Finding work in the United States can be challenging for international students due to obstacles in the job search process. The document provides tips for overcoming these obstacles, including beginning the search early in the senior year, completing an internship which significantly increases chances of a job offer, and focusing on attributes that employers value such as multilingual skills and experience living abroad. International students are also advised to strengthen communication skills, choose a major in high demand, apply to companies willing to sponsor visas, and network to access hidden job opportunities not publicly advertised.

1. Finding Work in the United States
Getting a job in the United States can be challenging, even for domestic students. As
an international student, you will encounter obstacles during the job search process.
The following advice is intended to assist you in overcoming these obstacles and find
the perfect job.
1. Begin Your Search Early
Please don’t wait until you graduate to start looking for a position. You should
begin thinking about where you want to work and what you want to do at the
beginning of your senior year.
2. Complete an Internship
According to U.S. Multinationals and the Foreign MBA, more than 53% of foreign
students received a job offer from an American employer where they completed
an internship. Employers want to hire people who have experience and can
perform the essential job duties. The more experience you have, the better your
chances are of getting a job. So, if you really want a job after graduation, spend
at least a year at your internship site. I know it’s not fun working for free, but the
benefits that follow (getting a job) will make it worth it in the end.
3. Seek U.S. Companies with Offices in Your Home Country
Many companies will have an interest in your cultural background and bilingual
skills because of the ties they have in your home country.
4. Become an Expert on Visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Many companies are hesitant on hiring foreign nationals because they don’t
understand the process. It is your job to educate the employer on how easy it is
to hire a OPT student. If you want to stay in the U.S. longer than the year OPT
allows, learn about the H1-B Visa so you can explain the process of hiring to your
employer.
5. Focus On Your Attributes
Foreign students bring with them many skills that Americans may not possess.
When you are competing for a job, you want to show the employer that what you
offer is unique and beyond what other candidates can offer. Many international
students know more than one language, have been exposed to different cultures
and systems, are mature, adaptable, and deal well with change. These are all
qualities that employers are looking for.
6. Strengthen Communication Skills
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers- 2016 Job
Outlook, the 3rd
and 5th
qualities desired by employers in job candidates are
written and verbal communications skills. If your English needs improvement,
take ESL, English Composition, or Public Speaking classes, or contact the
Tutoring department for assistance.
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2. 7. Choose a Major/Specialization in Demand
According to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), 65% of H-1B
petitions approved in FY 2014 were for workers in computer related occupations.
Computer-Related: 203,425
Architecture, Engineering and Surveying: 29,103
Administrative: 18,905
Education: 18,680
Medicine and Health: 15,358
Mathematics and Physical Sciences: 5,571
Managers and Officials: 5,303
8. Apply to Companies That Will Sponsor
There are employers that have sponsored international students in the past.
Please consider the following resources for finding companies willing to sponsor.
9. Perfect Your Resume and Cover Letter
A well-prepared resume and cover letter is essential to getting a job interview in
the United States. The U.S. resume is different from resumes from other
countries. If you are not familiar with the standard U.S. resume, visit Career
Services to sign up for a workshop. If you have a resume and cover letter, have
them reviewed by a professional.
10.Practice Interviewing
If you are interviewing with a U.S. company, you will be expected to conform to
certain cultural norms. Your dress, manner of speaking, and the answers to
questions will be expected to match certain norms. Because interviews are
different in the U.S., it is important that you practice your interviewing skills.
11.Network
Only about 20% of jobs in the United States are advertised. The other 80% are not
advertised. These non-advertised jobs or “Hidden Jobs” are usually filled by word
of mouth. To find out about these jobs you will need to network. For more
information on Networking, visit Career Services.
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