This eighth edition of Getting a Job in America is appearing at a time of some uncertainty. While many outsiders continue to be attracted to the idea of living and working in the USA and there are plenty of jobs for them to do, the terrorist attack on New York’s World Trade Center in September 2001 continues to cast a shadow.

In the wake of the attack there has been a complete rethink of security issues in the United States leading to the creation of a Department of Homeland Security. This embraces the former Immigration and Nationality Service (INS) – which has now become US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

These titles suggest that the Bush administration is keener on keeping people out of the country then encouraging them to contribute their skills to building up the country’s economy. It is not getting any easier to enter the USA – there are often delays in obtaining visas and arrivals procedures have become more complex – but provided you have determination and the requisite skills it is not impossible.

Good preparation is the key to success and this is where this book can be of value. It deals with issues that you may not have even considered, such as whether you would qualify for a work visa or residence permit; how much it will cost to live there; what level of salaries are on offer; and which areas of this vast country offer the best quality of life.

However, as the title suggests, the main purpose of this handbook is to help you find employment, and it is possible to do this even before you set foot in America. Whether you are a student looking for a summer job or an experienced professional seeking a new challenge you will find plenty of information on jobs in these pages as well as hundreds of useful contacts – recruitment agencies, employers, immigration lawyers and consultants, specialist websites, professional and trade associations, as well as state and govenment offices.

Of course, there is no sure-fire guarantee of success, but your chances of succeeding are increased if you start out well informed, having paid heed to the advice and suggestions you find here.

Those of you who are familiar with previous editions will note a number of improvements. Entrepreneurs who are keen to set up or buy a business in the United States will find some useful contacts to start them off. There is information on the salaries on offer for different occupations, and one table ranks the different states according to how pleasant they arc to live in. Watch out for this: there are a few surprises! The rest of the information has been refined and updated.

Although I have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible, please bear in mind that information can quickly go out of date, and on immigration matters, in particular, you must check whether new regulations have been brought in. If you spot any inaccuracies or have any suggestions for future edtions, I would be only to happy to hear from you. You can reach me c/o How To Books or by e-mailing arle@ukonline.co.uk.

I am pleased to learn that my book is now reaching a cosmopolitan readership and would like to wish you all, wherever you are, every success in getting a job in America.