General Information

International students with F-1 visas are eligible to work full-time for one year after they graduate as a part of their practical training. After completing any practical training, international students must be sponsored by an employer in order to continue working in the United States.

Internships are key to gaining experience both in the field of study and the English language.

Market yourself positively. Be prepared to turn employers’ objections into positive things and to tell them how hiring you offers more advantages than disadvantages. (Be prepared to give examples.)

Choose a major and/or specialization that’s in demand (e.g. – technology) where need for employees far outweighs those who are willing and/or able to fill open positions.

Be flexible about the duties, title, and, to some extent, the field for which you’re applying.

Maintain both your patience and your persistence.

Become familiar with the hidden job market: what it is, how to search it, how to apply for jobs found there, etc.

Make as many connections with people in your chosen field as you possibly can. Networking is an invaluable ability.

The best employment prospects for international students may be with international companies due to:

• Language skills
• Respect for diversity
• Knowledge of overseas economics

Possible problems employers have with hiring international employees

• Employers perceive a lack of commitment to the job.
  • Is there a desire to return to home country?
• Employers see the hiring process as too complex.
  • Sponsorship process is not well understood by U.S. companies.
  • Some expected complications can include:
  • Petitioning the government for H1-B
  • Obtaining approval from the Labor Dept.
  • Hiring a lawyer
  • Any fees that may arise
• Employers worry about having trouble communicating.
  • General concerns involve comfort level with language/culture and ability to communicate effectively.
• Employers may feel a sense of animosity toward international employees.
• International employees are “taking jobs away” from American employees.

Resume

General differences between U.S. resumes and International resumes

USA	International
Keeps things concise and oriented around the position being applied for	Chronologically details all academic and formal work experiences
Limited to 1-2 pages	Usually at least 2 pages
Doesn't include personal information (age, marital status, race, religion, etc.)	Can include personal information
Doesn't automatically include military service unless relevant to the position in question	Generally include any and all military service

Tips

• Supply employers with pertinent background information on international businesses or schools that are significant to the position but probably unknown in the U.S.
  • One option = relate them to U.S. schools or companies
• Always emphasize if strong English skills are possessed.
• Brush up on English writing skills for employment purposes and for resume-writing purposes.
  • Generally a good idea to have resume reviewed by at least one person who is a native speaker and ask about the reason behind any suggested changes
• Make sure an up-to-date copy of resume is kept in format and language of home country … just in case.

Interviewing

USA	International
Punctuality is extremely important (generally show up 5-15 minutes prior to interview)	Punctuality is not necessarily as important
Interviewers see eye contact as a good thing	Eye contact can be seen as a sign of disrespect
Small talk is not normally part of the interview process	Interviewers can use small talk at the beginning of the interview to gain information about the interviewee
Age, race, sex and marital status shouldn't affect the interviewers decision (Equal Opportunity Employers)	Interviewers may have certain expectations of, preferences, for, aversions to, etc. (No EOE)
Interviewers may ask directly for information regarding competency, experience, etc.	Interviewers may ask for information regarding competency, experience, etc. indirectly
Interviewers expect candidates to “toot their own horn” and showcase necessary skills	Interviewers may see such shows of confidence as boastful and a negative action
Could be looking for someone immediately qualified for a short period of time	May be looking for someone who can learn on-the-job and keep that job for a long time
Personal questions about strengths, weaknesses, personality, etc. are acceptable	Personal questions about strengths, weaknesses, personality, etc. could be seen as an invasion of privacy
Research the company. This is positive evidence of personal initiative and independence	Not necessarily the case with international employers
Acceptable to ask an interviewer where you are in the interview process because this demonstrates interest	Asking about other interviewees is considered inappropriate
Inquiring about the status of an application after the interview is acceptable because it demonstrates interest	Inquiring about the status of an application after an interview can be considered rude

Tips

• Practice language as much as possible if you’re having trouble with your English.
  • Take classes
  • Volunteer for and make presentations
  • Make friends and talk with Americans
  • Take communication courses through a university
  • Join and participate in multinational clubs
  • Watch television
  • Read newspapers and other academic publications
• Don’t begin the interview by asking about the employer sponsoring an H1-B visa. First convince the employer that you are capable of fulfilling the job requirements, then discuss the visa either when the employer brings it up or when/if you are offered the job.