International Students: Seeking Employment in the United States

The employment restrictions placed on students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa make it more difficult for international students to gain career-related experience before returning home. In addition, many employers in this region perform work under contract for the federal government and, therefore, may have specific requirements to hire only U.S. citizens. However, many international students have been successful in finding employment for which they are qualified and in which they may legally work. The following strategies may help you be more successful in your search for employment:

• Consult with the staff at the Office of International Programs and Services before approaching employers regarding US immigration policies that pertain to employment of individuals with nonimmigrant visas.
• Seek advice from the advisor in the Office of International Programs and Services on how to answer questions positively and make reassurances about practical training. Also, inquire about the process for employing someone with your visa. Be prepared to address questions raised by an employer regarding the investment of time and resources in someone who can only work temporarily.
• Prepare drafts of your job search tools resume, letter of inquiry or application, follow-up letter, telephone or networking script, etc. And ask your career consultant to review them. Examples can be found in other chapters of Moving On and in publications located in the Career Library.
• Use publications and resources in the Career Library to help you identify prospective employers.
• Actively network with people you know, asking them for suggestions of employers whom you might contact and other people who may know of positions or employers where your skills and qualifications could be used.
• Identify local organizations that could assist you in making contacts with employers (e.g., professional associations, embassies, international agencies, cultural or ethnic groups, local business people who may have immigrated from your home country, etc.).
• Consider participating in cooperative education and on-campus interviews, and register in the University Career Services PatriotJobWeb database.
• Learn how the employment interview is conducted in the United States and what is expected of an interviewee. Learn more about interviewing in and watch the videotapes, The Employment Interview: American Style or Interviewing for Non-Native Speakers. Attend University Career Services’ workshop on interviewing. Remember, in an American interview, you will be expected to convey confidence in yourself and your abilities; to engage in small talk at the beginning of the interview; to speak directly; to talk about yourself, emphasizing your strengths and taking credit for your accomplishments; and to offer examples that illustrate your knowledge and skills. Review the US Employer Expectations of Prospective Job Applicants and Common Conflicting Values of Other Cultures on cultural differences you may confront during the job search process which was adapted from material created by John Hartt of American University.
• Practice your job search script in English. The script should include a greeting, the type of employment you are seeking, background and qualifications, your skills and attributes, your responses to interview questions, and questions you plan to ask. Practice speaking clearly and confidently and use a positive, strong tone.
• Pay attention to your nonverbal communication in the job interview. Your appearance should be neat, professional, and conservative; eye contact should be attentive and convey a sincere interest; and your handshake should be firm. Remember that smiling conveys confidence and approachability, which helps by a positive first impression.
• Members of the Mason community who are non-native speakers of English may receive help to improve English language skills from The English Language Institute Support Services.
• The George Mason University Writing Center offers specialized tutoring and workshops for non-native speakers of English by ESL trained tutors. Visit the University Writing Center for information on services and ESL links for students.