The global workforce is changing fast. U.S. companies are hiring beyond borders to access specialized talent, fill skill gaps, and stay competitive in a digital-first economy. For international professionals, this shift opens real opportunities to build a career with U.S. employers, without leaving home.

But competition is rising. U.S. hiring managers now receive hundreds of applications for every remote role. They look for skills, experience, and qualities that show you are ready to work in a fast-paced, remote, and collaborative environment.

This guide explains what U.S. companies value most in international candidates, how to position yourself effectively, and what steps you can take to increase your chances of landing a U.S. job.

What skills U.S. companies prioritize

Hiring managers in the U.S. focus on two areas:  soft skills and technical expertise. In remote-first environments, soft skills often matter more than technical ability. U.S. companies want professionals who can communicate clearly, collaborate across time zones, and manage their work without constant supervision.

_{Soft skills that define strong candidates}

Many international applicants underestimate the weight of soft skills. U.S. companies expect:

• Strong written and verbal English communication
• Proactive problem solving
• Time management and accountability
• Collaboration across time zones
• Adaptability to new tools and workflows

Remote teams thrive on trust and communication. If you can show that you stay organized, meet deadlines, and respond thoughtfully, you stand out from other applicants with similar technical skills.

_{Technical skills that stand out}

Employers look for candidates who can deliver measurable impact from day one. High-demand areas include:

• Software engineering (Python, JavaScript, React, cloud computing)
• Data analytics and AI (SQL, Power BI, data visualization)
• Design and product development (UX/UI, Figma, agile methods)
• Digital marketing and growth (SEO, paid media, analytics)
• Finance, compliance, and operations (automation tools, ERP systems)

If your expertise falls within one of these categories, highlight measurable outcomes in your resume. For example, instead of saying “managed social media,” say “grew engagement by 40% through data-driven campaigns.”

U.S. employers value hands-on experience more than certifications. On-the-job (OJT) training shows you can apply what you’ve learned to real situations, solve problems, and adapt to new tools quickly.

Certifications still have value when paired with proven results. If you’ve completed programs from LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, or Google Career Certificates, list them briefly. Use them to complement your work experience, not replace it.

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How U.S. hiring managers evaluate international resumes and applications

_{Formatting and structure matter}

U.S. resumes are different from those in many other countries. They are concise, one page for most candidates and achievement-focused. Avoid long summaries or personal details like age, marital status, photo, or nationality. Focus on measurable results, tools, and outcomes.

A simple layout works best. Use standard fonts and avoid design-heavy templates that may confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS). 

Always format your professional experience in reverse chronological order. Start with your current or most recent position and work backward. 

It is not necessary to include roles older than 15 years unless they are highly relevant to the position you’re applying for. Potential employers can refer to your LinkedIn profile for a more comprehensive overview of your full career history if needed.

_{Tips for submitting your resume}

• Write and submit your resume in English. It shows professionalism and helps hiring managers assess your qualifications, experience, and fit for the role.
• Keep language clear and concise. U.S. employers value straightforward communication.
• Use English consistently, especially if you are applying for remote or global roles. It demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively in a business context.
• Always submit your résumé as a PDF unless instructed otherwise.

_{Tailor each application}

Generic resumes rarely pass the first screening. Adjust your summary and skills to match the specific role description. Highlight how your international perspective benefits the company’s global reach. 

When applying, research the company’s mission and tone. Reflect it in your cover letter. U.S. employers appreciate applicants who demonstrate they took time to understand their business.

_{Showcase your remote readiness}

Employers want reassurance that you work effectively without direct supervision. Mention previous remote experience, project management tools you use (Slack, Asana, Notion), and how you handle time zone differences. 

Even if you haven't worked remotely before, you can still emphasize transferable skills like strong communication, time management, and self-motivation, that demonstrate your readiness for flexible or remote environments.

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Common challenges international candidates face and how to overcome them

_{1. Limited exposure to U.S. hiring practices}

Many applicants don’t realize how cultural differences affect hiring. For instance, long formal language in cover letters may sound distant. U.S. employers prefer concise, confident writing.

Solution: Study U.S.-based job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and AngelList. Review how American candidates write their summaries and portfolios.

_{2. Payment and compliance barriers}

Even after landing a role, many professionals face payment issues. Some payment platforms charge high fees or delays for international transfers.

Solution: Platforms like Higlobe let you receive USD directly from U.S. clients or employers, with no transaction fees and instant transfers to your local bank. This helps you keep more of your earnings while staying compliant with local regulations.

_{3. Time zone coordination}

Remote work across continents can strain communication. The ability to accurately translate and manage time zones is essential for effective collaboration. 

Whether you're scheduling meetings, setting deadlines, or coordinating with team members across different regions, understanding time zone differences shows professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for others’ working hours. 

It helps avoid miscommunications and ensures that projects run smoothly across international teams. 

Solution: Propose clear overlap hours and respect them. Use tools like Loom or ClickUp to communicate updates asynchronously. Document your progress so teammates can follow your work easily. 

Using tools like Google Calendar, World Time Buddy, or Outlook's time zone features can help you stay organized and ensure smooth collaboration across different regions.

