Alf Castellanos, a young Honduran migrant to the United States, shared on TikTok the steps that helped him get his first job as a migrant in the U.S. with no previous experience.
His testimony went viral among the Latino community, offering practical advice on how to start a working life in the U.S., even when resources and contacts are limited.
Tips for getting a first job as a migrant in the U.S.
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According to Castellanos, the most important thing is to lose fear and be willing to take risks.
He started in construction, a sector he was not familiar with, but decided to learn from scratch until he perfected his skills in concrete.
From there, he focused on improving every day and specializing.
Another of his tips was to take advantage of social networks to promote himself.
The Honduran printed cards with his information on them, labeled his truck with his business information and distributed his contact information in nearby neighborhoods.
In this way, it was able to attract customers without the need for intermediaries.
He also stressed the importance of networking in the industry.
He reported that he met cement transporters and, by recommending jobs to them, he received a commission.
Over time, these connections allowed him to pursue projects of his own.
He also recommended learning to charge what is fair and to understand the value of the work performed.
What is the best job for Latinos in the U.S.?
According to Castellanos, construction is one of the most profitable areas for migrants.
Although he had never worked in this sector before, he earned up to $1,800 per week as a helper, unloading materials and applying cement.
However, he warned that it is a physically demanding job: you have to get up early, endure high temperatures and work long days, often until midnight.
Although the sacrifice is great, construction remains a viable path for those seeking economic stability in their first job as a migrant in the US.
Best trades to be self-employed in the U.S.
It is not only construction that offers opportunities.
Another Latino migrant, Adán Bautista, revealed on TikTok that he works as a “yardero” or gardener and that on a good day he can earn more than a thousand dollars.
Although he noted that incomes vary, landscaping, tree trimming, and green space maintenance are common and well-paying jobs among the Latino community.
Other recommended jobs to start independently include Uber driver, delivery driver, janitorial staff and handyman, a versatile trade that includes carpentry, plumbing, electrical and general repair.
There are also options in elder care or in food and bakery sales, areas where migrants can use their personal skills to generate income.
The Latino migrant experience in the U.S.
Alf Castellanos’ story reflects the efforts of thousands of migrants who come to the United States in search of better opportunities.
His message motivates those who do not yet know how to take the first step: it is not necessary to be an expert in a trade, but to be willing to learn, make contacts and work hard.
Stories like hers are multiplying on social networks, where more and more migrants are sharing their experiences to guide those arriving in the country.
Thus, platforms such as TikTok and YouTube have become a kind of community guide to getting a first job as a migrant in the US.
This article was originally published in Nueva News.
