1. Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation
International Students: Michigan’s Global Future

2. Job Search is a process….
Step One - understand and articulate your value
Step Two - create your action plan
Step Three - conduct a reality check
Step Four - maintain a positive, proactive mindset
Step Five - repeat Steps 1-4 until desired result achieved
Step 1: Create your brand. Determine what strengths you want to highlight. Are you creative, team-player, detail-oriented, analytical, leader? Who are you? Create a resume/cover letter, and elevator pitch that play up these strengths. Reflect on what you have done and who you are.
Step 2: Manage as a project: Research companies and industries, develop networks within targeted industries, actively pursue positions of interest
Step 3: Evaluate how well tools are working, adjust action plan and seek assistance when needed
Step 4: First impressions, positive mindset is very important in a competitive market
Step 5: Job search is a process-must be creative, intentional, resourceful

3. What makes YOU unique?
Tell your story
What are you most proud of?
What are you really good at? How do you know?
When did your extra effort pay off?
What would a boss/instructor say about you? Why?
How did you contribute to a team’s goal?
When did you solve a complex technical problem?
When were you really energized by a project? Why?
Recognize the value in these experiences and communicate it throughout your search.

4. What employers want Communication skills Honesty/integrity
Interpersonal skills
Motivation/initiative
Strong work ethic
Teamwork skills
Self confidence
Computer skills
Analytical skills
Flexibility/adaptability
Detail-oriented
Organizational skills
Leadership
Technical skills
They don’t just want academically-focused students. Straight As and high test scores are great, technical skills are great, but the soft skills are just as important!
Can you name the top 5 skills employers are seeking?

5. Top 5 skills employers seek
Verbal Communication Skills
Strong Work Ethic
Teamwork Skills
Analytical Skills
Initiative
Source: “Job Outlook 2011,” NACE

6. Improving verbal communication
Demonstrate to employers an effort to adjust to U.S. culture:
Intramural sports
Residence hall activities
Student organizations
Reduce language barriers by utilizing English Language Institutes/ESL
Toastmasters
Continue to focus on your ability to communicate effectively-written/verbally in the English language, shows your ability to adapt to the culture, grow professionally and personally
ELI improve 2nd language –written, verbal

7. Organize your search Develop your plan- utilize a diverse approach
Identify target companies and research available career opportunities
Create a job log to track your activity
Set timelines for required actions and follow up
Maintain a list of contacts and record activity
Do something every day – keep up the momentum
Balance your time between Internet job postings and networking

8. Sources of job leads
Your Career Center’s job posting system
Company Websites
Networking ***
Company Events
Alumni Networks
Professional Associations
Chambers of Commerce
Job Boards
Avoid companies related to defense, government, or any
other type of work where security clearance is required.
OU Stds-OUCareerLink.com-access thru student portal
LTU-
Company Events-Networking, Open Houses, Information Sessions on campus, Product Launch, professional organizations

9. Networking – how to work it
Introduce yourself and communicate with vast audiences
Start with people you already know
Create opportunities to get connected - follow up on leads
Online Network – LinkedIn, Career Center Networks, Alumni Networks
Networking and Association Events
Informational Interviews
20-30 minutes to learn more about a field or industry
Make a positive and lasting impression
Ask for names of others you can contact
Write a thank you and keep them informed of your progress

10. Be the expert Discussing your immigrtation status
Not all employers are familiar with your work authorization options
Many Michigan employers still hesitant to sponsor work visas (i.e. H-1B )
Use your CPT/OPT/AT eligibility to your advantage!
Emphasize the positive
Global competency
Language ability

11. Anatomy of an interview:
Introductions:
Small talk
Description of the role
Questions regarding your qualifications clarifying what they already have learned from your resume)
Questions regarding your fit in their organization
Invitation to ask questions

12. Interview Etiquette Interviewing Do’s: Interviewing DON’TS: Be on time
Maintain eye contact
Anticipate questions regarding competency and experience
Openly discuss your accomplishments and skills
Be direct and give specific examples that demonstrate your experience
Be ready to discuss your strengths and weaknesses
Know the organization (shows initiative and interest)
Follow-up your interview with a thank you note
Interviewing DON’TS:
Be late
Disclose age, race, marital status
(it is illegal for them to ask you such personal questions)
Answer questions indirectly
Avoid responding to questions that require to you talk about your accomplishments and personal career goals
Treat anyone you meet differently based on education, job title, sex, age, etc. (politeness and respect are shown to all employees a candidate meets, whether a receptionist or CEO)
Pay attention to your image
Professional, not casual (even if your interviewer is casual)
Handshakes strong but not crushing. If your culture does not allow respectfully decline but don’t dwell on it
Treat everyone you encounter with respect

13. Listen then speak Let the interviewer lead the way
Compose your response before speaking
If you don’t understand the question, clarify before you respond
Be concise and clear with your responses
Ask relevant questions
Your job in an interview is to connect the dots
What are they looking for? what can you offer them.
Use words to paint that pix
Be concise,
practice answering questions but don’t memorize answers

14. Research the company and industry
What are you selling?
Know your strengths
Research the company and industry
Articulate your unique value proposition
Consider your academic preparation, work experience and your personal involvement
(clubs, sports, civic commitments
Go beyond a company’s website to research articles about the company, informational interviews with alumni or friends that are connected to the company
What is your footprint? No 2 people are the same, what makes you unique

15. Negotiating the Sale Be prepared explain your work eligibility
Don’t ask about salary/benefits until an offer is made
Know your worth before naming a salary
Consider the whole offer not just a salary