international students and career search

Graduate Career Services Fall Workshop Series

The International Student’s Career Search in the U.S.


Agenda•Introduction

•Employment Options

•Three Part Job Search

•Discussion on U.S. Companies

•The Preparation

•Performing the Job Search

•Resumes

•Interviews

•Discussion on the booklet

•Questions and moving forward


Introduction

□The benefits of hiring an international student□Cultural Dimensions□Language Skills□Unique Skill sets□Skills developed can be an asset in the

job search


Introduction

□Things to do this year while on campus

□Word of caution about extracurricular activities

□Checklist


Employment Options

□Practical Training on an F-1□CPT and OPT□Application procedures

□H1-B Visa

Meet with Tess Casler in the International Student and Scholars office for application and

procedures of applying for any practical training or visa related issues.


Effective Job Search1. Discussion on US Companies

2. Preparation

3. Performing the Search


□U.S. Companies□Why they may not hire (read through

book)

Effective Job Search


□U.S. Companies□What to watch out for

□Financial Strength and stability□Employers retention history (layoffs)□Companies with legal issues□Can you work for these companies?□What is the workplace culture like?□Company’s integrity□Do current employees like it there?



□U.S. Companies□Career Path Opportunities□Employer size

□Stability□Knowledge of sponsorship practices



□U.S. Companies□Companies likely to sponsor a visa

□Large companies that do business in your home country as well as the U.S.

□Expanding companies□Possession of a unique or specialized skill□Those that have in the past

□Companies not likely to sponsor a visa



Effective Job Search Part II: Your Preparation


Effective Job Search – Part II

□An effective job search in the U.S. includes:□Identifying the skills that you possess□Understanding what you want for

yourself (employer qualities, positions, work environment)

□Researching the qualifications that employers want in a new employee



□An effective job search in the U.S. includes:□Connecting skills you possess with

qualifications employers seek□Evaluating what legal options are

available□Using a variety of methods to obtain

employment (discussed in part III)



□Make some decisions before you begin your job search□Are you going to look in the U.S., your

home country and/or internationally?□What kind of work are you interested in?□Do you plan to live in the U.S.

temporarily, permanently or indefinitely?□Is your main intention to make money?

Gain experience? Make contacts?



□Factors in securing employment:□Start your job search early□Learn American professional etiquette

and job search processes□Demonstrate excellent English skills

(written and verbal)□Promote yourself effectively (see

workbook on “Creating an Individual Marketing Plan”



□Factors in securing employment:□Obtain relevant experiences□Participate in professional organizations,

campus organizations and activities□Maintain a commitment to the job

search process (stay motivated and positive)


Effective Job Search – Part IIIPerforming the Search


Effective Job Search – Part III

□ Most effective ways in finding jobs1. Networking/Personal Contacts2. Referrals from employees3. Headhunters4. Internet Job Postings5. Temp-to-hire positions (especially

internships)

Source: surveys conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Wall St. Journal



□ Most effective ways in finding employees

1. Networking/Personal Contacts2. Employee Referrals3. Internet Job Postings4. Headhunters5. Newspaper/generic advertising

Source: surveys conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Wall St. Journal


Networking

Networking – Both applicants and employers can and do rely on this method.

About 85% of jobs are obtained this way, so don’t be shy about asking for information and referrals!

•Family

•Friends

•Friends of Friends

•Former Employers

•Your Professors

•Alumni

•Professional Networking

•Etc.


Create your own opportunity

□Cold calling (careful of being pushy)□Ask for an informational interview

□Considering part-time work, internships, temporary jobs, or volunteering

□Proposing the development of a new position you can fill

Move away from the name of your major to what skills you’ve attained and can offer


□Good options for international students□Consider small and large companies for

potential employment – do not limit your job opportunities

□Call your nearest country’s consulate or embassy to inquire about a list of your home country’s firms which do business in the U.S. and vice versa.




□In a job search…□How do I find companies that are willing

to hire international students?□What do I do when I know a company

has hired international students in the past, but now indicates they no longer do so?

□If a company says they won’t hire international students, should I still apply?



□In a job search…□Should I list my visa status on my

resume or cover letter?


Resumes


Resumes

□Introduce employers to foreign companies and schools by providing a frame of reference. For example:□A ten million dollar marketing firm□One of the top five universities in China□Second largest technology

manufacturer in Europe□Nigerian version of McDonalds


Resumes

□ Emphasize strong English skills on the resume (i.e. responsible for translating English and another language)

□ Ensure writing skills are up to American standards – take courses that include writing

□ Make sure resumes are free from grammatical and spelling errors as well as awkward use of language

□ Do no include personal information such as age, marital status, race, or religion

□ Avoid listing international contact information□ Visit the campus writing center, career center□ Continuously critique your resume!


Resumes□ The Education Section of Your Resume

□ List the degree you were awarded along with the location of the school and the date the program was completed.

□ Do not include Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. Instead, list:

□ how many years you have studied in Englishhow many years you have studied English, orhow many years you have spoken English

□ Do not try to "translate" your educational experiences for employers. Simply list those experiences and include your most recent experience; for example, acceptance at Purdue. Being accepted by an American university such as Clarkson will signal to employers that you have qualifying educational experience.


Interviewing


Interviewing

□Interviewing tips□Study commonly asked interview questions□Speak confidently about yourself and your

success. Be assertive, not aggressive□Have examples of strengths, accomplishments

and skills handy□Thank you notes are a nice follow up method□Make sure you have a sense for appropriate

dress□Schedule two or more Mock Interviews first

before first “real” one□Refer to handouts from interviewing workshop

as well as the packet for this workshop


Review of Information booklet


In closing…

□Job Searching takes time, patience and perseverance

□Stay committed to your goals□Ask questions□Meet with Josh, Career Center staff,

and others for critiques and advice□Meet with Tess Casler in the ISSO

office regarding your Practical trainings in the spring

international students and career search

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