Working in Los Angeles: How to find a job in LA

Many dream of living and working in LA. Our guide on working in Los Angeles will help you discover what it's really like to find a job and work in the city.

Ellie

7 minute read

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21 Aug 2024

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Working

Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, has more to offer than glamorous Hollywood dreams and endless sunshine. Known for its thriving economy and diverse cultural scene, LA is also a great place for your career to excel. Los Angeles is home to many innovative start-ups and tech companies, making it an ideal place to grow and learn in your field. Whether you're an aspiring actor, a tech enthusiast, or just looking to start fresh in a new city, this guide'll help you learn what working in Los Angeles is really like and give some helpful tips to find a job in Los Angeles.

To help you get an understanding of what to expect while working in Los Angeles, let’s take a look at a few standout features of the LA working culture.

The job market in LA is competitive

One of the first things to note about working in Los Angeles is that the job market is very competitive. Regardless of your industry, LA attracts thousands of highly skilled and highly educated professionals every year, so finding a job can take time. The LA working culture is fast-paced, and you’ll work with highly driven and motivated people.

However, there’re plenty of start-ups based in Los Angeles who can be more open-minded when it comes to the hiring process. Many start-ups will be willing to hire less experienced and educated people, but this will also mean a lower salary. It’s important to ensure that your salary in LA aligns with your monthly cost of living in LA.

The average salary in LA is pretty high

It’s a bit of a no-brainer that the average salary in LA is high, given the higher cost of living that the city demands. Still, with an average gross salary of $7,293 in the city of Los Angeles, you’ll probably make a decent living while working here. Of course, the salary you make will vary a lot depending on your experience, your industry and your role. However, the high price of living in LA demands a decent salary that plenty of companies are happy to pay.

Not only does LA have a high average salary, but the minimum wage in LA is also high. As of July 1st, 2024, it was $17.27, significantly higher than the minimum wage of many surrounding states and cities. So, even if you’re working on a minimum wage, you should find your LA salary liveable with careful budgeting and planning.

9-5 jobs aren’t the norm in LA

A lot of people who work in Los Angeles won’t work a typical 9 to 5 office job. Even those working office jobs rarely have a 9 to 5 work day. Between freelancers, creatives and those employed by the entertainment industry, few people will have a typical work schedule in Los Angeles. Of course, the hours and days you work will depend on your industry and role.

In such a fast-paced work culture, surrounded by highly motivated and driven people, you’ll always find someone working towards a deadline in an LA café at any time of the day or night.

The dress code is pretty casual in LA

The dress code while working in Los Angeles is casual and relaxed. Unlike NYC, you won’t find many people wearing business attire in LA. Of course, each company will have their own dress code, and you probably shouldn’t rock up to work in board shorts, fresh from a surf. However, most people working in office jobs in LA will wear something comfortable and appropriate for the weather in LA. So don’t worry too much about buying a fancy suit before you start working in Los Angeles.

The work-life balance can be tricky to find in LA

As you’re now well aware, the overall vibe of working in Los Angeles is fast-paced and driven by highly motivated employees. Many people in LA will work long hours, and despite living in a city with so many leisure activities, finding the balance between work and living can be challenging. Particularly for those working in the tech and entertainment industries in Los Angeles, carving out time for yourself in your busy work schedule is important.

If you’re working remotely in Los Angeles, as thousands of people are, make sure you have a separate space dedicated to work. Try to set dedicated working hours, and make the most of the beautiful beaches and hikes surrounding you in LA.

Now that you understand the vibe of the job market in LA and what working in Los Angeles is like, it’s time to talk about your job search. Finding a job in Los Angeles can be quite a task, with such a competitive workforce and such high expectations. Let’s walk through how to get a job in Los Angeles with these 6 useful tips.

1. Research the job market

Before you start applying for jobs left, right and center, doing some research into the job market is a good idea to get a better understanding. Investigate which industries are currently thriving in LA and see whether they align with your career goals. Websites like Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Reddit are useful for finding honest and valuable information about which industries are doing well, which companies are good to work for, and what kind of salary you can expect.

