US JOB SEARCH GUIDE FOR

401 Academy St. Newark, DE 19716 302-831-2392 udcareers@udel.edu W W W . U D E L . E D U /CSC

INTRODUCTION
International students oftentimes encounter difficulties obtaining employment in the United States. The challenges and issues that American students face can be compounded by a number of factors including immigration laws and a potential language barrier. However, planning ahead and understanding the employment process and culture in the host country can help to reduce anxiety. This guide is intended to provide international students with an overview of the information they will need to be familiar with in order to successfully search for jobs and potentially secure employment. It is by no means intended to be comprehensive, but it represents an important step toward achieving career success in the U.S.

INDEX
CareerMAP & International Student checklist ........................................................................................2 Resume writing........4 Cover letter writing.................................................8 What are American employers looking for?...........................................................................................11 Job search Strategies.........13 Interviewing.........16 Visa basics.........19 Additional resources.......24

International Student Job Search Guide

CAREERMAP (My Action Plan)

The University of Delaware looks at career development as a four-stage process. Whether you are considering graduate or professional school or seeking employment after graduation, the most effective career decisions are made by proceeding through each step. In the process of making your career decisions, keep in mind that the following designations for first, second, third, and fourth stages are approximate. Think of the model as a process, and determine where you are currently and then what the next stage is for you.

Check off what you have completed in your CareerMAP!

STAGE 1: SELF-AWARENESS AND CAREER EXPLORATION
Gain insight into your values, interests, and skills as they relate to various careers.

STAGE 2: GAIN EXPERIENCE AND LEARN ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK

Continue to develop insight into your values, interests, and skills as they relate to various careers. Learn about the world of work, make career decisions and gain experience.

Visit the Career Services Center (CSC) and/or the Center

for Counseling and Student Development (CCSD) for assistance with this process Make an appointment to see a staff member for career counseling Take career assessment inventories; explore factors that influence your career development (e.g. values, interests, skills, family influences, personality) Attend a CCSD career exploration workshop Look at the Career/Major Decisions link for career development information Familiarize yourself with the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and O*NET as valuable resources for finding career-related information Look at the Major Resource Kits describing majors/ careers Visit the CSC to answer career questions, meet the staff, and do a career check-up Visit the Career Library and begin reading about career options View the Event Calendar on the CSC website Attend What Career Services Can Do for You and/or Lead & Succeed workshops Explore courses that interest you or new areas of interest Meet with your academic advisor Learn about career options by attending a career panel discussion hosted by CSC View the Blue Hen Careers introductory nine-minute video Attend the Volunteer Fair in the Fall and/or the Spring Career Expo in the Spring Start developing a resume

Think about what you have learned from all your past
experiences (e.g. volunteering, summer jobs, courses taken, family experiences, etc.) Visit the CCSD and/or the CSC for assistance with this process Make an appointment to see a staff member for career counseling Take career assessment inventories; explore factors that influence your career development (e.g. values, interests, skills, family influences, personality) Attend a CCSD career exploration workshop Look at the Career/Major Decisions link for career development information Familiarize yourself with the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH) and O*NET as valuable resources for finding career-related information View the Event Calendar on the CSC website Attend career workshops Create a resume and cover letter Schedule an appointment with a career counselor Follow up with your academic advisor Continue exploring your academic interests by taking courses you enjoy View the Major Resource Kits (one for each major) Use the Alumni Mentor Network to connect to a UD alum for career information Check CSC and ALL depts. for major-specific internships Find internships, part-time, summer, and on-campus jobs in Blue Hen Careers to gain experience Attend the Volunteer Fair in the Fall and/or the Spring Career Expo in the Spring Join a Registered Student Organization (RSO) to develop leadership skills
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International Student Job Search Guide

STAGE 3: DEVELOP CAREER MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Build necessary skills to succeed in a career field and learn about how to develop your personal brand and selfmarketing tools.

STAGE 4: IMPLEMENT CAREER GOALS

Connect to employers and conduct your job search or further education.