_{4. English communication confidence}

Demonstrating confidence in written and spoken English shows that you can engage with teammates, clients, and stakeholders without hesitation.

Solution: Practice daily communication on professional forums or language platforms. Read U.S. business articles to absorb tone and phrasing. Confidence improves through repetition, not perfection.

For more advice, see Top 4 tips for working with U.S. clients.

Cultural expectations and communication skills that matter

_{Direct and transparent communication}

U.S. workplace culture values clarity over formality. Managers prefer quick updates, clear reasoning, and honest feedback. Avoid vague language. If you need more time on a task, say so directly.

_{Initiative and ownership}

American employers expect employees to take responsibility and propose solutions. Waiting for instructions can be seen as lack of drive. Be proactive about sharing ideas, even if they are not perfect.

_{Team collaboration}

Remote teams mix cultures and communication styles. Show respect for diverse opinions. Listen actively, ask clarifying questions, and summarize takeaways after meetings. These small habits make you stand out as dependable.

_{Continuous feedback}

U.S. teams often use feedback loops for performance improvement. Don’t view feedback as criticism. Instead, treat it as collaboration. A willingness to learn signals professionalism.

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Remote work trends and opportunities for cross-border talent

Remote work is now a permanent part of U.S. hiring strategy. According to Gallup, nearly 60% of U.S. employees work remotely at least part-time, and companies increasingly hire globally to fill skill gaps.

_{Growing roles in remote hiring}

Some industries lead in cross-border recruitment:

• Technology and software development
• Design and creative production
• Marketing and digital strategy
• Customer success and operations support
• Finance and accounting

The rise of platforms like Deel, Remote.com, and Gusto has made it easier for U.S. businesses to onboard and pay international professionals legally and efficiently. 

Many global professionals now use Higlobe alongside these platforms to receive payments from U.S. companies quickly, securely, and without fees.

_{Why U.S. companies hire abroad}

Cost savings are part of the story, but not the full picture. Companies value:

• Access to specialized skills in new markets
• 24-hour productivity across time zones
• Fresh cultural perspectives
• Global brand alignment

Hiring global professionals builds innovation. If you show adaptability and a collaborative mindset, you position yourself as an asset beyond technical ability.

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Actionable tips for positioning yourself for U.S. job opportunities

_{1. Build a strong online presence}

U.S. employers often review your digital footprint before interviews. Keep your LinkedIn profile professional and keyword-rich. Include a clear headline like “Software Engineer helping U.S. startups build scalable products.”

Update your experience, education, and skills sections. Ask for recommendations from past clients or colleagues. For detailed guidance, read 7 tips to improve your LinkedIn profile.

_{2. Strengthen your English writing}

Practice writing concise emails, reports, and proposals. U.S. communication is results-oriented. Tools like Grammarly help improve clarity and tone.

_{3. Adapt your time management to U.S. schedules}

Align your availability with U.S. time zones where possible. Even a 2–3 hour overlap boosts collaboration and builds trust.

_{4. Use the right payment tools}

When working with U.S. employers, reliability in payments matters as much as performance. Many freelancers lose money through hidden transfer fees. Higlobe offers near-instant USD transfers, no transaction fees, and top-tier security protections.

_{5. Stay updated on U.S. market trends}

Follow industry news, major tech updates, and emerging tools. The more current your knowledge, the more confident you sound in interviews.

_{6. Practice interviews in English}

Simulate interviews with friends or online communities. Focus on clear storytelling. Highlight challenges you solved, how you measured impact, and what tools you used. 

Avoid using AI-based interviewing tools unless you are fully prepared. If you’re not yet confident, take the time to practice and refine your responses to ensure you present yourself effectively and professionally during the interview process.

For deeper preparation, explore how to prepare for job interviews in tech companies.

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Building a career that crosses borders

The demand for international professionals is growing fast. U.S. companies now compete globally for talent that brings technical expertise and cultural fluency.

Your skills and perspective are valuable. With the right preparation, clear communication, reliable payment methods, and strong professional branding you can compete confidently in the U.S. job market.

Higlobe helps you stay ready for these opportunities. You can receive USD payments from U.S. companies instantly, withdraw to your local bank, and avoid transfer fees.

Start positioning yourself today. Build your profile, refine your skills, and prepare for a global career.

Sign up for Higlobe to make getting paid by U.S. companies simple, secure, and free.

FAQs about getting hired by U.S. companies

_{What do U.S. companies look for in international resumes?}

They value concise resumes that highlight measurable impact. Focus on results and tools used rather than long descriptions of duties. Keep it to one page and tailor it for each job.

_{How important is English proficiency?}

It’s essential. Clear English communication builds trust and reduces friction in remote teams. You don’t need a native accent, but you must communicate ideas confidently and clearly.

_{How do I prove I’m reliable as a remote employee?}

Show examples of independent projects or clients you supported remotely. Mention your workflow tools, communication methods, and consistent results.

_{What if my country’s time zone is far from the U.S.?}

Set clear overlap hours and communicate boundaries. U.S. teams appreciate consistency more than 24-hour availability.

_{Do U.S. companies help with visa sponsorships?}

Some large companies do, but most remote roles are freelance or contract-based. Focus first on remote opportunities that don’t require relocation.