1. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals Presented by Jaime Roche February 2004

2. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  Creative and aggressive networking  Realistic, but optimistic  Confident and cheerful  Open and flexible  Patient and persistent  Create the right image/resume

3. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  Creative Networking –Volunteer activities –Join clubs, associations, churches, gyms, libraries, etc –Schools, colleges, universities, children sports –Friends, friends of friends –Relatives Anybody can lead to or be a potential employer

4. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  Prepare for the interview –Know yourself and resume upside down –Practice interview –Know the company –Go over potential questions and prepare answers –Have ready success stories

5. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  During and after the interview –Smile, smile and keep smiling –Interview starts outside the building –First impression is key –Follow dress code and basic behaviors –Always positive

6. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  During and after the interview –Tell them what they want to hear –Never talk bad about past employers –Give short and concise answers –Always leave door open to follow-up/next steps –Send thank you letter

7. Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for International Educated Professionals  Once you enter the system –Prove who you are and your capabilities –Network inside and outside –Help other immigrants enter the system

8. Thanks…..

9. Questions and Answers