1. Job Search Strategies
for International Students
PRESENTED BY:
CAREER SERVICES
ADRIANA HALL

2. Career Services International Job Search
http://www.erau.edu/career/resources/internationals
earch.html

3. Introduction
As the world becomes smaller with the globalization of
markets, there are an increasing number of international
students on campuses throughout the U.S.
International students seeking employment in the U.S.
have unique and different challenges to overcome.

4. Work Authorization (CPT)
An F– 1 student may be authorized to participate in a
curricular practical training program that is an integral part
of an established curriculum (Co-op/Internships)

5. Work Authorization (OPT)
F-1 visas are eligible to work full-time for one year
after they graduate as part of their "practical
training". Practical training(OPT) is considered an
opportunity for students to gain experience before
returning to their home countries and is intended to
be temporary

6. Work Authorization (OPT)-cont.
 (OPT) is temporary employment that is related to an F-1
student’s major area of study. An F-1 student could be
authorized to receive up to a total of 12 months of practical
training
 Students must apply 60 days prior of graduation
 ERAU/DSO: Eileen Hamme (Eileen.Hamme@erau.edu)

7. Work Authorization (OPT)-cont.
After international students complete practical training,
employers must sponsor them to obtain an H1-B visa,
which allows them to work in the United States for one to
six additional years. Sponsorship involves:
 Petitioning the government for an H1-B visa
 Obtaining approval from the U.S. Department of Labor
 Hiring a lawyer
 Absorbing some fees

8. Hiring complexities
 The major obstacle international candidates face is the
employment restrictions imposed by the U.S. Immigration
 Many employers find it easier and cost effective to simply hire an
American citizen or permanent resident
 Many employers are required by law to hire only U.S. citizens
because security clearances

9. Economic Conditions
The job market can be greatly affected by a downturn
economy, competition for jobs increases while
creating a surplus of candidates. This increase allows
employers to be more selective in the hiring process

10. Elements of the job search
 Build your resume, cover letter or curriculum vitae
 Research organizations for which you want to work
(Look for those companies that have recruited
international students or have a multi-national
presence)
 Make sure you are knowledgeable about immigration
laws and procedures

11. Elements of the job search-cont.
 Participate in Career Services presentation
 On-campus company visits
 Industry/Career Expo
 Co-op/internship program
 Network
 Be aware of country regulations, work
authorizations, bilateral country work agreements

12. How to navigate the job market
 Network
 Master the English language
 Adjust to new employment practices
 Convince the U.S employer of your value
 Look for those U.S employers with operations in
foreign countries. (language proficient and
knowledge of cultural practices)
 Look for opportunities through coursework, campus
jobs, volunteer opportunities, internships

13. Network
"knowing the right people" is more important than ever. So
the ability to develop and maintain a broad network of
"business friendships"
How to network:
 Build a network of partners to keep an open eye and ear for new opportunities
for you
 Highlight the people who work in industries or jobs related to the type of job
you are looking for
 Update your social network profile ( LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
 Talk to everyone you know about opportunities and your career goals
 Know which contacts to build into network partners
 Network with professors, neighbors, friends, relatives, religious gatherings
"Networking isn't just something you do when you're looking
for a job,“ "If you help people out whenever you can, those
favors will come back to you when you need them."

14. Tackling the Hiring Process
 Become familiar with the immigration process so you
can more easily speak to employers about it
 Avoid applying to job opportunities in the United
States within the government, defense and space
industries
 Seek out global companies and companies in your
home country
 Customize resumes to the country you are applying to
(see sample CVs/resumes on Going Global)
 Network with classmates, faculty, employers, family
and friends to find additional employment
opportunities

15. What Employers Look For
 Employers seek well-rounded candidates who can
demonstrate that they will positively contribute to
their company.
 They look for strong candidates who demonstrate a
good academic record, relevant experiences (such as
co-op/internships, research, course projects) and
involvement in extracurricular activities
 Candidates that are interested in their company
location

16. Ethical Responsibilities and Behavior
 Market Yourself Positively. Remember you represent
yourself, your school and your country
 Interpretation of ethical standards can vary from country to
country, familiarize yourself with different cultures and
their expectations of professional behavior

17. Resources & Links
 Going Global (available via the EagleHire Network)
The Going Global Country Career Guides provide professional advice and
insider tips for 24 countries on such topics as employment
trends, recruiters, staffing agencies, work permit regulations, salary
ranges, resume writing guidelines, professional and trade associations, and
cultural advice.
 Aviation Weekly Intelligence Network/World Aerospace Database
(available via the Career Services Blackboard Organization)
Company database that allows you to search for employers by areas of the
industry.
 Visit the Embry-Riddle’s Alumni Relations Office.

18. Resources & Links (cont.)
Visa Information
 My Visa Jobs.com – Searchable database of work visas granted by
employers in the United States. You can search by industry, state and more.
 H1VisaJobs.com - Online database of American employers for international
professionals.
 Foreign Labor Certification Data Center - Information on work visas
granted by employers in the United States. Note: If you download the
Access file, you can sort by location, employer name, type of position they
hired through the H1-B visa, prevailing wages, etc.
 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services USCIS

19. CSO Services & Resources
 Career Services Website www.erau.edu/career
 Co-op/Internship search tips and resources
 Registration of internship/co-op for course credit (government
requirement to obtain work authorization)
 Resume and cover letter writing assistance
 EagleHire Network (job/internship listings)
 Full-time job search tips and resources
 Interview tips and mock interviews (perfect interview)
 Annual Industry/Career Expo
 Fall & Spring Virtual Hiring Events

20. The Career Services Office
C Building, Room 408
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Office: (386) 226-6054
E-mail: careers@erau.edu

21. Questions?