Finding a Job

Every year, more than 15,000 Work & Travel USA students work at all kinds of CIEE sourced seasonal jobs in locations across the United States. These jobs meet CIEE’s high standards to ensure a good workplace experience.

CIEE works with thousands of America’s best seasonal employers, and we sponsor hiring events where you can talk with them face-to-face, in person or over the Internet. In some cases, CIEE recruiters do the interviewing and hiring for the employers.

Students from selected countries can choose to find their own jobs, as long as those jobs are approved by CIEE in advance – your CIEE international representative or CIEE can tell you more.

Start With a Clear Plan

First, decide where in the United States you want to go, and what kind of job you’d like. You will spend up to four months at your job, so it is important to choose one that matches your personality and skills. Your CIEE international representative can tell you what jobs are available during the time you wish to visit.

To get the job you want, do all you can to make yourself appealing to employers. Create a resume that highlights your skills and experience, such as cooking, swimming, or helping at a family business. Include anything that shows you can handle responsibility, such as child care, tutoring, or volunteering. Even if you do not have past job experience, you should share what you can do.

Customer service is a big part of most jobs, so employers want to know that you are comfortable working with people and are at ease speaking English.

Find a job through CIEE

Every year, CIEE helps thousands of students like you find jobs by connecting them directly with prospective employers. Your agent can help you determine which option is right for you.

CIEE Road Shows
Job fairs where CIEE brings U.S. employers and students together for face-to-face meetings and interviews. Most of these jobs are at large, well-known businesses.

CIEE Recruit
CIEE representatives, working on behalf of employers, interview and hire students at these job fairs. Many of these jobs are at smaller employers.

CIEE Virtual
Interview with a CIEE representative or U.S. employer in real-time, via video on the Internet. Employers of all sizes offer jobs through CIEE Virtual.

Download Australia-New Zealand Work & Explore Placement Agreement Form

How to Prepare For a Great Interview

In person or via webcam, interviewing is a big part of getting a job. This is your chance to make a good impression. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

Learn About the Employer
Before the interview, find out what you can about the job and what it requires. Be prepared to talk about your background and why you are a good candidate. Come with at least two questions to ask. It shows you are interested.

Make a Good First Impression
Be sure to arrive on time, and present yourself professionally. Introduce yourself with a friendly handshake and a smile.

Talk About Your Experience
If you have work experience, talk about it. If not, talk about what you have done–for example, volunteer work or involvement in university clubs. Use examples of how your skills fit this job.

Ask Specific Questions
This shows you are interested and responsible.

If You Find Your Own Job, CIEE Must Approve It

It is important that you stay safe and are treated fairly on the job. That’s why every job offered through a CIEE hiring service meets very high standards. It is also why we need to approve any job that students find on their own.

CIEE Job Guidelines

- Jobs must meet the rules, regulations, and intent of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which focuses on cultural exchange.
- CIEE cannot approve a job if there are questions about your safety and well-being, or if the job prevents you from having a meaningful cultural exchange experience.
- You must be able to balance your work responsibilities with time spent exploring the local community, learning about the United States, and getting to know Americans.
- You may only work for employers whose staffing needs are seasonal or temporary in nature.
- Your job must pay a salary that meets minimum wage regulation.

If you are not sure a job meets these guidelines, send us an email and we’ll be glad to help.