Read your copy of the free CSC Blue Hen Career Guidea Update your resume Prepare for interviews for jobs or graduate school; conmust for all seniors. The guide contains sample resumes, interviewing tips, self-marketing tools, graduate school information and much more. sider a mock interview at CSC Attend Career Fairs: Fall Career Expo (formerly Job Jambo- Participate in on-campus interviews through Blue Hen Careers ree), Spring Career Expo, etc. Attend Career Fairs: Fall Career Expo (formerly Job JamboExplore the graduate school application process ree), Spring Career Expo, etc. Attend career workshops; earn Career Skills Certificate Utilize Blue Hen Careers to apply for jobs Use drop-in hours at CSC from 2-4 pm weekdays Schedule an appointment with a career counselor at CSC Make an appointment with a career counselor or CCSD View the Event Calendar on the CSC website Use part-time employment as a way to improve job search Participate in on-campus interviews for summer internskills, gain experience and responsibility ships through Blue Hen Careers View Workshops on DemandWeb Presentations available on Join an RSO to develop leadership skills; seek a leadership the CSC website position in the organization Research potential employers Attend a graduate school program: Personal Statement Teacher candidates ready for employment should attend Workshop, Graduate School Admissions Program, or Resume Project Search in the spring Writing for Grad School Attend professional association meetings Have your resume critiqued by a career counselor and Consider graduate school; CSC provides online and individutilize drop-in hours in the CSC ual assistance in preparing for the graduate and professional Network with alumni, family and friends school application process Explore Experiential Internship course (UNIV 364); arrange Network with alumni, family and friends to take this three credit elective course Update and finalize your resume and upload into Blue Hen Build your professional networking tools Careers Schedule a mock interview Attend workshops on salary negotiation Attend career workshops; earn Career Skills Certificate

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT CHECKLIST

Learn how your visa works as it relates to the job search Attend International Student workshops Utilize CSC to Identify Employers who hire international students. Network outside your group to establish connections Join student organizations related to your major Attend the Multi-Ethnic Career Conference Connect with International Alumni who are local business owners to obtain internships

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

RESUME
Resumes intended for U.S. employers may look slightly different from those in other countries. For example, U.S. resumes do NOT include: A photograph Marital status Residency status Date of birth Social security number National origin Salary expectations Reference list Resumes should include the following: NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER(S), E-MAIL OBJECTIVE: While an objective is considered optional, if you know your specific objective and the qualifications for that objective, you can state it. For example, To work as a Public Relations Assistant in an advertising company. If you are unsure of your objective, you may state your interest in the job that you are applying for in your cover letter. EDUCATION: Degree, name of institution, city and state, major(s), date of graduation. EXPERIENCE: Job titles, company name, city and state, responsibilities and achievements, employment dates; may include volunteer experiences, field experiences, co-ops, internships and summer employment. ACTIVITIES: Professional, educational or organizational involvement and leadership responsibilities assumed. COMPUTER SKILLS: List the software and/or hardware with which you are familiar.

RESUME FORMATS:
There are several different types of resume formats you can choose to use. Make sure you choose the format that best highlights your education, skills, and abilities. Some common types include: Paragraph form Resume using bullets Summary of Skills resume - This is a resume that focuses on your skills, rather than work experiences youve had (or not). This is good for those who have not had lots of experience but have gained skills from what they have done. It is also useful for experienced workers. Related/Other Experience resume - This type is helpful when you have experience in and outside of your field. Computer-friendly resume Whatever resume format you choose, you also can choose what type of resume organization you use. The most common types of organization for resumes are: CHRONOLOGICAL - Most preferred by employers; lists most recent experiences first, and so on. FUNCTIONAL - Used by career-changers; experience is presented through listings of accomplishments and skills, rather than by sequence of work history.

OPTIONAL CATEGORIES:
Honors and awards Job objective Languages Publications & patents Relevant course work Travel Military experience A statement indicating References available upon request
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International Student Job Search Guide

APPEARANCE:
Attractive and easy to read: Use capital letters, bullets, underlining, highlighting, appropriate margins and spacing. If a computer resume is being created underlining should be omitted as it interferes with scanning. Concise: Typically one page for the new or recent college graduate. There are some exceptions to this rule: Doctoral/Masters degrees, and Education, Human Services, and Nursing Majors. Free of spelling, grammatical, and typographical errors. (Dont count on your computers spell check to catch everything, so proofread!) Computer produced, word-processed; printed on neutral color paper.

