Transcript Job Search Strategies and F-1 Employment Options

JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES AND
F-1 EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS
Presented by: University Career
Services and Office of International
Programs and Services
Competitive Advantage
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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
Challenges in U.S. Job Search
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Lack of confidence in skills and abilities
Language barriers
Stereotyping/insensitivity from others
Explaining VISA status
Job/Internship Search Strategies
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Use different methods, not just one, when
searching for jobs/internships
Refer to the “Employment Resources Links” for
information specific to international students
Finding Positions
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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
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Finding Positions
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Networking
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Definition: Developing RELATIONSHIPS via in-person meetings
and/or social situations for information gathering or job
searching
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Being Prepared – Resume/Business Card
Social Networking: LinkedIn, Facebook
Networking Resources:
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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
Career Network
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Career Network online
Database of Mason alumni
Reach out for informational interviews
Password Protected
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User: student
Password: jack$$pot
Revealing Visa Status and H-1 B Visas
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No official time when you should reveal your visa status;
there are various ways to address this question
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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)
Revealing Visa Status and H-1 B Visas
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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 1st each year
Next Steps
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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
Next Steps
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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