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Looking
for a job is seldom easy for any student. For you, the
international student, the job search process can be especially
confusing. You may lack an understanding of U.S. employment
regulations, or perhaps you are unaware of the impact
your career choice has on your job search. You may also
be unsure about your role as the job-seeker and the resources
used by American employers to find candidates.
The following is an overview of the issues most relevant
to international students in developing a job search strategy.
Additional information about the employment process and
related topics can be found through your career center
and on the Internet.
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| Immigration
and Naturalization Service (INS) Regulations |
As
an international student, you should only obtain employment-related
information from an experienced immigration attorney or
your campus INS representative. Advice from any other resource
may be inaccurate. Once you have decided to remain in the
United States to work, contact the international student
services office or the office of human resources on your
campus and make an appointment with your INS representative.
In addition to helping you fill out necessary forms, the
INS representative will inform you of the costs associated
with working in the United States.
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| Importance
of Skills and Career Field |
Find
out if your degree and skills-set are currently in demand
in the U.S. job market. An advanced degree, highly marketable
skills or extensive experience will all make your job search
easier. Find out what region of the United States holds
the majority of the jobs in your field; you may need to
relocate in order to find the job you want. Learn all you
can about your targeted career field by talking to professors,
reading industry publications and attending professional
meetings and regional conferences.
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| Role
of Employers |
|
It
is the employer's responsibility to find the right people
for his or her company-not to help you find a job. The
interview is successful when both of you see a match between
the employer's needs and your interest and ability to
do the job. The employer (through hiring managers, human
resources staff or employment agencies) will most likely
use several resources to find workers, including:
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College
recruiting |
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Campus
or community job fairs |
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Posting
jobs on the company Web site or on national job posting
sites on the Internet |
|
Posting
jobs in major newspapers or trade publications |
|
Posting
jobs with professional associations |
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Resume
searches on national online services |
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Employee
referrals |
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Regional
and national conferences |
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Employment
agencies ("headhunters") |
Are
you accessible to employers through at least some of the
above strategies? If not, develop a plan to make sure
your credentials are widely circulated. Notify as many
people as possible in your field about your job search.
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| Strong
Communication Skills |
|
You
can help the employer make an informed hiring decision
if you:
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Provide
a well-prepared resume that includes desirable skills
and relevant employment experiences. |
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Clearly
convey your interests and ability to do the job in
an interview. |
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Understand
English when spoken to you and can effectively express
your thoughts in English. |
It's
important to be able to positively promote yourself and
talk with confidence about your education, relevant skills
and related experiences. Self-promotion is rarely easy
for anyone. But, it can be especially difficult for individuals
from cultures where talking about yourself is considered
inappropriate. When interviewing in the United States,
however, you are expected to be able to explain your credentials
and why you are suitable for the position.
Be sensitive to the interviewer's verbal and nonverbal
cues. Some international students may not realize when
their accent is causing them to be misunderstood. Interviewers
are sometimes too embarrassed or impatient to ask for
clarification, so be on the lookout for nonverbal clues,
such as follow-up questions that don't match your responses
or sudden disinterest on the part of the interviewer.
Also, make sure you express proper nonverbal communication;
always look directly at the employer in order to portray
confidence and honesty.
If your English language skills need some work, get involved
with campus and community activities. These events will
allow you to practice speaking English. The more you use
the language, the more proficient you will become. These
activities are also a great way to make networking contacts.
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| Career
Center |
|
The
career center can be a valuable resource in your job search.
Be aware, however, that some employers using the career
center won't interview students who are not U.S. citizens.
Though this may limit your ability to participate in some
campus interviews, there are numerous ways to benefit
from the campus career center:
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Attend
sessions on job search strategies and related topics. |
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Work
with the career services staff to develop your job
search strategy. |
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Attend
campus career fairs and company information sessions
to inquire about employment opportunities and to practice
your networking skills. |
It's
a good idea to get advice from other international students
who have successfully found employment in this country
and to start your job search early. Create and follow
a detailed plan of action that will lead you to a great
job you can write home about.
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| Written
by Rosita Smith. |