Remember, there is no one correct resume format for you to use the best resume is one that clearly and effectively communicates your experience, skills, achievements, and future potential.

RESUME TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Introduce employers to foreign companies and schools by providing a frame of reference. For example: A $10 million marketing firm One of the top five universities in China MIT of Turkey Nigerian version of McDonalds

Emphasize strong English skills on the resume. For example: "Translated written and spoken English on a daily basis for two years." Ensure that writing skills are up to American standards by courses that include writing. Check for grammatical and spelling errors as well as awkward use of language. Have your resume reviewed - Come to Career Services Monday to Friday. Bring a hard copy of your resume with you to the Career Services Center between 2pm and 4pm - no appointment needed.

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

Juan Lopez
juanlo@udel.edu
Local address 10 Main Street Newark, DE 19711 (302) 765-4321

SAMPLE RESUME
Permanent address 12 Elk Street Elk Run, DE 19800 (302) 123-4567

Career Objective: To obtain a full-time research position working in a field related to biology or biochemistry

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Biological Sciences, May 2012 Minor: Biochemistry University of Delaware, Newark, DE Overall GPA: 3.4/4.0 Major GPA: 3.7/4.0 Related Course Work: Biology of Organisms, Introductory Biology, Ecology, General Physiology, Microbiology, Genetic and Evolutionary Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology of the Cell Skills Native speaker of Spanish language. Fluent in English and Italian languages. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access); Adobe Acrobat; Netscape Applications. Leadership and communication skills.

Experience
Teaching Assistant, Biology Lab, September 2010-May 2011 University of Delaware, Newark, DE Taught students laboratory techniques, including microscope use, slide staining, and plating Led students in completing lab work and discussions Created assignments and quizzes for students related to lab and lecture material Collaborate with other teaching assistants and course professors on a weekly basis to standardize grading, discuss student progress, and troubleshoot laboratory problems. Substitute Teacher, Elk Run School District, May 2008-May 2010 Elk Run, DE Provided substitute teaching instruction for students in grades K-6 Assisted with administration of state standardized testing Activities Golden Key Honor Society, Fall 2008-present Greek Council, Treasurer, Fall 2008-Spring 2010 Hall Government, President, Russell Hall Spring 2009-Spring 2010

International Student Job Search Guide

Arun Patel
fakeemail@udel.edu
Office Correspondence: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 270 Brown Laboratory Newark, DE 19716 Phone: (302) 831-1234 Professional Interests Education

SAMPLE RESUME

Home Address: 200 E. Main St. Apartment 6-D Newark, DE 19711 Cell: (302) 123-4567

Theoretical organic and bioorganic reaction mechanisms Molecular design and catalysis M.S. in Organic Chemistry, May 2014 (expected) University of Delaware, Newark, DE Thesis: Method for Producing Unsaturated Organics from Organic Containing Feeds Advisor: Dr. John Brown B.S. in Chemistry, May 2012 The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH Advisor: Dr. Ming Lee

Experience

Research Assistant, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Delaware, August, 2011 Present Advisor: Dr. John Brown Research Focus: Destruction of toxic organic chemicals. Method for indirect chemical reduction of metals in waste. Method for reducing volume of radioactive composition. Independent Study Research, the College of Wooster, 2009 2011 Advisor: Dr. Ming Lee Research Focus:Water purification and removal of heavy metals from aqueous effluent streams. Worked on corrosion problems associated with heavy metal casting.

Awards

Wooster Section of the American Chemical Society Senior Award, 2011 Phi Beta Kappa, 2011 Cary R. Wagner Prize in Chemistry, 2011 Merit Scholarship, the College of Wooster, 2009-2011 Dow Chemical Company Foundation Scholarship, 2009-2011 American Chemical Society, 2009-present

Professional Associations Publications

Patel, A., Chang, A., & Johnson, E. (2011) Towards a conceptual model of toxic waste extraction from aqueous effluent streams, Chemistry International, under review.

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

COVER LETTERS
A cover letter is a formal letter of introduction usually attached to a resume or curriculum vitae (CV). In general, it serves as a way of introducing yourself to an employer and encourages him/her to consider reviewing your resume for a job within the organization. All cover letters should:

Explain why you are sending a resume.

- Don't send a resume without a cover letter. - Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?

