Six Steps to Getting Employed in the U.S.A.: Advice for International Students

College seniors will not be thrilled with the news that came out recently saying that less than 50% of employers are planning to hire college graduates. For international students getting a work visa might be easier these days; however, there are fewer jobs available. According to USCIS as of this May, there are 23,000 H1-B visas unfilled this year due to job shortages. So, what you should do? Consider the following steps to getting employed in the US.

Step 1: Assemble your paper work. Understand if you are legally authorized to work in the United States and get a Social Security number. Put together an American-style résumé. Translate your transcripts and evaluate your educational credentials. Learn how to fill out a job application.

Step 2: Look for job openings. Look in newspapers, on-line and apply with employment agencies. Headhunters can help you if you are looking for a job that pays more than $50,000 per year. Check openings on the Internet. Network, network, network—nine in 10 jobs in the United States are found through contacting other people. Learn how to socialize American-style, how to do “small talk” (non-business-related conversation), and how to work the room (socialize and make business contacts at an event). I dedicate two chapters I my book “How to Get a Job in the USA”. http://www.succeedinamerica.com/books.html . Do not forget to utilize web 2.0 opportunities – LinkedIn and others.

Step 3: Prepare for the interview. Put together your portfolio. Research the company, its products and services, industry buzzwords, who the leaders are, and how many divisions the company has. Rehearse the most common questions and answers. Prepare your own questions. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.

Step 4: Promote yourself confidently at the interview. Dress business-like. Arrive on time but not too early. Understand the interview stages: arriving, small talk, answering questions, asking questions, concluding. Smile and give a firm handshake when greeting interviewers. Listen to their questions with attention. Maintain good posture, keep smiling, and maintain eye contact. When leaving, ask for business cards, as you will need them when writing a thank you note or letter.

Step 5: Increase your chances by following up. Write a thank you letter or note. Make follow-up calls. In the United States, following up is part of job search etiquette—recruiters expect you to follow up. If you will not follow up, other job candidates will.

Step 6: Finalize. Consider and negotiate the offer. Understand salary ranges and how to negotiate effectively. Accept or reject the offer, or deal with rejection and move on. Continue looking for jobs, submitting applications, and the like. Remember, that it is a numbers game—the more résumés you submit, the more chances you will have to get hired soon.

*Adapted from “How to get a Job in the USA” by Nara Venditti, Ph.D.


Nara Venditti, Ph.D., is a platform speaker, educator and author. She is the president of Succeed in America, LLC and author of “How to Get A Job in the USA ” and “Ameri$peak.”. She is an expert in foreign-born employee development, employability and multicultural customer service. Nara isa a frequent presenter at conferences and business and educational organizations. . She can be reached at +1 203 791 1107 or http://www.succeedinamerica.com/.