J1 Work and Travel Programme 2010

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Jobs

If you are booked on the USIT J1 Programme, then you have access to jobs from USIT’s J-1 Jobs Database. Just log in using your e-mail address & booking reference number to start browsing now.

Before You Go

Although it is a very good idea to pre-arrange a job before you go, studying for exams can prevent you putting too much effort into finding one. If you don’t have a prearranged job, try to get Stateside as by the end of May or first weeks of June to beat the rush of potential employees.

Even if you’re planning to job hunt once you get to the US, spend some time scouting around before you go. Try sending your CV ahead of time and contacting prospective employers when you get there, or set up a few job interviews in advance. The more preparation you do now, the more time you’ll have to hit the beach once you’re there.

Where do I start?

The key word is contacts! Gather names and contact information from every available source. All are bound to have some practical advice and suggestions for further detective work.

Talk to other students who have been on the J1 programme in the last couple of years for names and addresses of employers and accommodation sources. They’ll also have the best tips on where to live, what the jobs are really like and where to go for the best weekend fun.

Keep an eye on your email as well, as we may send you job lists and news of U.S employers recruiting in Ireland.

USIT Employment Directory and Road show

Every year USIT contacts employers in the US who are willing to take on Irish students for the summer. We have a database online containing bios on prospective employers and their contact details. Some employers have been used by previous J1 students and others are new to the directory this year.

Students who book their J1 with USIT will receive a username and password that allows them exclusive access to the database. This is being compiled in December and will be available in January.

USIT also runs J1 Employer Roadshows in January, where we invite US employers to visit Irish colleges and to meet and hire students on the day. Keep an eye on the website to see when we'll be in a college near you.

Applying for a job

For the best results, you should send potential employers:

• A one page resume (CV) emphasizing your experience
• A cover letter explaining that you will have a valid work permit, a US Social Security number and insurance
• Letters of reference from previous employers or academic contacts (optional but useful)

When applying for a job, do not send the same cover letter to each prospective employer. Remember to personalize each letter as much as possible, since you are competing with other students who will be applying for the same jobs. Explain why your experiences make you the best candidate for this particular job.

What kind of jobs can I do?

There are few restrictions to the type of work you can do. Most students work in tourism, sales or administration, finding jobs in tourist resorts, amusement parks, hotels, country clubs, golf clubs, restaurants, bars, cafes, shops and offices. If you have a particular skill for example in computing, business etc you may find an employer willing to take you on for a paid summer internship. However, as you are only permitted to work for 4 months on this visa, it can be difficult to secure a position of a professional nature relating to an academic field of study.

There are some areas of work which are not covered by the J1 Visa and these include:

• Au Pair, Mother's Helper, Child Carer, Nanny, Babysitter, Maid or other jobs of a domestic nature in private homes.
• Child Care of any kind.
• Medical Services (medical interns or anything involving hands-on therapy, counselling, administering treatment or making diagnoses of medical, psychiatric or psychological patients).
• Veterinary Science (making medical diagnoses or administering treatment to animals).
• Teaching as: Language teacher or Teaching assistant or a full-fledged trained teacher
  Coaching positions or as a Personal Trainer
• Beauty Therapy jobs, including massage, hairdressing, manicurist positions or any jobs involving 'hands-on' therapy of any kind.
• Camp Counsellor.
• Crew member on ship on aeroplane or as pilots.
• Certain Casino Positions.
• Pyramid-selling.
  Employment with a Staffing agency.
• Commission only positions.
• Adult Industry positions.
• Positions involving any start up fee to the participant or with a travelling concession business.

Job Hunting Tips

• Always make it clear that you will have legal status to work in the US when communicating with potential employers.
  • i.e.: “I will be participating on the Work and Travel USA Program sponsored by the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE). As my sponsor, CIEE is authorised by the US government to issue the necessary documentation for me to obtain a J1 visa, allowing me to work legally within the US for up to four months.”
• When applying for an advertised vacancy make sure to carefully follow their instructions as to how to apply for the position. Most employers will require you to post, fax or email a copy of your information
• Be persistent. Don’t be afraid to make follow up calls on your job applications after a few days. That way you'll stand out from the many applications that employers receive
• If employers are reluctant to offer you a job over the phone, arrange to interview for the position when you get there (but give yourself a day to sleep off the jet lag first!)

The above tips provided by USIT are intended as a guide. USIT accepts no responsibility for any jobs or housing accepted by students through these resources.