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The Job Search Deal . By: Marcus Anderson Academic & Career Advisor . Steps to the Job Search . Steps to the Job Search . Be Aware . Be Aware of what You Have to Offer Your strengths as an international student: Diverse cultural background Speak various languages Adaptability
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The Job Search Deal By:Marcus Anderson Academic & Career Advisor
Be Aware Be Aware of what You Have to Offer • Your strengths as an international student: • Diverse cultural background • Speak various languages • Adaptability • Your strengths as a JMU student • Knowledge of Visa guidelines allowing you to be a strong advocate of yourself
Be Aware Be Aware of the US Culture • Know the differences in job-search culture in the U.S. as compared to your home country • Assertiveness and Self-Promotion • Individuality • Communicating in a Straightforward Manner • Self-Awareness
Be Aware Be aware and research your area of interest • Learn more about your field of interest. • Talk to Professors. • Find your “research crush.” • Discover and read blogs or websites from prominent leaders in your field of interest. • Become a content expert in your field of interest.
Preparation – Resume • Prepare Your Resume • Use online resources • Attend Resume Writing Workshops • Schedule Resume Reviews • Articulate your skills and Experiences
Preparation – Cover Letter • Learn How to Write A Cover Letter • Know the components of a strong cover letter • Utilize CAP resources
Preparation –Recommendations • Identify 3-4 References • A quality professional reference is: • Someone who can speak to your abilities (In and out of the classroom) • A professor • Past employer • It is important to maintain a strong reputation with members of the campus community.
Preparation – Interviewing • Learn about the US interviewing culture. • Be punctual. • Arrive five to fifteen minutes prior to appointment. • Eye contact is expected and shows confidence. • Interviewer styles vary. • May begin with direct questions or minimal small talk. • The interviewer may do most of the talking or may expect the candidate to do most of the talking. • Questions regarding age, race, sexual orientation, disabilities, national origin and marital status are illegal.
Preparation – Interviewing (Cont.) • Articulate clear self-knowledge: • Talk about your career goalsand long-term plans. • However, remain flexible to obtain initialemployment. • Disclosing your strengths, weaknesses,personality, leadership style, problem solvingabilities, etc. are appropriate when asked. • Researching the organization. • Demonstrate that knowledge during theinterview. This is appreciated and shows initiativeand interest.
Preparation – Interviewing (Cont.) • Study commonly asked interview questions. • Write the answers to those questions, and practice your responses in front of a mirror as well as with friends. • You can enhance your communication skills by: • Talking and speaking up in class • Making friends and talking with Americans • Attending CAP workshops • Watching television • Reading newspapers and academic publications
Preparation – Elevator Speech • Develop your elevator speech. • A 15 second description of who you are, your goals, and future aspirations • Prepare a short (30 -60 seconds) "elevator pitch” or “personal commercial,” to share with employers when you meet them. My name is ________ (your name), and I am a (senior, Masters student, sophomore) in ___________(field/major). I will graduate in___________. I am interested in the _____________(co-op? full time?) _______________ (position title) position at ____________ (company name). I have the _____________ skills and experience that the job posting describes. _________ (the company name) interests me because__________________. • ADD something about yourself that is positive and memorable: • My last employer said ________________. I am _________________.
Preparation – Informational Interviews • Schedule information interviews with professionals in your field. • Informational Interviews are like “First Dates.” • They are opportunities for you to learn more about your field and grow as a professional.
Preparation • Develop a professional image • Utilize online resources for suggestions on professional attire and appearance • Uphold a strong reputation with campus jobs, professors, and administrators • Get a JMU Recruit-A-Duke Account. • Upload you Resume to RAD.
Identify Jobs and Internships • Start with Recruit-A-Duke! • CAP’s Online Resources • CAP Resource Center
Identify Jobs and Internships • Research Potential Employers and Positions • Recruit-A-Duke • H1 Base International Job Search Database • LinkedIn • Company Website
Identify Jobs and Internships • Learn How to Network- Tap Into Hidden Job Market • Network with: • Friends • Family Members • Professors • Neighbors • Alumni who have gained employment successfully • Learn how they conducted their job searches • Limit your competition • Go to Networking Events • View LinkedIn Job Postings • It’s not just about who you know, it’s about who knows you and what they know about what you are looking for
Apply and Follow-Up • Upload your Resume to Recruit-A-Duke • Send Resume, Cover Letter and other materials to the employer contact. • Showcase updated information on your LinkedIn profile.
Apply and Follow-Up • Attend the interview. • Bring copies of your resume and other supplemental materials • Be confident throughout the interviewing process. • Come with questions! • You are interviewing them as well.
Apply and Follow-Up • After the interview is over send employers a appropriate follow-up correspondence. • Thank you notes (Preferred Method) • This correspondence is expected and is not over-zealous • Be specific in your thank you notes • An email message • A personal message on LinkedIn
Apply and Follow-Up • Evaluate your job offers • Weigh the pros and cons of offers • Make a decision on what would be the best fit for you, your career goals, and life situation. • Accept the Job or Internship
Questions??? Marcus Anderson Academic and Career Advisor Career and Academic Planning James Madison University Office: 540-568-6555 Email: ander2mp@jmu.edu