Seasonal work in the USA: which kinds of jobs?

It is entirely possible to find work in the United States for a few months. With the right visa, the doors of America open to you for the length of a summer. Seasonal jobs in the USA are generally concentrated in a handful of sectors. Let us look at the offers you can expect when you come to work for a summer.

Which visa for a seasonal job in the USA?

First of all, be aware that working in the United States requires a visa. In this particular case, to find a summer job, you do not need a green card, but the J-1 “Summer Work Travel” visa. That visa is reserved exclusively for summer jobs. Without it, there is no way to hold a seasonal job legally in the United States.

What kind of seasonal jobs can you expect to find?

In the USA, students are recruited for seasonal positions in the following places:

• Cafés, restaurants and fast-food outlets

They are always looking for staff, in the kitchen or front of house. In summer the demand is even higher, with the holidays and the massive arrival of tourists, local and foreign alike. It is in the big cities that these establishments look for the most staff.

• Hotels

Like restaurants, hotels also need more staff in high season. Receptionists, concierges and parking valets are particularly sought after. Tourist areas are the most likely to hire in hospitality.

• National parks

Very numerous in the United States, they cover a large part of the country and have to cope with the influx of tourists during the summer months. The positions are extremely varied: you can work as a shop assistant, a driver or even a tour guide.

• Theme parks

The theme parks of Florida and California are vast, and attract a multitude of visitors every year. Unsurprisingly, the hottest months are the busiest. For young people it is a genuinely interesting opportunity to come and work in an American theme park. These are places buzzing with life, drawing families from every corner of the world.

How do you find a summer job in the USA?

First things first: you need a CV and a cover letter in English. Be careful to note that you can only travel on the visa if you have found a job beforehand. To give yourself every chance of landing a summer job, going through the “Work and Travel” programme is strongly recommended. It gives you access to relevant job offers that make the search considerably easier.

When should you go for a seasonal job in the United States?

In the USA the summer job visa is valid for 4 months, from 1 June to 30 September. Beyond that period it is not possible to work on American soil. Finding a job within that window is therefore essential. What are the conditions for a seasonal job in the United States? To work in the United States on the “Summer Work Travel” visa, you must:

• Be between 18 and 28 years old
• Be a student at a recognised French institution
• Be available for at least 3 months between 1 June and 30 September