http://careers.washington.edu/sites/default/files/all/editors/docs/workshops/rategies_for_internatio

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Job Search Strategies for International Students 134 Mary Gates Hall 206 543 0535 206‐543‐0535 ccscnslr@u.washington.edu careers.washington.edu

Introduction and Overview 12/14/2007

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Interview role‐play Special challenges Special challenges Job search strategies Networking Resumes I t i i Interviewing “When do I reveal…?”

Questions and answers

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The Silent Question 12/14/2007

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• All questions employers ask are really the same question same question….

• “How can you be valuable to me?”

Interview Role Play: Before & After Before: • Past history Past history • Specific roles related to student status • Coursework and discipline‐specific tasks • School‐related affiliations and experiences

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Interview Role Play: Before & After 12/14/2007

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After: • Strengths • Accomplishments and abilities • Future potential

Special Challenges • Perceived lack of commitment to the job • Hiring complexities • Communication • Animosity

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Overcoming Obstacles • • • • • •

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Know the strengths you have to offer Know your value to employers Know your value to employers Be knowledgeable about the process Be realistic about the opportunities Polish your job search skills and tools P ti Practice, practice, practice ti ti

Search Strategies Employers Recruitment Methods Promote qualified internal candidates Promote qualified internal candidates Identify candidates informally through Contacts/ contacts, business associates, etc. networking Recruit candidates from Career fairs, targeted professional univ. career cntrs. organizations & schools & professional orgs.

Interview candidates Targeted job search: who made unsolicited actively applying directly applications to employers of interest Employment Private & state employment services services Ads Job listings and want ads

Job Seekers’ Strategies

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Networking 12/14/2007

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• About 20% of the jobs in the U. S. are advertised • The other 80% are in the “hidden job market” and are never advertised – these positions are filled by word of mouth • Important to contact as many people as p yp p possible to find out about job opportunities • This technique is called networking

Developing Job Search Skills & Tools 12/14/2007

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• Learn to research information about potential employers • Be able to identify the match between what you have to offer and what employers are seeking • Learn to write effective resumes • Learn to interview well

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Resumes 12/14/2007

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U.S. versus other countries: • Concise marketing tool vs. detailed history Concise marketing tool vs detailed history • Targeted or tailored vs. comprehensive • Length: 1‐2 pages vs. multiple pages • Personal information – not appropriate on U S resumes U.S. resumes

Resume & Cover Letters 12/14/2007

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Different types of resumes and when to use Chronological versus functional Chronological versus functional Standard versus scannable Emailed resumes Cover letters H Have your resumes and cover letters reviewed d l tt i d at the Career Center

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Interviewing 12/14/2007

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• Comparing interviews in U.S. with other countries • Different types of interviews: screening, selection, on‐site, telephone, etc.

• Practice interviewing through our Mock Interview Program g

“When Do I Reveal That I Am an International Student?”

• Don’t list on resume or cover letter Address in response to direct question or if • Address in response to direct question or if invited for a second interview • It is your responsibility to educate employers • Communicate in clear and confident manner • Don’t try to hide the fact that you are an international student • Be honest

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Remember the Silent Question…

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“How can you be valuable to me?”

• It’s all about being a good fit • Self‐presentation is key • Positive attitude essential Positi e attit de essential

Final Tips • Market yourself positively • Use available resources • Network!

• Be flexible • Patience and persistence

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UW Career Center • • • • • •

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Walk‐In Appointments Workshops Counselor on E‐Mail Peer Advisors Programs and Events LEO L tt LEO: Letters of f Evaluation Online

UW Career Center

134 Mary Gates Hall (206) 543‐0535 ccscnslr@u.washington.edu careers.washington.edu

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