek professional assistance if needed. We at GoMovin are happy to help you with the application for the appropriate visa and offer support every step of the way.
Entertainment & Tech: Top Industries for Job Seekers in L.A.
Los Angeles offers diverse job opportunities, particularly in the high-growth sectors of TIMES (Telecommunications, Information Technology, Multimedia, Entertainment, and Security Services), IT, Engineering, Finance, and Healthcare. Notably, the entertainment and technology industries are strongly represented in L.A. and provide numerous job opportunities.
If you work in the IT field, you have good chances of finding a job in one of the many technology companies in L.A. In engineering, there are interesting prospects due to the thriving construction industry and growing demand for renewable energy. In the healthcare sector, professionals are also in high demand, particularly nurses and medical staff.
Another option is to look for German companies with branches in the USA, such as VW, BMW, Allianz, SAP, or Software AG. These companies often seek German-speaking employees who are familiar with the German corporate culture. On the page German Companies in the USA, you will find a current overview.
To improve your job prospects, you should focus on the industries where your qualifications are most in demand. Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the respective sectors and tailor your application documents accordingly. GoMovin supports you in identifying the right industries and companies for your career goals in Los Angeles.
Successful Job Search: Making Use of Online Portals and Networking
Searching for jobs in Los Angeles requires a strategic approach and the use of various resources. Online job portals and networking are essential tools in this process. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor provide a wide range of job offers and enable you to connect with potential employers.
LinkedIn is particularly important for building your professional network and engaging with industry experts. Use the platform to optimise your profile, establish relevant contacts, and stay informed about current job openings. Additionally, career fairs and local job boards can help you make direct contact with employers.
Another way to enter the US job market is through temporary jobs or internships. These can provide you with valuable experiences and contacts that will assist you later in securing a permanent position. Also, make use of the opportunity to conduct informational interviews with companies that relocate employees from Germany to the USA.
At GoMovin, we support you in creating your application documents and help you prepare optimally for interviews. With our expertise and network, we are by your side to make your job search in Los Angeles successful. For more tips on preparing for relocation, visit our blog.
Secure a visa: Employer sponsorship is often necessary
The visa application process is a crucial step when immigrating to Los Angeles for work. In many cases, employer sponsorship is required, where the employer must demonstrate that they need your specific skills and that no American worker is qualified for the position. This can be a complex and time-consuming process that requires careful preparation.
The H-1B visa is a common option for professionals with a university degree and a job offer in the USA. However, the requirements for this visa are strict, and the number of available visas is limited. Therefore, it is important to seek sponsorship early and to submit all necessary documentation completely.
Another possibility is the L visa, intended for intra-company transfers. If you work for a German company with a branch in the USA, you may be transferred to Los Angeles using this visa. For investors and entrepreneurs, the E visa might be applicable.
The Green Card Lottery provides an alternative option to obtain a Green Card, though the chances of success are low. A family-based Green Card (limited to close family members) or a Green Card through investment or marriage are also potential paths to live and work permanently in the USA. GoMovin provides comprehensive advice on the various visa options and supports you in planning your move.
Salary Negotiations: Benefits Offset Lower Salaries
The salary differences between Germany and the USA can vary significantly depending on location and profession. It's important to research the typical salaries in your industry in Los Angeles beforehand and adjust your salary expectations accordingly. You should also consider the high cost of living in L.A.
An important aspect of salary negotiations are the benefits, which often play a larger role in the USA than in Germany. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, additional vacation, remote working, or parental leave can constitute a significant part of your overall package and potentially compensate for lower salaries.
Since there is no comprehensive protection against dismissal in the USA, negotiation skills are crucial when structuring your employment contract. Make sure that your rights and obligations are clearly defined and that you are adequately protected in the event of a termination. Also be aware of state-specific regulations regarding minimum wage and maternity protection, which can vary from state to state.
GoMovin supports you in salary negotiations and helps you negotiate an attractive overall package of salary and benefits. We are familiar with the practices of the US job market and stand by you with our expertise.
Successful Integration: Understanding US Work Culture
The US American work culture differs in several aspects from the German one. In the USA, great emphasis is placed on results orientation and direct communication. It is important that you present your achievements confidently and clearly, and actively participate in discussions.
