Job searches for international students can be especially difficult because employers are frequently unaware of cultural differences and employment restrictions, which may dissuade them from interviewing international students. International students must educate themselves about these topics so they can educate and make a good impression on employers during the interview process. They must also educate themselves about the American job search process and how it may differ from the processes they are accustomed to.

Before the Interview

1. Research employment regulations

International students should become thoroughly familiar with the immigration regulations and benefits attributed to their immigration status. Oftentimes, students are expected to educate the employer during interviews about these details. For further information, speak with international student advisors.

2. Research employers

This is essential for any job hunt. The student must understand what the company does, what they are hiring for, and what qualifications they are seeking. Ideal candidates cannot present themselves as ideal if they do not know that they meet the criteria. The Career Center library has many resources to help students research employers. Informational interviewing is another way to collect valuable information about the various companies and organizations operating in the United States.

3. Develop yourself

Since international students face employment restrictions, many students do not have very much work experience by the time they graduate. As an alternative, many become actively involved in student organizations and volunteer activities. These involvements also develop skills that employers value. Any student should identify the marketable skills they can bring to an employer and highlight them in resumes, cover letters and interviews.

Steps to help this process:

• Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses
• Describe experiences that illustrate your main strengths
• Think of one experience where you have learned from your weaknesses

Networking is one of the best ways to identify potential jobs for any student. In developing networks and resources, international students should not forget to include local ethnic communities, nationality clubs, and classmates and professors originally from the same home country.

5. Practice

Mock interviews can give any student invaluable interview practice and insight into their interview strengths and weaknesses. Career Consultants can also conduct mock interviews with students.
Excellent verbal and written English skills are often required to secure employment in the United States. International students may wish to practice American pronunciations, if necessary.

The Four Stages of an Interview

1. Greeting - The employer welcomes the student to the interview

• Good first impression is important
  
• Appearance is important
  
• Be a few minutes early
  
• Smile, make eye contact
  
• Stand approximately four feet apart
  
• Posture is relaxed, facing employer, ready to answer questions

• Do not simply repeat information on resume
  
• Answers are simple and direct and show confidence
  
• Yes or no answers must be elaborated on
  
• Examples of past performance are necessary
  
• Focus on strengths
  
• Sell yourself, do not worry about bragging, have conviction
  
• Show self-awareness, willingness to learn
  
• Tone is clear, strong, at a medium rate

• Asking questions does not show you are ignorant or unprepared
  
• Actually shows interest, initiative
  
• Can bring out your knowledge about the company in insightful questions
  
• Topics can include job responsibilities, organizational structure of the company, etc.

• Make one last solid impression
  
• Shake hands, make eye contact, smile, be positive
  
• Be confident

1. Be aware of employer expectations of excellent candidates:

• Confidence/self promotion
• Flexibility/change
• Goal orientation
• Competition
• Self-sufficiency
• Direct speech
• Efficiency/time control

• Be neat, conservative
• Business suits are generally expected in an interview for both men and women
• Remember to think about:
  - Clothes
  - Underclothes
  - Hair
  - Breath
  - Nails
  - Posture