Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation

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

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 Job Search is a process….

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. What makes YOU unique?

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

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

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 Improving verbal communication

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 Organize your search

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. Sources of job leads

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 Networking – how to work it

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 Be the expertDiscussing your immigrtation status

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 Anatomy of an interview:

Interview Etiquette

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

What are you selling? • Know your strengths • Research the company and industry • Articulate your unique value proposition

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

Job Search Strategies and Interview Preparation