Guides
Job Search Guides
Practical, plain-English guides for finding work in the United States. Each one is written by the AltFTool team, points to official sources such as the FTC, BLS, USCIS and the Department of Labor, and is reviewed regularly. Start with how to spot job scams if you are applying to companies you do not know.
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All guides
- How to Spot Job Scams: Red Flags, Fake Checks and Where to ReportLearn the warning signs of fake job offers in the US: fake check and equipment scams, pay-to-train schemes, reshipping and task scams, and how to report them to the FTC and IC3. 7 min read.
- How to Write a US Resume: Format, Sections and ATS TipsA practical guide to the American resume: one or two pages, no photo, the sections recruiters expect, how applicant tracking systems read it, and how to tailor it to each job. 7 min read.
- Job Interview Preparation: Common Questions and How to AnswerPrepare for phone, video and in-person interviews in the US: research the employer, answer common and behavioral questions with the STAR method, ask good questions and follow up. 7 min read.
- Salary Negotiation: How to Research Pay and Negotiate a Job OfferHow to research fair pay in the US, answer salary expectation questions, compare total compensation and negotiate a job offer politely, with sample wording. 7 min read.
- How to Find Legitimate Remote Jobs and Work From HomeWhere to find real remote and work-from-home jobs in the US, what 'remote' means in a posting, how to stand out in a remote application, and how to avoid work-from-home scams. 6 min read.
- How to Get an Entry-Level Job With Little or No ExperiencePractical steps to land your first job in the US: where entry-level roles are, how to show transferable skills, internships and apprenticeships, and how to apply efficiently. 6 min read.
- Visa Sponsorship Jobs in the USA: The Basics for Job SeekersGeneral information about US work visas and employer sponsorship: common visa types, how to search for sponsoring employers, questions to ask, and where to find official guidance. Not legal advice. 7 min read.
- How to Change Careers: A Step-by-Step PlanA realistic plan for switching careers in the US: choose a target, map transferable skills, close skill gaps affordably, reposition your resume and LinkedIn, and land the first role. 7 min read.
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About these guides
Who writes the AltFTool job search guides?
The AltFTool team writes and updates them in plain language for people looking for work in the United States. They are general information, not legal, financial or immigration advice, and they point to official sources such as the FTC, BLS, USCIS and the Department of Labor.
How often are the guides updated?
We review them regularly and show the last updated date on each guide. Rules such as pay transparency laws and visa requirements change, so always check the official source linked in the guide.
Which guide should I read first?
If you are applying to jobs from companies you do not know, start with How to Spot Job Scams. Then read the US resume guide and interview preparation guide.
More resources
Free career tools
Browser-based AltFTool tools for resumes, interviews, pay and scam checks. No sign-up.
- Resume MakerBuild a clean, ATS-friendly resume in your browser and export it.
- Cover LetterDraft a cover letter that matches the job you are applying for.
- Interview Question finderPractice common interview questions for your role.
- Career Prompt BuilderBuild AI prompts for resumes, cover letters, interview prep and salary negotiation.
- Job Offer Comparison ToolCompare job offers side by side, including pay and benefits.
- Hourly to Salary CalculatorConvert an hourly wage into weekly, monthly and yearly pay.
- VisaScout: compare visa providersCompare visa service providers, prices and processing times.
- AltFTool Backlinks directoryOur directory of places to list and promote a site or portfolio.