Do you want to get high-paying jobs in the US? You’re in the right place.
Gone are the days when you need a 4 or 5-year university degree before getting a high-paying job. While degrees aren’t entirely a waste, we live in an economy that values skills over degrees. Numerous opportunities exist for ambitious individuals to secure high-paying jobs in the US without spending so much on a degree.
This blog post will give you steps on how to land high-paying jobs in the US and live the life of your dreams. Shall we?
How to Land High-Paying Jobs in the US
Here’s what you should do:
Focus on High-Demand Industries
When searching for high-paying jobs in the US, you need to focus on high-demand industries that will increase your chances of success. For instance, here are some industries that have a reputation of valuing skills over certificates and pay extremely well
A. Technology Sector
The tech industry is one of the high-paying employers that value technical skills over certificates. Many employees in this industry have gotten excellent jobs simply by attending bootcamps, gaining certifications, creating a portfolio of personal projects, learning in-demand programming languages like Python, and contributing to open-source projects. Some in-demand tech skills include:
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Machine Learning
- Cloud computing
- Blockchain
- UI/UX
- DevOps
- Data Science
- Robotics
B. Digital Marketing
As modern advertising and branding continues to evolve, digital marketing will always be an in-demand skill. It allows you to reach a wider audience without necessarily spending a fortune and going through several bottlenecks compared to traditional media.
Digital marketing presents several high-paying job opportunities in the US. The first step is to choose the skill you want. Such skills include
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Social Media Marketing
- Email Marketing
- Marketing Analytics
- Data Analysis
- Pay-Per-Click Advertising
- Content Marketing
- Video Marketing
Bonus Tip: When searching for a high-paying job in the US, always a skill that’s highly competitive but difficult to learn.
Most people typically don’t want to put in the work to learn a difficult skill even though it’s high-paying, so you can set yourself apart from the crowd when you choose a skill that’s in-demand but not easy to learn. Companies typically value employees that aren’t easy to replace.
C. Sales and Business Development
You don’t need a 4-year degree to become a successful salesperson. In sales, your performance matters more than education. The most successful business people in the world achieve top results even without a college education because they know how to sell to the right people at the right place and at the right time.
Companies in the US value salespeople and business developers because they know how to turn strategy to profit.
If you have a knack for selling and spotting lucrative business opportunities, the first step is to seek entry-roles in sales and business development to gain the right experience, because sales is not a skill you can pretend to do.
Then cultivate strong communication and negotiation skills and establish a track record of exceeding quotas. Since the goal is to get a high-paying job in the US, the trick is to specialize in high-value B2B sales. Learn CRM systems and modern sales tools to give you an edge.
D. Skilled Trades
Skilled trades in the US are highly under-rated and have less competition because they are not flashy. With the advent of artificial intelligence and robotics, many ‘technical’ skills may get automated. But skilled trades can’t be fully automated. You can become a skilled trader like:
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC technician
- Carpenter
- Welder
- Mason
- Elevator Mechanic
- Heavy-duty Operator
- Cardiovascular technologist
- Auto service technician
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Sheet metal worker
The sweet part about skilled trade industries in the US is that they’re not easy to break into. All you need is experience and proof of competence.
Before applying for these jobs, you need experience from entry-level roles or apprenticeships that offer training. Union jobs also offer job security and great job security. Plus, skilled trades provide excellent entrepreneurial opportunities over time.
Build Credentials
If you didn’t go down the traditional path, you need something else to show that you’re equally qualified to handle the job. Here’s how to do this:
Get Certifications
When you double-down on the career path you want, the next step is to build your credentials. While the job market is highly competitive, many US companies are unable to find competent employees that can provide value to the company.
You need to build credentials that set you apart and show competence to your prospective employers.
The first step is to get industry-recognized certifications. If they seem too expensive, plan to save for them over time. Complete online courses on platforms like Udemy and Coursera and leverage on other people’s wealth of knowledge.
Build your Portfolio
A solid portfolio opens several opportunities for you that a university degree can’t. Depending on your field, document your projects and achievements as much as possible.
Add the results you achieved because that signals profitability to employers. Use social media platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your work, share valuable ideas, and become a thought leader in your field. If possible, build a professional website to show your work and testimonials from previous clients you’ve worked with.
Networking
Professional networking is vital because most high-paying job positions are typically filled through relationships. Establish a solid presence on LinkedIn and regularly post content to become a thought leader in your industry. Endeavour to join professional groups and participate in forums.
Also, the easiest way to find high-paying opportunities is to seek out a mentor in your field, but it’s a two-way street. Mentors only want to help people with prospects. You need to show a track record of excellence so that mentors can easily help you.
Strategic Job Search
After preparing yourself for the high-paying job of your dreams, you can’t just apply for any company. You need to be strategic with your job search so that you can apply for jobs that actually match the pay-grade. Here’s what to do:
Choose the Right Companies
A high-paying job typically needs the right work experience to back it up. If you don’t have work experience, seek out an entry-level job role to build that experience.
But if you do, be strategic with your job search. Major companies and startups dropped their college degree requirement and need skill-based employees, so never be afraid to apply for those jobs. Build your portfolio to showcase relevant experience to those companies and ask employees at the companies for tips.
Bonus tip: If a friend or someone close to you got a job at a company, you should apply there also as they may be hiring for the same or other roles. Remote work opportunities should also be explored.
Prepare for Interviews
The interview stage is critical to landing a high-paying job in the US.
You need to demonstrate practical skills through a solid portfolio and give detailed examples of previous achievements to show that you’ll be profitable to the employer. Research common interview questions in your field.
Some companies take a step further by providing technical assessments to test if the candidates’ skill sets are compatible with the company.
Prepare thoroughly for those assessments and seek help when needed. That’s where connecting with previous or current employers of your dream company can be super helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask employers questions and negotiate your salary like a boss, knowing the value you bring to the table.
Bonus Tip: If asked about your college degree for any reason, be prepared to explain your non-traditional path correctly. Employers are likely to hire people who are more confident in their ability to deliver than those with several degrees and nothing to show for it.
Final Words
Getting high-paying jobs in the US needs strategic planning, dedication, and commitment. When you focus on developing your skills, building a strong portfolio, networking with other professionals, and consistently increasing your value, you’re one step away from landing an excellent job in the US.
