As an international student applying for practical training in the United States, an effective job search includes:

• Identifying the skills that you possess
• Understanding what you want for yourself
• Researching the qualifications that employers want in a new employee
• Evaluating what legal options are available

Realize that not all companies hire non-U.S. citizens. This is a reality. Job seeking takes time, patience, networking, and research. The following factors also contribute to international students obtaining employment:

• Starting the job search process early (minimum of one year in advance—preferably all during your schooling)
• Having excellent English skills (both written and spoken)
• Using a variety of methods to obtain employment (Do not just send resumes!)
• Being able to promote yourself effectively
• Having relevant work experience
• Learning American professional etiquette
• Participating in professional organizations, campus organizations and activities
• Maintaining a commitment to the job search process (stay motivated and positive)

Sound like hard work? Finding employment is work. Because the job search process is time consuming and difficult, it is important that you contact the Career Development Center, at 620 Old Chemistry, early in your job search for assistance.

Don’t just listen to friends or family; take the responsibility for finding information and using resources. After all, this is your career and the skills you learn job seeking are very valuable.

Know that plans for more long-term employment in the United States are subject to employer interest in hiring non-citizens, visa quotas, labor review, timing, deadlines, paperwork, and fees. Talk with the International Student Services Office (ISSO) for assistance in understanding your options.

 Job search tips:   

• Network with people you know -- family, friends, professors, departmental staff, former classmates, other members of organizations, and ISSO & CDC staff
• Ask for referrals to others who may be able to help you in your job search, employers who have hired international students in the past, and people who have the power to hire
• Join and participate in professional and academic organizations/associations
• Attend conferences to network with professionals in your field; Take your resume (helps you to practice your English, demonstrate leadership and build your network)
• Obtain Curricular Practical Training -- gain experience and practice your English
• Consider taking an ESL class if you do not speak English clearly
• Identify companies that have connections with your home country -- either headquartered there with U.S. branches or headquartered in the U.S. with branches in your country of citizenship
• Research the qualifications an employer is seeking, then highlight these on your resume
• Revise your cover letter for each company that you send your resume to -- relay a few special skills and/or knowledge of the company
• Check all your correspondence for grammatical and spelling errors -- ask CDC staff to review for accuracy
• Talk with potential employers -- emphasize your academic record and professional activities, relate experiences to the employer’s needs, and highlight that you are multicultural and multilingual, especially to international companies
• Consider small and large companies for potential employment -- do not limit your job opportunities
• Check CDC website's calendar of events

Resources for International Students