Call attention to elements of your background education, leadership, experience that are
relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.

Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation,

enthusiasm, and communication skills.

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization a flyer posted in
your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

Provide or refer to any information specifically

requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

Indicate what you will do to follow-up. *Adapted from the Career Center at Virginia Tech

Convince the reader to look at your resume.

The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

Do:
Send a letter with every resume you send. Address letter to a specific person and include his/her title. Print each letter individually. Limit to one page. Sign your name. PROOFREAD letter carefully and repeatedly.

Dont:
Address to just a title or department. Be pushy or assuming. Mass produce.

International Student Job Search Guide

Cover Letter in Paragraph From Your mailing address City, state, zip code Date <Recruiters Name> Recruiters job title Company name Recruiters mailing address City , state, zip code Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. <Recruiters Name>:

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

<First Paragraph> In this paragraph, state the reason for the letter, name the specific position or type of work you are applying for, and indicate from which resource (career services office, newspaper, contact, employment service) you learned of the opening. The first paragraph can also be used to inquire about future openings. <Second Paragraph> Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, its products or services, and what you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate. Try not to repeat the same information found in the resume. <Third Paragraph> Refer the reader to the enclosed resume for more detailed information. <Fourth Paragraph> In this paragraph, say what you will do to follow up on your letter. For example, state that you will call by a certain date to set up an interview or to find out if the company will be recruiting in your area. Finish by indicating you willingness to answer any question they may have. Be sure you have provided your phone number and/or email address. Sincerely,

<Type your name> Enclosure: Resume Attachements : Resume (if emailing)

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

April 2, 2014

SAMPLE COVER LETTER

37B Duke Street Newark, Delaware 19711 Ms. Kathy Zistl Human Resources Manager IBM Corporation 590 Madison Ave. 12th floor New York, NY 10022 Dear Ms. Zistl:

I was given your name by Mitsuko Clemmons, graduate assistant at the Career Services Center at the University of Delaware. I am interested in securing a professional position with IBM Corporation in the field of Management Consulting and/or Marketing. I was unable to interview with you on campus in February because of my late return to the US after spending winter session studying International Marketing and International Law in The Czech Republic.

Currently a senior at the University of Delaware, I will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing with a minor in International Business in May, 2009. Through my educational background and past work experiences, I have developed strong oral communication, analytical, and research skills. As a student assistant at Career Services, I honed my presentation and interpersonal skills. A review of my resume summarizes the skills and abilities I can offer IBM. In addition, I am willing to relocate to any part of the country where a challenging job may await me.

My enclosed resume will provide more details about my skills and accomplishments. As you requested, I have also enclosed a list of three references. I am very eager to discuss potential employment with IBM and would welcome an interview at your earliest convenience. I may be reached at my current address, by phone at: (302) 266-6879, or by way of e-mail at: kawalek@udel.edu. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey M. Kawalek Enclosures: Resume; List of References

International Student Job Search Guide

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WHAT ARE AMERICAN EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR?

According to a 2010 study conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), the following are the 20 skills most sought out by U.S. employers:

1. Communication skills (verbal & written) 2. Strong work ethic 3.Teamwork skills (works well with others) 4.Initiative 5.Flexibility/adaptability 6. Analytical skills 7.Computer skills 8.Interpersonal skills (relates well to others) 9. Problem solving skills 10.Technical skills

4.6 4.5 4.5 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3

11. Detail-oriented 12. Organizational skills 13. Self-confidence 14. Leadership skills 15. Tactfulness 16. Friendly/outgoing personality 17. Creativity 19. Entrepreneurial skills/risk-taker 20. Sense of humor

4.1 4.0 4.0 3.9 3.8 3.7 3.6 3.2 3.0

*1 = most important, 20 = least important. Scale is out of 5

As you can see, U.S. employers frequently are not looking to employ the person with the most work experience or technical skills. While your experience and technical knowledge are what get you the interview, you must be able to supplement these with transferrable skills like communication and teamwork. Make sure to keep this in mind as you prepare to apply for job in the U.S.

