US JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Christina Siders, MACareer Counselor

Hui ZhangGraduate student intern

WORKSHOP AGENDAI. Know what you’re up against

Challenges faced by international students

I. The US Resume Resume tips and guidelines

II. The US Job Search The job search in 8 easy steps

III. The US Interview Visa discussions Cultural cues and differences How to handle tough questions

IV. Resources and helpful links

WHAT ARE YOU UP AGAINST? Perceived Lack of Commitment: Fear that

international employees will return to their home countries

Communication Difficulties: Concern about international students’ communication skills

Animosity: International students ‘taking’ American jobs

Hiring Complexities: Cost and complexity associated with the H1B process

Cultural differences: American expectations and conflicting cultural values

Work restrictions: Position must be directly related to your area of study

What challenges have you encountered?

RESUMES IN THE US

A Standard Resume Format:Header (name, email, phone, address)Objective (optional)EducationExperienceLeadershipHonors/AwardsSkills

Remember: The American resume is your primary method of self marketing. It is a concise tool for self-promotion, not just a chronology of work and

educational experiences.

RESUMES IN THE USResume Do’s: Explain your education:

Example:“License” (Bachelors Degree)

Provide contextual information.

Tailor each resume toward the position sought

Use strong action verbs Proofread! Proofread!

Proofread! Use the UCS career guide:

http://www.northwestern.edu/careers/announcements/NU-CareerGuide08_09.pdf

Resume Don’ts: Don’t include the following:

Date of Birth Gender, Race, Religion Marital Status Citizenship Copies of diplomas Photo Letters of Recommendation

(unless specifically requested), with a few exceptions

TOEFL scores – instead, list how many years you have studied English.

Go beyond a page, unless graduate level

THE US JOB SEARCH IN 8 EASY STEPS

1. Begin early Start as early as freshmen year if possible.

2. Consider the field Jobs are typically most prevalent in engineering, sciences,

technology, and business admin/management. Technical fields remain the most likely to offer jobs for international students.

3. Master your English skills Speak up in class, join student organizations, volunteer, and

practice at home.4. Know your skills

Identify the skills you already possess, the skills required by employers in your chosen field, and the gaps between the two.

5. Network, network, network…. Attend a networking workshop this week, or during the school

year. Tap into a number of resources to identify contacts and build

relationships (see international student guide for links). http://online.usacareerguides.com/network.aspx

THE US JOB SEARCH IN 8 EASY STEPS

6. Perfect your main marketing document Come in to UCS to have your resume reviewed by a

practitioner.7. Target the right employers

By H1B petitions: http://online.goinglobal.com/H1BSearch.aspx

By presence in your home country: international companies are more likely to need international students.

By trade relationships between your city and home country: http://online.goinglobal.com/guidesUSA.aspx?context=USA

8. Be realistic and don’t do it alone. Develop a plan B by looking for jobs in your home country. Remember that UCS is here to help you every step of the

way.

INTERVIEWING IN THE US: VISA STATUS What do I need to know before going into the interview?

Visa type, restrictions, and where they can find additional information.

When do I talk about it? Does not need to be discussed immediately –employer should first

get to know you (skills, qualifications, personality) If they don’t specifically ask sooner, then you should mention it

during the last interview. How do I say it?

“I’m not sure if you know this or not, but I am an international student. I have a work permit for one year, but will need sponsorship for another work permit after one year.”

What if they know nothing about it? Point them to the USCIS or their company lawyer for more

information.

INTERVIEWING IN THE US: CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS Cultural Cues to consider in an interview:

The greeting: Pay attention to how they introduce themselves and reciprocate Don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat their name if hard to understand

or pronounce They will usually extend hand first, but if not, it’s ok to extend yours They may tell you where to sit, but if not, you can ask

The body of the interview: Eye contact exudes confidence in the US. This is not considered rude

or invasive as in other countries Self disclosure of strengths, weaknesses, experiences, personality and

leadership style will be required Selling your skills is the expectation, not the exception Display initiative by asking questions of them during and at the end of

the interview Feel free to ask the employer to repeat or clarify question if you are

unsure. If you’re nervous about your language skills, speak slowly, carefully,

and clearlyWhen I doubt, play copy cat! Observe and mirror the body language of your interviewer

INTERVIEWING IN THE US: SHOW OFF YOUR STRENGTHS

Quick tip: Follow through is important. Always remember to follow up with the interviewer within 2 weeks after the interview.

INTERVIEWING IN THE US: IS THAT LEGAL??

Are you authorized to work in the United States?

If you are not a U.S. citizen, do you have the legal right to remain permanently in the United States?

What is your visa status? Are you able to provide

proof of employment eligibility upon hire?

You sound like you have an accent; where are you from?

Are you married? Is this your maiden or married name? With whom do you live?

Where were you born? Where are your parents from? What's your heritage?

What language is spoken in your home?

They can ask… They can’t ask…

More on improper questions: http://www.jobweb.com/interviews

INTERVIEWING IN THE US: ANSWERING TOUGH QUESTIONS

Think about the information they are trying to attain and answer that question - not the illegal question

Ask how the question is related to the position

Tell them that it is an illegal question, although this risks putting employer on defensive

Answer it

HELPFUL RESOURCES The International Office

630 Dartmouth PlaceEvanston, IL  60208

(847) 491-5613

Going Global (access through UCS homepage with NetID): http://online.goinglobal.com

Join the Chicagoland and Northwestern ISEI group on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com

List of links in international student’s handbook

TAKE THE NEXT STEPAND COME TO UCS!

Main Office620 Lincoln Street847-491-3700

CareerLabCore ReserveMain Library, 2nd Floor North

Web www.northwestern.edu/careersEmail internship@northwestern.eduFacebook www.facebook.com/northwesternucsTwitter http://twitter.com/northwesternucsLinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/groupRegistration?gid=1926036

MORE BACKBACK 2 BRIEFCASE EVENTS! Networking: Necessary But Not Evil

9/24, Thursday, 3:30-4:30, Arch Room Preparing for a Job Fair

9/30, Wednesday, 6:00-7:00, Wildcat Room What Are You Going to Do When You GRADUATE?

9/29, Tuesday, 3:30-4:30, Wildcat Room Job Search in Engineering, Science, and Technology

9/29, Tuesday, 6:00-7:00, Wildcat Room Job Search in Business

9/24, Thursday, 6:00-7:00, Wildcat Room Job Search in Communications, Marketing, & Media

9/23, Wednesday, 6:00-7:00, Wildcat A Job Search in Government, Education & Non-profit

10/5, Monday, 6:00-7:00, Northwestern Room CAMPUS RECRUITING EXPO

10/1, Thursday, 12:00-4:00, Louis Room EXPO Chat Lounge