International Student Job Search Steps

Launch Your Legacy

International Student Job Search Steps

Phase I - Explore Employment Regulations

Phase II - Consider American Employment System

    • Review job search steps in this guide
    • Talk with a Career Counselor
    • Examine common cultural barriers to the job search

    Learn Business Etiquette 

    • Research American business etiquette
    • Learn American work values

Phase III - Job Search

    • Match your personality, skills, values and interests to career fields and job titles
    • Research your career field
    • Join student clubs and organizations
    • Conduct job shadowing
    • Volunteer
    • Complete an Internship
    • Consider on-campus employment
    • Participate in extracurricular activities
    • Understand purpose of resume: to showcase your background, skills and accomplishments to get an interview
    • Learn American resume format
    • Improve your writing skills
    • Write an effective resume to support what you want to do. Be sure to list:
      • A clearly constructed summary
      • Education/certification
      • Relevant experience
      • Awards, honors
      • Leadership abilities
      • Multicultural background
    • Have your resume critiqued by Career Counselor
    • Have your resume proofread at the Writing Center
    • Identify employers in your field of interest
    • Consider companies that have a relationship with your home country and international companies
    • Target companies that previously hired international students
    • Develop an introductory (“elevator”) speech
    • Join professional networking websites
      • Connect to key professionals in your field
    • Join a professional organization with your interests
      • Attend networking events
    • Conduct informational interviews
    • Follow up with each contact person

Step IV - Interview

    • Research the legal requirements for OPT and H1B visa so you can educate the employer
    • Examine cross-cultural communication differences and non-verbal behaviors
    • Make a list of your achievements, strengths, and skills related to the job
    • Review practice interview questions and telephone scripts
    • Research the company and the job
    • Participate in a mock interview
    • Be ready to explain why hiring you will be advantageous
    • Research diversity and how it benefits the company
    • Conduct yourself in a professional manner (e.g., timing and attire)
    • Wait until after the initial screening to bring up visa status
    • Respond to visa questions clearly and confidently
    • Capitalize on selling points:
      • Multicultural competence
      • Adaptability and flexibility
      • Communication in multiple languages
    • Send a thank-you letter for every interview
    • Continue to follow up on every interview until position is filled

Phase V - Evaluating and deciding on an offer of employment

  • Carefully evaluate the job offer based on type of work, location, salary, benefits, possibility for sponsorship

    Negotiate salary/benefits

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