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

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JOB SEARCH STRATEGIES

Once you have successfully composed a resume and cover letter, its time to begin to search for jobs to apply to. Remember, not all jobs are posted in obvious places like newspaper classifieds! In fact, many job openings are not posted at all! Instead, they are publicized informally by company contacts via word of mouth. The job search strategies below are among the most common and successful. Using these strategies to achieve your career goals necessitates a great deal of planning, persistence, hard work, and a good attitude

NETWORKING
Your actual search for a job can begin in an obvious, yet not so obvious placewith the people you know. The concept of networking simply ties into a human trait the desire to help others. Never underestimate the knowledge and influence of people you know. A network is a series of interlocking connections with people who may be helpful to you in your job search. Begin building a network by first contacting members of your family, other relatives, neighbors, personal friends, general acquaintances, professors, work associates and service activity colleagues. Do not set limits on who should or should not be part of your network. Let everyone know that youre looking for a job and what type of job youre looking for Determine if they can provide you with information about a certain type of job, provide you with information about a particular organization, or refer you to others who know about a career field or specific organization. Maintain these contacts by checking back with them periodically. Follow through on any suggestions offered.

INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING
While the goal of interviewing is to obtain a job offer, the goal of information interviewing is to gather information. Like networking, information interviewing is based on the premise that people are a tremendous source of information. Its purpose is to gain information about a career field upon which to base some career decisions and to put you in touch with possible job leads. Begin with people you know (your network contacts). Choose from this group those who are in career fields to which you aspire or people in related career areas. What about people you dont already know? Identify them through newspapers, telephone books, professional association directories and professional counselors. If you have located an office name, but dont have the name of an individual, call and speak with the secretary or receptionist. Explain politely and succinctly why you are calling (for information, not employment) and ask if you can be directed to an appropriate person. Schedule an appointment for a specific amount of time (30 minutes maximum). An alternative is to send a letter ahead of time stating what you want, indicting you will be telephoning and asking that the secretary or receptionist be alerted to your call.

International Student Job Search Guide

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Be prepared! Take an active role to get the most out of your information interview. Review in your in your mind what you want to learn from an individual. Have questions prepared ahead of time. The following are some sample questions you might wish to choose from: What credentials (education degrees, licenses, etc.) are required for effectiveness in this occupation? How much variety would you say there is in the type of work you do? Is there much opportunity for travel? What types of employers hire people in your line of work? What kinds of work values attract people to your occupation? (security, income, prestige, etc.) What do you find most rewarding/least rewarding about this career field? What is the typical entry level salary range for positions in this field? What is the potential? What is a typical career path? What is the future job outlook in this field (increased or decreased opportunity, etc.)

COLD CONTACTS
Making a cold call, or cold contact, means approaching an employer whom you have never met and introducing yourself as a potential addition to his/her organization. It is important to thoroughly research the organization and visit the careers section of its website, carefully plan what you are going to say about yourself and the reason for the call, keep the call short and professional, to follow up by sending your resume and cover letter. Cold contacts can be made via mail, telephone, or email. Below are some tips for contacting potential employers telephonically:

FOLLOW-UP
Always ask for a referral to someone else. Ask the person with whom you are speaking to refer you to others who would be good sources of information. Evaluate what you have been told critically. Are there trends developing from one person to another? (In the end youll have to make your own judgments about the validity of the information.) Make sure you have the correct name and title of the person with whom youve spoken. Write a thank you note!

Know the name and title of the person you wish to reach. When the secretary answers, ask directly for the person you want. If the secretary asks, May I help you? take him/her up on it. State you wish to speak to Mr./ Mrs. Ask when he/she will be free. Insist politely if there is another block to your reason for calling. Try to pinpoint when the person you wish to speak to will return. Then YOU return the call. Once you have gotten through to the right person, identify yourself and indicate that you are following up on a letter (if that is the case). Have some questions prepared that relate to the organizationsomething you found out in your search (i.e., new products, expansion of facilities, etc.) Try not to drag out the conversation. Once you have established interest, get to the point. State that you are calling to find out if there are any immediate openings in your field or if openings are anticipated in the near future. Try to arrange a meeting and suggest a time to discuss possible job opportunities. If there are no openings, inquire if they have any suggestions of other organizations you might contact.

