Tips for International Students

Be resilient, patient positive and committed

  • This is often a long process.  Make a plan for your search and stick to it.

Understand your value as an international student

  • International students bring a wealth of different cultural, business and experiential skills to a U.S. Employers.  Develop an understanding of your unique value propositions and learn how to express  it to potential employers

Target international companies

  • International students are valuable to international companies due to your language skills, diversity, overseas knowledge and multicultural approach

Become fully conversant in discussing your visa status

  • This is a very sensitive topic, and really is a case by case situation. As mentioned, do not list this on a resume or cover letter, unless asked. If requested in a cover letter, articulate the value you bring as an international student. Once the interview process begins, most likely the employer will ask the question. You should strive to get past the initial prescreening interviews before initiating any conversation about your non-immigrant status. However, be sure to bring it up as the employer begins to spend significant time and/or money on you. In all cases, discuss your non-immigrant status at time of offer. Practice the conversation with your Career Advisor.

Should I include my visa status on my resume? 

  • No, your educational background and previous experience will most likely identify you as an international student. Never lie about your status, but given the fact that some employers are hesitant or unsure about hiring international students, there is no need to highlight your status.

Be sure your Resume and Cover Letter are in US Style format

  • Sharing personal information (i.e. birthday, marital status, or attaching a headshot) is not necessary unless relevant to the position. This helps protect candidates from discrimination as prohibited by federal laws and fraud.

Develop your networking skills

  • Attend events
  • Network on LinkedIn

Get Involved

  • US employers expect students to have achieved more than just good grades.  Students, who have been involved in extracurricular activities, volunteer and service activities, and internships, gain more than just experience and skills. You achieve a competitive advantage over your completion.

Fraudulent Postings

  • Never pay a recruiter or an employer for a job
  • Never supply bank account, social security number or credit card information
  • If the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is (examples, “no experience necessary” “earn money fast”)
  • When you are in doubt, ask a Career Advisor in University Career Services or Google the company name with the word “scam.”