2. Tailor your resume and cover letter

Once you’ve found the jobs you’re interested in, it’s time to work on your resume and cover letters. Firstly, you’ll need to ensure that the format of your resume aligns with the standard format in Los Angeles. Look up resume tips for LA and adjust yours accordingly. If you’re coming to LA from a different country, you’ll need to ensure your resume (or CV) aligns with American standards.

Generally speaking, while applying for jobs in Los Angeles, your resume should include:

• Work experience
• Qualifications/certifications/licenses
• Education
• Military service
• The languages you speak
• Relevant skills
• Trainings you have completed

On the other hand, you should exclude the following from your resume while applying for jobs in Los Angeles:

• Hobbies and interests
• Your ethnicity or religious beliefs
• A photo of you
• References

References may be a surprising exclusion, but you shouldn’t include them in your resume. If needed, you should list 3-5 references on a separate document or wait for your potential employer to request them.

Regarding your cover letter when applying for jobs in LA, it’s best to have a flexible format that you can edit for each application. Using keywords that you read in the job description or listing is a great way to make your cover letter stand out. Your cover letter shouldn’t be longer than one page.

3. Use online job portals and recruiters

Using an online job portal or a recruiter to find a job in Los Angeles is a great way to kick-start your job search before (and after) you move to the city. Using job portals like Monster Jobs, SimplyHired, and Indeed is a great way to find work in Los Angeles conveniently and for free. You can easily filter by your skills and qualifications and find roles that match your criteria.

If you reach out to a recruiter specialising in your field, you’ll find their experience and knowledge invaluable during your job search. Recruiters are often able to find job advertisements that haven’t been made publicly available yet and can help you find your perfect job before you even move to LA.

4. Take advantage of networking opportunities

Los Angeles is a city of socialization and opportunities. If you’re applying for jobs while already living in LA, it’s a great idea to attend networking events or industry seminars, join professional organizations, and connect with local professionals on LinkedIn. Word-of-mouth and a friendly reference will get you far in Los Angeles, so don’t be afraid to use your connections and your charisma to find new roles.

5. Prepare for the hiring process

Brace yourself for the hiring process in LA. The hiring process in Los Angeles is generally rigorous, time-consuming and competitive. On average, it takes 82 days to get hired in Los Angeles. You’ll need to prepare for multiple rounds of interviews. Your interviews will probably take place in a few different formats, though phone, video and in-person interviews are most common. Some companies may require you to complete a task as part of the hiring process to demonstrate your skills.

A good tip to prepare for interviews is to research the company you’re interviewing for very well. Be able to answer questions about the company, what you’ll bring to the table, and how your background and skills can help take them where they want to go. If you work in entertainment, you may need to have a portfolio of your work prepared and ready to deliver.

There’s no harm in preparing some questions for your interviewer, too. Expressing your interest in the company and demonstrating your curiosity will show how invested you are in working there and how serious you are about the interview.

6. Apply for a range of job opportunities

In such a highly competitive job market with a lengthy hiring process, applying for many jobs is the key. Some companies will receive hundreds of applications for one position, so you might get lost in the tide even if you’re the perfect fit. Apply for as many suitable positions as you can find, and you’re most likely going get an interview with at least one. If you’re already unemployed, it’s not a good idea to apply for one job at a time and wait to hear back from them before you apply for the next unless you can afford life in LA without a job.

While you may have a specific role or industry in mind, being open to various opportunities can increase your chances of finding a job. Consider taking contract or temporary positions to get your foot in the door and build connections within the industry. Sometimes, these roles can lead to permanent positions and provide valuable experience that boosts your career.

Working in Los Angeles will bring many opportunities for you to excel in your career and learn from new cultures and experiences. Los Angeles has something to offer everyone, regardless of work experience or educational background. Now that you’ve got all the tools to find your perfect job in Los Angeles, it’s time to start your job hunt. Once you’ve found your job (or perhaps before), you’ll need to find a place to live in LA. Let us help you on your house hunt, too!