How US Expats Can Land a Remote Job with a US Company

For American expats and digital nomads, the search for a remote US-based job can be frustrating. Many find their applications are immediately filtered out by HR systems that require candidates to be physically located on US soil, regardless of citizenship. The key to overcoming this hurdle is to move beyond standard application processes and find more direct ways to connect with companies and demonstrate your value.

Bypass the System: The Power of Your Network

The most frequently recommended strategy is to bypass job boards entirely. Applying through a generic portal puts you at an immediate disadvantage. Instead, focus on:

• Warm Introductions: Leverage your personal and professional network. A recommendation from a trusted former colleague can instantly get you past HR filters and into a conversation with a hiring manager.
• Direct Outreach: Identify key people in the hiring pipeline at companies you admire. A well-crafted message on LinkedIn to a founder or manager, expressing genuine interest in their work and asking to learn more, can open doors that a resume submission cannot. The goal is to stand out as a proactive and engaged candidate before you even formally apply.

The Proactive Pitch: Target Smaller Companies

Another high-effort, high-reward strategy is to target smaller companies and startups (e.g., under 50 employees). These organizations often have less rigid HR policies and are more open to flexible arrangements. The approach involves:

1. Identifying small, stable companies (3-5 years old) that align with your interests.
2. Researching what they do and who their founders are.
3. Approaching the founders directly with a compelling pitch about how your skills can help them, regardless of whether they have a public job opening.

This modern take on "walking in and asking for a job" requires diligence but can be extremely effective, as it shows initiative and a deep understanding of the company's mission.

Prove Your Worth in Public

One of the most powerful ways to de-risk your candidacy for a potential employer is to make your skills visible. Contributing to open-source projects, especially those maintained or used by a company you want to work for, is a direct path to getting noticed. It provides concrete proof of your technical abilities and collaborative skills. In some cases, companies have hired contributors directly from their open-source communities because they were already a known quantity and a proven fit.

How to Identify the Right Companies

While direct outreach is powerful, you can also be strategic with your search on job platforms. Look for signals that a company is open to a global workforce:

• Keywords: Search for terms like "global remote," "worldwide," or "async work culture."
• Industries: Companies in the Crypto and Web3 space are often inherently decentralized and location-agnostic.
• Job Boards: Use filters on sites like AngelList ("worldwide OK") or We Work Remotely ("global") to narrow your search.
• LinkedIn Recon: Before applying, investigate a company's employee list on LinkedIn. If you see employees based in various countries, it's a strong sign that their HR and payroll systems are already equipped for international hires.