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International Student Job Search Strategies

Job Search Strategies

1. Understand and ensure that you are informed about your work authorization and employment visa options

  • You must understand your work authorization, as US employers may not be familiar with the hiring process for international candidates. It is important to consult the regulations for your specific visa category, as each category has different work authorization requirements and processes.
  • In general, F-1 international students’ only employment opportunity is at the school where they are studying. If a student needs to complete an off-campus internship as part of their academic program, they may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT requires an application, and it must be approved before the student can begin work. Failure to obtain permission may have serious consequences for the student’s privileges here in the US.
  • After graduation, an F-1 student may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to obtain work authorization. OPT requires an extensive application that may take up to 90 days to process. During your last semester in school, you should apply for OPT. If granted, OPT is good for one calendar year; however, STEM students mayapply for a two-year extension. Both CPT and OPT positions may be related to the student’s field of study.
  • If your employment extends beyond the practical training period, then your employer must petition for an employment visa, often the H-1B visa. Although employers are often reluctant to do this because it is a substantial amount of money, the petition process is competitive. The yearly cap is 65,000 visas, plus another 20,000 for advanced degrees. Institutions of higher education are exempt from this cap to allow greater flexibility in their hiring practices.
  • Whether you choose to disclose your status at the first interaction with an employer or wait until the interview, it is important to be honest when asked about your status and to discuss the topic before the interview ends, so the employer is informed.

2. Network with MACU Alumni

  • Use LinkedIn to connect with international MACU alumni and gain their advice. Networking is the best way to find a job in the US, and MACU alumni are typically eager to help fellow MACU students.

3. Identify companies that have hired international candidates in the past and recently

  • Use https://www.myvisajobs.com/ to search for employers that have petitioned for H-1B visas in the past. These resources help you find companies that are open to hiring international candidates and are familiar with the different employment authorizations.
  • Additionally, you may search for US companies operating abroad, where your global expertise and language skills may be an asset. UNIWORLD (https://uniworldonline.com/search/) provides a directory of US firms operating abroad, as well as foreign firms operating in the US.

4. Utilize resources and job search sites that center on international students

5. Understand cultural expectations in the US the job search process

  • US culture tends to value direct communication, which implies for the search process:
    • Resumes should be brief (typically 1-2 pages) and summarize your most recent and relevant achievements. Resumes should NOT be a detailed and through list of everything you have done.

6. Have a Plan B