Looking for a job is challenging for any student. Moreover, the job search process can be incredibly confusing for you, the international student!
You may need to understand the United States employment regulations or be unaware of the impact of your career choice on your job search.
Also, you may need clarification about your job-seeker role and the resources employers use to find candidates. As such, we have compiled some resources to help you start and develop an effective strategy to land your dream job!
Common Cultural Barriers to the Job Hunt
American cultural attitudes and behaviors related to job hunting may differ from those of your culture. If you have not thoroughly absorbed American work-related expectations, we’ve addressed some possible cultural barriers to an effective job search below.
Self-Promotion
You must be confident in discussing your goals and accomplishments and assertive in making your case, initiating calls, and following up with all contacts.
Openness in Communication
In business, people expect open and direct questions/answers, a firm handshake, eye contact, and a confident but relaxed posture. If these are uncomfortable for you, practice with your American friends.
Self-Disclosure
Many cultures consider personal questions about likes and dislikes or strengths and weaknesses as an invasion of privacy by all except family and close friends.
However, you may be asked to disclose these in an interview. Preparation should enable you to do this more comfortably.
Employment Self-Awareness
In the United States, you are expected to demonstrate knowledge of yourself, your career goals, and how they relate to the job. Informational interviewing will help you prepare.
Individual Responsibility in Finding Employment
Personal and professional networks are significant in finding jobs in the U.S. Generally, you must create them. Put great effort into identifying multiple job possibilities.
If it is any consolation, the self-directed nature of this process comes as a surprise to most Americans, too.
Language Barricades
Employers value effective communication when recruiting. They may be concerned about your writing and speaking ability.
Therefore, improve your skills by speaking during class, talking with American friends, completing communication courses, participating in student organizations, watching television, and reading.
In addition, provide a well-prepared resume and communicate your responses during interviews.
Time Value
While it may be expected in some cultures to be 15 minutes to 2 hours late, the dominant American culture values punctuality. Avoid any negative perceptions by arriving on time.
Two-Way Stereotypes
Stereotypes that limit the objectivity of both interviewers and interviewees are unavoidable. You can best deal with this issue by examining your stereotypes of Americans and the work culture you are interviewing for.
You can also sort it by imagining the stereotypes of the potential employer toward you. Then, when you communicate, try to dispute questions or actions indirectly, or in some cases, confront them directly in your cover letter or the interview.
Networking
Finding a job is expected because you have the correct connections. One skill you may start sharpening while in your degree program is networking and connecting with others.
Below are some ways you can build a network for future job hunt.
Please speak with your teachers and colleagues: Many professors have experience working outside academic institutions and stay in touch with their former coworkers professionally.
Start forming ties with students in higher grades and attend networking events where alums are expected to be present.
Job fairs can also serve as networking and instructional tools. View our future events to learn more.
Speak with other international students and alumni. This will help you locate companies that are open to hiring international students. Most organizations that have hired international students in the past are more likely to do so in the future.
Connect with individuals who have previously obtained work in the United States and can offer guidance on the procedure.
Getting in touch with wise counsel can help you connect with people regarding job placement in a specific industry. This is another great benefit of joining a professional group associated with your interest.
Visit their websites to learn more about these organizations’ publications, student discounts, chapters, and conferences. Talk to professors or student organizations associated with these organizations to find the names of professional associations.
Make use of spring and summer breaks to expand your network within the region of your choice.
Make a formal LinkedIn profile and make introduction requests.
Discover areas of agreement with your contacts (e.g., We both enjoy basketball) and inform people of your career goals (e.g., I will graduate in May and aim to land a job with ________ firm).
Ask them how they entered the field or if there is anyone else they suggest you speak with. Finally, always express your gratitude and offer to return the favor. Networking is reciprocal.
Additional Tips
Certain employers prefer people who have similar hobbies. Discussing popular U.S. activities, like local restaurants, hobbies, and movies, can help you connect with recruiters and showcase your enjoyment of living in the United States.
Numerous international students possess distinctive qualities that firms highly appreciate. These qualities include proficiency in multiple languages, adaptability to different environments, a demonstrated work ethic, and a thirst for ongoing education.
Also, there is an understanding of global business processes. Highlight these abilities in interviews and on your resume. When a school or company from your home country is not well-known, give employers a frame of reference.
For instance, the top research institute in your country and the second-biggest European technology manufacturer. Calculating percentiles into a U.S. GPA is often complicated and inaccurate.
For this reason, we recommend using other methods to demonstrate your success (e.g., being in the top 10 percent of your class or being an Honors Graduate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I list my visa status on my resume?
Your visa status should be excluded from your resume. Your educational background and work history will display that you are an international student.
Hiring managers will ask the appropriate questions during the recruitment process. It would be best if you keep your visa status a secret.
Still, given employers’ reservations about hiring an international student, it is not to your advantage to draw attention to it.
How do I answer when an employer asks me about my work authorization?
Start by explaining that you have the legal right to work in the U.S. for twelve months remaining in Optional Practical Training, which requires no work.
Then, share that “my work authorization can be renewed for another three to six more years with an H‐1B work visa.” Avoid saying “sponsor” when discussing the H‐1B application process; instead, use “petition.”
In addition, it would be best to have a convincing argument for wanting to remain in the U.S. for career reasons. Even more difficult, if you only need practical training, you must counter the employer’s bias against hiring and training you for just a year.
There is no apparent response beyond assuring them that you learn quickly, would like to stay longer, and that the work authorization process is manageable.
Finally, it is always an excellent strategy to stress your unique strengths and qualities and the exceptional contribution you can make because of your international background.
When do I reveal that I’m an international student in the hiring process?
This is a susceptible question that needs to be assessed on a case‐by‐case basis. While some employers adhere to strict policies against hiring foreign nationals, others may prefer to hire U.S. citizens but can be otherwise convinced.
Therefore, your goal should be to pass the initial screening measures for the interview. Always avoid implying that you want any job solely to obtain your H-1B.
Research the organization and be prepared to articulate your interest in the company and the specific position you are seeking. It is usually recommended that students wait until the employer asks, but be aware through research if the company has petitioned for visas in the past.
Especially in the functional area in which you plan to work. However, if you are being asked to travel for an interview, it would be wise to ask: “Is this a position in which the company is willing to petition for an H‐1B as I am currently on an F1 visa?”
Should I apply if a company says they don’t hire international students?
Sure. Many times, when employers say they don’t hire international students, they have not hired any global students. You may be the first!
To convince these prospective employers, it is your responsibility to educate them. Many employers need to familiarize themselves with hiring an international student.
Some believe it needs to be simplified or more expensive. Become an expert and share information that simplifies the process. Be mindful that they still may need to hire you, which can become frustrating.
First, target organizations with a history of hiring employees on a work visa. However, use methods other than traditional human resources and online tools. Network, network, network!
All the best!