The Job Search Deal

By: Marcus Anderson Academic & Career Advisor

Steps to the Job Search

1. Be Aware 2.Preparation 3. Identify Jobs and Internships 4. Apply and Follow Up

Steps to the Job Search

1. Be Aware

2.Preparation 3. Identify Jobs and Internships 4. Apply and Follow Up

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.

Steps to the Job Search

1. Be Aware

2.Preparation

3. Identify Jobs and Internships 4. Apply and Follow Up

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 goals and long-term plans.  However, remain flexible to obtain initial employment.

Disclosing your strengths, weaknesses, personality, leadership style, problem solving abilities, etc. are appropriate when asked.

Researching the organization.  Demonstrate that knowledge during the interview. This is appreciated and shows initiative and 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.

Steps to the Job Search

1. Be Aware 2.Preparation

3. Identify Jobs and Internships

4. Apply and Follow Up

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

Steps to the Job Search

1. Be Aware 2.Preparation 3. Identify Jobs and Internships

4. Apply and Follow Up

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: [email protected]