A US number for job seekers applying to US remote roles

Why give US recruiters a US number?

US recruiters often start with a short phone screen before any video interview. For them, a +1 number is an ordinary call, with no dialing code to look up and no question about the cost. It also keeps job-search calls apart from your personal line, so you know who is calling before you answer.

The TripoSIM US Virtual Number runs in an app on your phone over Wi-Fi or mobile data. Calls ring like normal calls. When you are asleep or offline, recruiters can leave a voicemail and you call back in your next window.

Does a US number change where you live?

No. A phone number does not change where you live or whether you can work for a US employer. Be honest about your location and your work authorization on every application, in every screening call and on every profile. When a form or a recruiter asks "Where are you based?" or "Are you authorized to work in the US?", answer truthfully.

Some remote roles are open to people outside the US and some are not. The job post or the recruiter can tell you which. The number only makes it easier for a US recruiter to call you. It is not a way to look like a US resident, and you should not use it that way.

Put your real location next to the number, for example: "+1 (212) XXX-XXXX, US line. Based in Lisbon, Portugal. Calls 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET." This page is not legal or immigration advice; for visa or work-permit questions, ask a qualified adviser.

How do you fill in application forms?

1. Phone field: if there is a country code menu, choose United States (+1), then type the 10 digits with no extra leading 1 or 0.
2. Location field: enter the country you live in, even when the form starts with the US filled in.
3. Area code: it does not need to match anything about you. A well-known code such as New York 212 is easy to recognize. See the area code list.
4. Sign-in codes: job sites and apps send verification codes to your phone. The number receives verification codes (OTP SMS) from apps, and TripoSIM tested LinkedIn, Google and Microsoft on October 3, 2026. Read how to get codes quickly.
5. Email first: list your email as the main contact, with the US number as the way to call you.

How do you schedule screening calls across time zones?

Recruiters usually propose times in their own zone. Confirm in their zone and add yours: "Tuesday at 10 a.m. ET works. That is 3 p.m. for me in Lisbon." US clocks change on different dates from Europe's, so for a few weeks each spring and autumn the gap is one hour shorter (NIST).

• Offer two or three windows in the recruiter's time zone. The US time-zone clock shows when they are at work.
• Put both zones in the calendar invite, so a clock change does not move the call for one of you.
• For a late call, open the app a few minutes before and check your connection.
• From the Gulf or Asia, US hours fall in your evening. Our guide to the best time to call the US has the windows by country.

What should your voicemail greeting say?

Your greeting is often the first thing a recruiter hears from you. Keep it short and clear:

"Hi, you've reached Maria Santos. I'm based in Lisbon, Portugal, so I may miss calls late in your day. Please leave your name, the role and a good time to reach you, and I'll call you back during your business hours."

Voicemail messages can be up to 2 minutes, up to 30 a month, and are kept 30 days. The voicemail guide covers setup and testing.

What about texts from recruiters?

The number receives texts from US and Canadian senders, so interview reminders and scheduling links reach you in the app. Sending texts is not included, so you cannot answer from the number. Add a line to your email signature such as "Please call or email; I can't reply to texts on this number," and answer any text you get by email or a call.

How many minutes does a job search use?

Recruiter calls to you do not use your outgoing minutes; they are included up to a fair use of 300 minutes a month. Only calls you make, such as calling a recruiter back, use the 300 minutes to the US and Canada. Each outgoing call is rounded up to the next full minute; unanswered calls are free. Three stages of a search, worked out for one month:

Incoming calls do not use your minutes (fair use 300 minutes a month). Each plan includes 300 minutes a month out; extra minutes are $5 per 100, and unused extra minutes carry over to the next month. Prices before tax.

Calls coming in have their own allowance. Count them separately; do not add the two together.

A search often lasts a few months, so the monthly plan at $12.99 can suit; you can cancel the renewal anytime. If the plan ends, the number is kept 90 days and then released, so update your profiles before then. If you want the number for longer, the yearly plan is $100. Try your own numbers in the cost calculator.

When is another option better?

• Recruiters expect text replies: the TripoSIM number receives texts only. A provider with two-way texting suits you better; see providers compared.
• The role requires living in the US: a phone number does not change that. Look for roles open to people in your country.
• Your internet is unreliable: calls need internet, and a weak connection means a weak phone screen. Offer a video call link as well.
• You need to call outside the US and Canada: calls out go to US and Canadian numbers only. Anyone can still call your number.
• Emergencies: the number cannot call 911 or any emergency number. Keep your local line for that.