Finding a job in the U.S. may be quite different from finding jobs in other countries. In the U.S., the successful job seeker will use a wide variety of resources to identify jobs. Only about 20 percent of the jobs that exist are advertised in newspapers, trade magazines, or on the Internet. The remaining 80 percent are found in the "hidden job market and are never advertised. These positions are found by word of mouth. It is important therefore, to establish a network of as many people as possible to learn about job openings. To help with your job search, visit Career Services and learn how to prepare your resume and cover letter, plan a job search strategy, and sharpen your interviewing skills. If possible, attend an etiquette dinner since many employers conduct interviews over a meal.

Know your work status and how that affects your job search. For any questions regarding practical training, visit the International Programs Center.

The job search requires knowing yourself: what are your future plans, strengths, weaknesses, values, interests, and skills that are job related. It is also important to know the employer and the industry. Research all aspects of your career field. Know where the market is going and the skills that will be required in the near future. This can be accomplished by conducting informational interviews and by utilizing many of the resources in the Career Services Resource Library, the Career Services website, and the Jackson Library website. 

Two particularly valuable resources are the Directory of American Firms Operating in Foreign Countries and the Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the United States  online.  These directories can help you identify employers by country including those based in your home country.

• You probably learned English in your home country but the English spoken here may be different from what you learned. There may be many cultural differences that affect verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Nonverbal communication is an important aspect of the interview. It is important to have a good handshake that is firm but does not crush the recruiter’s hand. Good eye contact is expected without staring at the person.
• Oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are a high priority for all employers seeking new hires. By continually improving your communication skills, you make yourself more marketable.
  

• Research employers so that you can write cover letters and resumes that are tailored (targeted) to the company. The purpose of a resume is to land you an interview; to interview successfully, knowledge of the company is critical.
• Besides researching your career field and the organizations, assess your skills and prepare to talk about accomplishments as they relate to the interests of the organization.
• Consider scheduling a mock interview through the CSC in order to practice and improve your interviewing and communication skills.

Registering with Career Services consists of having your resume reviewed by a CSC counselor, agreeing to our online release statement, completing the on-line registration, and uploading your resume onto SpartanCareers. Registration makes you eligible for on-campus recruiting and allows employers to search your resume.

H1 visa jobs sponsors
Adapting to U.S. culture written by international students
Overseas Job Express
Jobs in Asia
For global careers
For careers in Europe
For international MBA students
NAFTA for Canadians (an attorney web site, but good information)
Department of Labor
Department of Labor H-1B
International Careers
Council on InternationalEducation
PATA