World Relief Minnesota

Unlike some other immigrants, refugees have the right to work as soon as they arrive in the United States. Once they get their social security card, they are ready to start. In fact, in order to receive public assistance benefits, refugees are referred to employment assistance programs at their resettlement or other community agency. Each one is assigned a job counselor who will get their work history, develop a job search plan and use contacts to help the refugee find a job. Employment is vital for refugees to become self-sufficient and, as a mentor, you are in a position to provide cultural expertise. Here are some tips to helping your refugee partner find a job.

Seeking Employment. Explain to the refugee that they may have to begin their employment in the U.S. with low-paying jobs. Stress the concept of advancement so refugees will not fear being stuck in difficult, dead-end jobs for years. Expectations may be high since some refugees were doctors, lawyers and teachers in their home countries.

The Job Search. Take the following steps in helping refugees pursue employment:

Assess the refugee’s goals, interests, and skills.
Obtain job leads through: personal contacts, help wanted signs, the refugee’s ethnic and religious community, want ads, job fairs, and human resource departments. If their English level is low, they will need to look for work in an area that does not require the use of English (assembly, housekeeping) or that has a system set up for speakers of other languages.
Help the refugee pick up applications at prospective employers. Make sure you get more than one form. Have the refugee fill out and keep a sample application form as a kind of master copy/reference for filling out future applications for other businesses.
Practice searching for and applying for jobs online. Use the local library for free internet access.
Help the refugee make appointments for interviews, drug tests, or other requirements by the potential employer.
Help the refugee prepare for interviews. See the sample questions below.

Preparing for the interview. In some countries, the decision about who is hired depends more on ‘inside connections’ than on professional competence. Interviewing for jobs is not customary. Even if interviewing did take place in their home countries, many refugees would not have had to ‘sell themselves’ to an employer by focusing on their assets, as we do in the U.S.

The interview can be intimidating for refugees, especially if they have low English levels. It is important for you to offer guidance in this area. You can act as a coach by reviewing sample questions and answers with the refugees. You may also have to describe appropriate dress, posture, and behavior (ie. punctuality, eye contact, and enthusiasm) for a job interview. Make sure that the refugee brings his/her I-94 card, social security card, and application and/or resume to the appointment. Explain that s/he may be only one of many applicants and may experience some frustration and rejection. Explain this is simply part of the job-seeking process. Below are some practice interview questions.

Practice answering the following questions:

What position are you applying for?
Why do you think you would like this type of job?
What work experience have you had?
What training have you had?
Do you get along with others?
What do you know about our company/store?
Do you prefer working with others or working alone?
Do you need close supervision?
What are your strengths / weaknesses?

There are a variety of legal work papers that refugees can show in order to get a job. Two such documents are a State ID and a social security card, for example. (Legally, a refugee or immigrant is NOT required to show proof of citizenship or a green card). If you suspect discrimination because of national origin or immigration status, call this hotline number for information or help: 1-800-255-7688.