You should also take company-specific codes of conduct and diversity training seriously and act accordingly. An open and respectful interaction with colleagues and superiors is essential for successful integration into the work environment.
Small talk and a positive attitude are also crucial factors for integration into US society. Show interest in your fellow human beings and be open to new experiences and perspectives.
GoMovin supports you in your cultural integration and offers intercultural training to prepare you for the nuances of living and working in the USA. We help you to quickly find your way in your new environment and succeed.
Financial Stability: Consider high living costs in L.A.
The cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher compared to many German cities. In particular, apartment prices can pose a considerable burden. Therefore, it is advisable to thoroughly research rental prices and the various neighborhoods in advance, and to create a realistic budget.
You should also factor in the costs for groceries, transport, health insurance, and leisure activities in your financial planning. It is recommended to have financial reserves between 15,000 - 25,000 USD to ensure your financial stability during the initial period. Having private health insurance is essential in the USA since there is no public healthcare system.
Key Benefits of Financial Planning
Here are some of the key benefits you'll gain:
Financial Security: Ensures you have enough savings to cover initial expenses and unexpected costs.
Reduced Stress: Knowing you have a financial cushion can significantly reduce stress during the transition.
Better Decision-Making: Allows you to make informed decisions about housing, transportation, and other essential aspects of life in Los Angeles.
GoMovin supports you in creating your financial plan and helps you to realistically assess the cost of living in Los Angeles. We connect you with local banks and insurance companies and are on hand with advice and assistance.
Starting afresh in L.A.: Patience and perseverance lead to success
Emigrating to Los Angeles and job hunting in the USA are major challenges, but they also offer a chance to advance your career and realise your dream of living in California. Good preparation, patience, and perseverance are crucial for your success.
The “American Dream” is alive, but requires commitment and perseverance. Take advantage of the diverse opportunities Los Angeles offers, and be open to new experiences and perspectives. With the right strategy and support from GoMovin, you can find your dream job and successfully launch your career in L.A.
We at GoMovin are your experienced partner for international relocations and support you in all phases of your move. From planning to execution to integration on site – we are here for you.
Are you ready for your adventure in Los Angeles? Contact us today to learn more about our services and arrange a personal consultation. We look forward to supporting your fresh start in L.A.!
Further useful links
Deutsches Auswärtiges Amt offers information and support for Germans abroad, including legal advice and travel information.
Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb) provides background information and analysis on the political and social situation in the USA.
U.S. Department of State offers information on US visas and immigration regulations.
OECD provides data and statistics on migration.
FAQ
Which industries offer the best job opportunities in Los Angeles for German expats?
The entertainment and technology sectors are particularly strong and offer numerous jobs. There are also good prospects in the fields of IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare.
What visa regulations should I be aware of to work in Los Angeles?
You absolutely need a valid visa or Green Card. The Green Card provides an unrestricted work permit. Alternatively, there are various work visas (E, L, H-1B), which require specific qualifications and usually require sponsorship by a US employer.
How important are language skills for job hunting in Los Angeles?
English is essential for navigating work and social life in Los Angeles. Additional Spanish skills can be advantageous as a large portion of the population in California speaks Spanish.
How can I find a job in Los Angeles as a German expat?
Utilise online job portals like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. Networking is also very important. Attend career fairs and local job exchanges. Temporary jobs or internships can help you get started.
What is employer sponsorship and how do I obtain it?
Employer sponsorship is required when an employer demonstrates that they need your specific skills and no US worker is qualified for the position. This is often necessary for an H-1B visa.
How can I offset the high cost of living in Los Angeles?
When negotiating your salary, pay attention to benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, additional vacation, remote work, or parental leave. These can make up a significant part of your overall package and compensate for potentially lower salaries.
What are the differences between German and US work culture?
In the US, there is a strong emphasis on results-oriented work and direct communication. It is important to clearly and confidently showcase your achievements and actively contribute to discussions.
How much money should I save for moving to Los Angeles?
It is recommended to have financial reserves of $15,000 to $25,000 to ensure your financial stability during the initial period. A private health insurance is essential in the US, as there is no national health system.
