There are limited H1B visas awarded each year to work in the corporate world, leading to a very competitive landscape to find jobs in the U.S. A successful job or internship search involves using a combination of several strategies. First, review the strategies and resources applicable to all students for Jobs and Internships search on our website. We also strongly advise that you work closely with the Career and Professional Development team as they have much expertise and experience navigating the international job search.
Below are tips specifically for international students:
Expand Your Network and Make it Work for You
Networking is one of the most effective ways people find out about positions and get hired. Networking with personal and professional contacts is often the key to securing employment in the U.S. and should be a priority in your search. In the U.S., it is very common for students to reach out to more experienced professionals. Having current professionals, Gies alumni and recruiters on your side increases the likelihood a company will see the benefit of hiring you as an international candidate.
Refine Your Communication and Interpersonal Skills
If you decide that U.S. employment is your first choice, you must stand out from all of your peers in regard to your verbal and written communication skills and the ability to make small talk. Strong English language skills, non-verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills are all crucial for international students who wish to work and succeed in the US, and right now is the best time to polish those skills. Improve your English skills by getting involved in and using English language resources.
Research International Employee Friendly Employers
Be intentional about your job or internship search by researching which companies have hired international candidates in the past. It is often more effective to be selective in submitting tailored applications to companies that have hired international candidates than to mass apply to as many jobs as possible.
US Style Application Documents: Resume & Cover Letter
Make sure you know how to write a U.S. style resume and cover letter and seek feedback from native speakers of English, the Writers Workshop and the Office of Career & Professional Development. Resumes in the U.S. may be different from CVs in your home country. U.S. resumes do not include personal information such as marital status, date of birth, or photographs. They tend to be one page long and are focused on presenting information relevant to the position
Become Confident with Interviewing
When interviewing in the U.S., you are expected to be comfortable talking about your accomplishments, to demonstrate familiarity with the company and the job description, and to confidently persuade the employer that you are the best candidate for the position. This style of self-promotion may seem brash or boastful, but it will be necessary to adapt to the U.S. norm in order to successfully compete for positions. Interviewing gets easier with practice. Explore the Office of Career & Professional Development resources on interviewing to increase your confidence throughout virtual and in person interviews.
Have a Plan B
Expand your pool of opportunities by applying for positions in the US and in your home country (or perhaps a third country too). Explore where your education and experiences are in demand and be open to options you previously hadn't considered!
Get Involved
It will be difficult to get a job or internship through strong grades alone. US employers value students with extracurricular activities, related hands-on experience, and leadership experience
Highlight the Skills Employers Seek on Your Application Materials
Most employers value skills and experience over high grades. The skills most sought after by employers are the Gies Professional Pathway competencies. Ensure that you include examples of how you have developed these competencies on your resume and in your interviewing stories.
