1. JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES AND F-1 EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS Presented by: University Career Services and Office of International Programs and Services

2. Competitive Advantage  Language and culture  Ability to bring a global perspective to the workplace  Degrees and work experience from outside the U.S.  Open-mindedness and adaptability  Deal well with change and ambiguity

3. Challenges in U.S. Job Search  Lack of confidence in skills and abilities  Language barriers  Stereotyping/insensitivity from others  Explaining VISA status

4. Job/Internship Search Strategies  Use different methods, not just one, when searching for jobs/internships  Refer to the “Employment Resources Links” for information specific to international students

5. Finding Positions  HireMason Apply directly on-line for positions Learn what is “out there” by reading job descriptions and employer information Search Agents Mason students register for HireMason (free):  University Career Services, 3400 SUB I or  SOM Career Services, 8 Enterprise Hall

6. Finding Positions  Networking Definition: Developing RELATIONSHIPS via in-person meetings and/or social situations for information gathering or job searching Being Prepared – Resume/Business Card Social Networking: LinkedIn, Facebook Networking Resources: Mason Career Network (alumni contacts): http://careers.gmu.edu/cn Career Events: http://careers.gmu.edu/calendar Student Organizations and Professional Associations: http://sa.gmu.edu/student_orgs/index.php

7. Career Network  Career Network online Database of Mason alumni Reach out for informational interviews Password Protected User: student Password: jack$$pot

8. Revealing Visa Status and H-1 B Visas  No official time when you should reveal your visa status; there are various ways to address this question  During CPT  During the interview  After being hired and you demonstrate your skills  Educate yourself on the process of hiring an international student so that you may inform a potential employer  Meet with OIPS to determine your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

9. Revealing Visa Status and H-1 B Visas  H-1 B is the most common visa form for work authorization after your OPT expires  Discuss your H-1 B options with an immigration lawyer  Talk to your employer about sponsorship  Processing usually takes 4-6 months  Negotiate with the employer who will pay the fee; this should occur before you can submit your application on April 1 st each year

10. Next Steps  To begin your search, you need to have a strong resume and cover letter  Resume—summary of relevant experience  Cover Letter—highlights important information and directs employer to your resume  Career Services sponsors many workshops about resumes and cover letters

11. Next Steps  Attend an interviewing workshop including “Interview Skills for Non-Native English Speakers” and “Behavioral Interviewing”  Learn interviewing techniques  Interview Practice Days  Perfect Interview  Practice with a career counselor