November, 11th
Chicago, IL
My acquaintance with eTest IT started one year ago, when I found their C++ advertisement on one of the job boards. The normal recruiting procedure started: interview – technical screening – confirmation – applying for visa and now finally in US. I guess I will try to make this post not only informative for newcomers or people interested, but also precise and readableJ
Starting from the beginning. History of my getting US visa. It was quite easy for me, took less than 1 month to get needed documents (bank account information, translating some of the docs, etc) then only 1 week to get my visa filed. Call to embassy on Tuesday, got interview with ambassador on Friday and visa in my hands next Wednesday. I guess it was also my luck to pass the interview with ambassador so quick and so positive (I had some issues with my insurance, but he himself called somewhere to get the answers quickly). An organization called CENET helps young people to acquire J1 visa supported me with all the preparation documents (thanks to eTest IT).
And finally, I’m here. First impressions of the Chicago city, notwithstanding my tiredness after the long flight, I still was amazed with how big the city is!!! Arriving at night – I had chance to see it in its night beauty.
Not a big cultural shock I had, though. Maybe because, I’ve already been in US and worked with US clients. But other language you hear on the streets and other people you met DO make you feel not-home, I would say. But it’s only at the beginning.
Then I met eTest IT personnel, which are not only professional, but also friendly and helping. I’m temporary living at manager’s apartment right now – it helps me to integrate into American culture and society faster, though most of the eTest IT consultants live in the guest house. eTest IT guys are marketing me on US job market and present me to clients for potential future projects. I’m being taken care and professionally trained. You think it is bad you are coming here not having a job already booked for you? No, it is all very well planned. You have time to get integrated into American lifestyle, get introduced to a totally different way of being employed, interviewed here. I have already passed two trainings on how to behave myself on the interview, how to present myself, how to build my resume. I guess this information will be very useful and effective once I get it started.
Some more tips for the newcomers. Of course, you leave your family oversees, but with the up-to-date communication tools it is so easy. I bought a phone and a sim-card for 130$. 20$ per phone itself, 10$ for a card and rest 100$ on my account. I’ve also got additional service, with the help of which I pay only 5cen/minute for international calls !!:) So, I’m extremely close to my relatives and friends!
Of course, it takes time to get all needed documents, but I’ve already got Social Security Number ( for being able to receive salary payments) and I’m planning to pass he Driving License exams soon. I still have 90 days at my disposal (my Ukrainian license is valid here for this period of time)
One week has passed, even though I’m still under impressions. I’m getting more and more familiar with this city and this lifestyle. I am very grateful to eTest IT for their support and professionalism. Looking forward to the interviews and my new professional experience. Will keep you updated.
Ilya Bobir, C++ Developer
Candidate from Kyiv, Ukraine
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