Page 83 - Carlson School GBCC Career Guide

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
DO
DON'T
Understand that many employers don’t think in terms of whether or not they hire international students. Most employers think about their organization’s needs, and finding someone who has the skills, knowledge, and personal traits to fulfill their needs. Present yourself as the solution to an employer’s problems. They have work that needs to be done, and you can do the job.
Interviews for International Students
Interviewing in the US might look different than interviewing in your home country. One of the reasons why employer’s interview is to find the right fit for the position. Networking can help you determine what the right fit for the position might be so you can leverage this information in your interviews.
• • • •
•
• • •
“If we determine that I’m a good fit for your company, I’m familiar with the process for obtaining authorization to work
in the US”
“I’d be happy to take the lead on this and collect the
necessary information or work with your team to ensure
a smooth process.”
“I know that we can work this out—it’s a manageable
process. I’m really excited about what I might be able to
offer your company.”
Explain that “sponsorship” means entering into a joint process to help you apply for a work visa, and certifying that the employer wishes to hire you.
Present strengths that result from your international status. (e.g., global perspective, multilingual, multicultural experience, affinity network, familiarity with home country market and companies, proven success overcoming obstacles).
Avoid interviews because of your communication skills. Bring up work authorization until you are asked about it.
Be afraid of networking—it’s a critical component of the career search.
ADDITIONAL TIP
INTERVIEWING
Focus on why employers should hire you: Your competencies and experiences that relate to the requirements of the specific job for which you are interviewing.
Rehearse possible answers for accent, intonation, speed, volume, and verbal agility. Identify and exploit opportunities to speak and write at the native level in the US, as well as to learn and appreciate the local personal and business customs and cultural sensitivities. You can do this by volunteering for projects, participating in clubs, or just simply by spending time with your domestic classmates.
Start preparing early. As an international student you might not be as familiar with interviewing in the US as your domestic peers. Leverage GBCC services to practice!
Become aware of the “silent” questions and proactively communicate (within your STAR stories) the answers to:
• “I’ve never heard of these schools or employers on this resume. Do they really mean anything?”
• “Is this person’s English really good enough?”
• “Is she going to stay in the US for more than a few months?”
• “Is it really worth the hassle of going through
work authorization?”
Understand the work authorization process well enough to lead the employer through it if needed:
• Know visa types and timelines (e.g., “I would be able to work for you in the summertime because I have work authorization through my program.”)
• Manage work authorization issues and concerns: Interviewers are often not familiar with the work authorization process, and may not know whether their company has done this for anyone before. They may assume that it’s a complex
and cumbersome process.
• Talk to alumni who have been successful in securing employment in the US.
• ISSS has workshops and advisors who can help you understand your F1 visa status, as well as OPT, CPT, and H-1B processes. You can reach them at 612-626-7100 or via email at isss@umn.edu.
Talk about work authorization as a non-issue:
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Carlson School of Management