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

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THE INTERNET
Blue Hen Careers is a database of hundreds of internships and jobs. To access it: Go to www.udel.edu/CSC Once you log in, you will see the Blue Hen Careers homepage where you can search for jobs -- including full-time, part-time, volunteer, and summer jobs -posted specifically to UD students and alumni or to job seekers nationwide! Your login will give you access to: Schedule a career counseling appointment or a mock interview (to schedule a mock interview, be sure to click on the "60 minutes" option in the drop-down box) Search hundreds of jobs and internships Sign up for On-Campus Interviews Find an Alumni Mentor Through Blue Hen Careers, you also have access to a number of other useful career resources including: CareerShift search job listings, get up-to-date contact information for millions of companies, and access indepth information about contacts and companies posting jobs, and create personal marketing campaigns, including unlimited resumes and cover letters easily, and save them to access, print or email. Going Global career and employment resources include world-wide job openings, internship listings, industry profiles and country-specific career information. More than 30,000 pages of constantly-updated content is included on topics such as: work permit/visa regulations, resume writing guidelines and examples, employment trends, salary ranges, networking groups, cultural/interviewing advice, corporate profiles and worldwide job listings...plus much more! Employers who have sponsored H1-B visas are also listed for all 50 states! USA Career Guides Riley Guide
International Student Job Search Guide

The internet is a valuable resource in your job search, containing a wealth of information about employers and potential job vacancies. Keep the following tools in mind: The careers section of a companys website Online job listing services e.g. Blue Hen Careers and Monster.com Online newspaper classifieds e.g. www.bonafideclassified.com (contains the classified sections of over 1,700 newspapers in the U. S. and Canada.) Other popular internet sites to assist you during your job search: Vault.com Experience.com O*NET OnLine (occupational network database) The Riley Guide JobWeb.com College Grad Job Hunter NationJob Network

SOCIAL NETWORKING:
It is crucial to your job search and future career that you learn to market yourself, network with others and stay current on issues in your field. The following social networking tools will help you do just that. For more information
visit: http://www.udel.edu/CSC/ socialmedia.html

OTHER RESOURCES

include newspapers, telephone directories, local Chambers of Commerce; federal, state, and local government, books and other directories available in the Career Resource Center of UD Career Services and the Morris library.

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INTERVIEWING
Interviews in the U.S. are generally conducted over the phone or in person. Once your resume or personal contact has gotten you the interview, it is important to impress the employer in conversation with your professionalism, communication skills, personality, confidence, and explanations of past work experiences and accomplishments. Before you arrive for your interview, make sure you carefully review available information about the company (e.g. online and in the press if applicable), reread the job posting, and prepare answers to questions about your goals, values, and education, and experience. Below is a very limited list of sample, non-technical interview questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Tell me about yourself. Why did you pursue a degree/career in _______? What are your short-range and long-range goals? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What is important to you in an employer? Why are you pursuing a job with us? Tell me about a time that you exercised leadership in a recent situation. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team. Tell me about a time that you were under a great deal of pressure. What was the source of the pressure and how did you handle it? 10. Why should I hire you? 11. Do you have any questions for us? *A full list of the 40 most common interview questions can be obtained at the Career Services Center or by visiting http://www.udel.edu/CSC/pdfs/InterviewPrep.pdf

Questions 7-9 are examples of behavioral interviewing questions. Behavioral interviewing is a relatively new, but widely used mode of job interviewing. The behavioral interview technique is used by employers to evaluate a candidates experiences and behaviors in order to determine their potential for success. This approach is based on the belief that past performance is the best indicator of future behavior. In fact, behavioral interviewing is said to be 55% predictive of future on-the-job behavior, while traditional inter-

Career Services Center - University of Delaware

15

To properly answer these questions, it is important to provide enough information so that the employer can properly understand the situation and your involvement. Make sure to focus on what actions YOU took and indicate how you cultivated valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, decisionmaking, time management, flexibility, and communication. Even if you dont have a great deal of work experience, companies expect you to be able to relate past experiences from undergraduate or graduate school, campus activities, volunteer work, membership in an organization, etc. to the job for which you are interviewing. Below is a formula, known as the STAR Method, to help your answer behavioral interview questions:

INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS
According to the criteria established by the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Act, there are guidelines that employers need to follow in conducting job interviews: Questions should not be asked to which answers will have a disparate effect in screening out any minorities and/or members of one sex (disqualify a significantly larger percentage of members of a particular group than others). Questions must be job-related; that is, necessary to judge an applicant's competence for the job in question. In order to comply with these criteria, employers should not ask questions concerning: * Marital and Family Status * Religious or Political Affiliation * Age (except to establish that the applicant meets minimum age requirements by law) * Ancestry, National Origin, Race or Color * Sex

Situation - Describe the situation that you were in or the

task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, from a volunteer experience, or any relevant event.

