Recruiting season has started! With the year’s budgets finalized, many companies are keen to close the gaps in their talent pool to deliver on their yearly objectives. It is time to brush up your Resume, prepare your elevator pitch and leverage your network, so you can get your foot in the door, and land an interview for the job you love.
But wait, are you trying to find a job as an international student or professional? If your heart sunk a little bit, you are not alone. At the end of January, I did a free webinar on “How to Land Your Dream Job 10X Faster”. Not surprisingly, many expats on the call had the same question:
How to get a job when most companies are unwilling to sponsor work authorization due to the tightening immigration regulations?
For this article, I worked with five global recruiters to seek their best advice to help you get the job of your dreams while on a visa. Though the advice is tailored for international students looking for their first job, in my opinion, seasoned expat professionals can equally benefit from the wisdom.
So let’s dive in…
How to find a job as an international student or professional
Tonja F. Smith
Executive Recruiter, Richard, Wayne and Roberts
All students face similar challenges in obtaining their first job. The bottom line is, the answer lies in the number of contacts and interviews you pursue to obtain a position. As an international student, you will probably have to contact a few more potential employers to overcome any visa objections. Remember, it just takes one “yes”. And for every “no”, you need to continue reminding yourself that you are that much closer to that one “yes”. You also need to make sure you prepare thoroughly for the interviews. Research the company and make a list of open-ended questions to better understand the company, the role, and the person doing the interview.
Tonja also shared with us a very detailed and actionable presentation on “How to Get The Job.” Check it out HERE!
Nik Patel
North America Recruiter, Schlumberger
A majority of international students are pursuing their Masters, hence heavily focused on research and academic publications. A differentiator for them can be highlighting their soft skills. I don’t see many masters international students been involved on campus, and if they are, it’s usually as a member of the international student association.
My #1 tip is to get involved on campus, do volunteer events, hold positions in campus organizations, get an on-campus job besides graduate assistant, and ultimately highlight those leadership experiences to differentiate yourself to a Recruiter.
Connie Buchta
Senior Recruiter, SSH Associates
My advice for international students would be to start early with not only applying to jobs but also networking and reaching out to contacts often. Build genuine relationships. You should be putting things in motion FAR ahead of graduation. Also, just as important, stay positive! Work hard, keep at it, and know that the right fit will come along. Job hunting can be grueling for anyone but establishing connections, researching companies that are a good fit, and staying positive can only benefit you in the process.
Aly Oliver
Human Resources Recruiter, TechnipFMC
1. Connect with the community in the area that you wanting to be in. Community is key!
2. Have a resume that attracts! It helps to have a portfolio of the work/projects that you completed.
3. Keep standing back up. If you are rejected or get told “NO”, keep trying.
Ultimately, be in control of your dreams and only you can make your dreams your reality. Share knowledge with others around you. And don’t forget to build up others that are on the same journey!
Mark Reyna
Talent Acquisition Leader in O&G and Founder of www.ingrativation.com
1.) Understand the person reviewing your resume will not understand F-1, EAD, STEM extension, etc. Ensure your personal brand statement in your resume is clear you are looking for work experience while a student (post-grad) and able to legally work “until XX/ with limitations/ etc.” This will be different for everyone. Once mentioned, focus on who you are as a person and share your passion. What’s your WHY?
2.) Focus on your CV. I call this step “ID your CV in 3D!” Bring your resume to life!
3.) Build your network. This means on campus, in the community, and what I think to be the most important – online. Have a social media plan each week to enhance and build your digital footprint.
4.) Regardless of your major and career industry of interest, consider a blog or website that showcases your work/ thought leadership. Many applications these days ask for professional websites. You can start to work on your website to include university projects, or even passion projects. This will give the hiring team additional examples of your work.
Lift your spirits up, be smart about your job search and get the win!
As an international student myself, I have gone through the stressful task of job hunting in the US, twice. In addition to the great feedback already given above on networking before you actually need it and building your leadership profile, I want to give you the following advice, to help you maximize your chances of landing your dream job:
Richa Bansal
O&G Professional and Founder of www.pinkcareers.com
Build and leverage your tribe. You most definitely have people from your alma mater (in your home country) that are currently working in your industry. Reach out to them. They are in the best position to share information on whether the company is hiring international talent and if yes, what is it that their company is seeking in candidates. Then leverage that information, your unique value proposition, and genuine passion for that company to sweep over the hiring team and land your dream job!