International Student Job Search

Phase I - Explore Employment Regulations

Research work authorization criteria for your specific visa status.

• F-1
• J-1
• Other

The U.S. Social Security Administration, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Students and Employment (F-1), Exchange Visitors (J), Local Immigration Lawyers.

Conduct research on international student employment options.

Talk with International Student Advisor at International and Multicultural Programs.

Complete CPT/OPT workshops.

CPT and OPT application.

How to get Social Security Number.

E-Verify: Employment Verification.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

H-1B visa.

Taxes and withholding.

Phase II - Consider American Employment System

Review job search steps in this guide.

Talk with a Career Counselor.

Examine common cultural barriers to the job search.

Learn Business Etiquette.

Research American business etiquette.

Learn American work values.

US Business Culture.

Phase III - Job Search

Match your personality, skills, values and interests to career fields and job titles.

Research your career field ONET Online Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Join student clubs and organizations.

Conduct job shadowing.

Volunteer.

Complete an Internship.

Consider on-campus employment.

Participate in extracurricular activities.

Understand purpose of resume: to showcase your background, skills and accomplishments to get an interview.

Learn American resume format.

Improve your writing skills.

Write an effective resume to support what you want to do. Be sure to list:

• A clearly constructed summary
• Education/certification
• Relevant experience
• Awards, honors
• Leadership abilities

Have your resume critiqued by Career Counselor.

Have your resume proofread at the Writing Center.

Identify employers in your field of interest.

Consider companies that have a relationship with your home country and international companies.

Target companies that previously hired international students.

Develop an introductory (“elevator”) speech.

Join professional networking websites.

Connect to key professionals in your field.

Join a professional organization with your interests.

Attend networking events.

Conduct informational interviews.

Follow up with each contact person.

Phase IV - Interview

Research the legal requirements for OPT and H1B visa so you can educate the employer.

Examine cross-cultural communication differences and non-verbal behaviors.

Make a list of your achievements, strengths, and skills related to the job.

Review practice interview questions and telephone scripts.

Research the company and the job.

Participate in a mock interview.

Be ready to explain why hiring you will be advantageous.

Research diversity and how it benefits the company.

Conduct yourself in a professional manner (e.g., timing and attire).

Wait until after the initial screening to bring up visa status.

Respond to visa questions clearly and confidently.

Capitalize on selling points: Multicultural competence, Adaptability and flexibility, Communication in multiple languages.

Send a thank-you letter for every interview.

Continue to follow up on every interview until position is filled.

Phase V - Evaluating and deciding on an offer of employment

Carefully evaluate the job offer based on type of work, location, salary, benefits, possibility for sponsorship.

Negotiate salary/benefits.

Important Links:

• Top Fortune 500 Companies Offering OPT Jobs to International Students in 2024
• Barry University International and Multicultural Programs
• F-1 Student Information
• J-1 Student Information
• The U.S. Social Security Administration
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Students and Employment (F-1)
• Exchange Visitors (J)
• Local Immigration Lawyers
• Barry University International and Multicultural Programs
• CPT - Curricular Practical Training
• OPT - Optional Practical Training
• On-Campus Employment
• Severe Economic Hardship for F-1 Students
• Academic Training (AT) for J-1 students
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
• USCIS E-verify page
• USCIS EAD page
• USCIS H-1B page
• US Department of Labor - Foreign Labor
• IRS Foreign Students/Scholars page
• US Business Culture
• Barry University Career Development Center
• Take career assessments to find out your true interests
• Discuss your career interests with your career counselor.
• ONET Online
• OOH - Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Barry University Campus Life
• Student Organizations
• Working on campus
• Job Shadowing
• Volunteering
• Internships
• Resume / Cover Letter Resources
• Barry University Library
• Writing Center
• Researching an employer
• Buzzfile
• LinkedIn
• Going Global
• UNIWORLD
• H1 Sponsoring Companies
• MyVisa
• Jobs
• Vault
• Elevator Speech
• LinkedIn
• Informational Interview Guides
• Hiring Internationals
• Employers’ guide to hiring international students
• Hire F-1 Students
• Interview Resources
• Barry University International and Multicultural Programs
• Interview Resources
• Thank you note
• Evaluation And Negotiation Of Job Offers
• About.com "How to Evaluate Job Offer"
• CareerOneStop
• Salary Info
• Salary.com
• Glassdoor.com
• Indeed.com
• WhatsApp Chat
• Facebook Messenger
• Live Chat
• Ask a Question 👋
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