HOW DO I HANDLE INAPPROPRIATE QUESTIONS?

Most individuals, if they are interviewing with large organizations, will not encounter these inappropriate questions. These personnel offices and their interviewers are well versed in the laws. However, in the event that you are asked a question which seems inappropriate to you, there are several ways to handle the situation:
1st - Deflect the question. Simply state why you are a good candidate for the job and ignore the actual question. 2nd - You can give an honest, assertive, but not contentious reply. Example: Interviewer: "Does your spouse mind if you travel?" Applicant: "We are completely supportive of each other's career ambitions." 3rd - Your best protection against inappropriate questions is to be prepared to deal with them in advance. Think of how you want to reply or not reply to these questions and practice the responses with a friend, counselor, or a Career Services Center staff member. 4rd - Consider very carefully whether or not you want to work for such an organization. This interview may be a preview of discrimination you may encounter on the job. 5th - If you feel your legal rights have been violated, discuss the situation with a Career Services Center staff member. We can refer you to the appropriate government agency.
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Task - What goal were you working toward?

Action - Describe the actions you took to address the situation with an appropriate amount of detail and keep the focus on YOU. What specific steps did you take and what was your particular contribution? Be careful that you dont describe what the team or group did when talking about a project, but what you actually did. Use the word I, not we when describing actions

Result - Describe the outcome of your actions and dont

be shy about taking credit for your behavior. What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn? Make sure your answer contains multiple positive results. Make sure that you follow all parts of the STAR method. Be as specific as possible at all times, without rambling or including too much information. Oftentimes students have to be prompted to include their results, so try to include that without being asked. Also, eliminate any examples that do not paint you in a positive light. However, keep in mind that some examples that have a negative result (such as lost the game) can highlight 16 your strengths Page in the face of adversity.

International Student Job Search Guide

FOR WOMEN:
Well-fitted two-piece matched suit, blouse, pantsuit, or skirt with hosiery and basic dark flats or low pumps; make sure all clothing is ironed and free of stains and holes Choose a dark or neutral shade like black, navy, brown or gray for your suit Wear plain style, non-patterned hosiery Minimal or natural-looking makeup; and clean nails or clear nail polish that is not chipped. Nail length should not be excessively long. Make sure hair is clean and neat. Minimize jewelry - avoid dangling earrings and wear no more than one ring per hand and a dress watch Do not carry a purse with a briefcase As a precaution, take an extra pair of hose in case of a run Perfume should not be overpowering Be absolutely certain to shower and apply deodorant before your interview. Americans are very concerned with personal hygiene and body odor is considered unacceptable. You never have a second chance to make a first impression! Cologne should be minimal.

FOR MEN:
Well- fitted suit in navy, gray, or black (pinstripe or solid) or navy blazer and gray dress slacks; white or light blue dress shirt; tie (silk or silklike) that contrasts with the color of your suit and contains understated patterns; Dark socks (mid-calf) and dress shoes (lace-up, or leather slip-ons in either black or brown); leather belt that matches your shoes. A full-length coat, as nice as you can afford, can be worn over your suit Avoid flashy cuff links, rings and neck chains. No earrings. Your belt should match your shoes. If you have a beard or mustache, it should be clean and neatly trimmed. Make sure that hair is clean and neat; fingernails should be trimmed short. Be absolutely certain to shower and apply deodorant before your interview. Americans are very concerned with personal hygiene and body odor is considered unacceptable. Cologne should be minimal.

OTHER GUIDELINES TO CONSIDER:

Be punctual. Try to arrive 15 minutes prior to the appointment. This gives you additional time to use the restroom, straighten your clothing, and touch up hair/make up. If the interview is taking place in a city or town unfamiliar to you, it is a good idea to map out directions and even drive to the location the day before your appointment to determine how much time you should allocate for travel. Always send a thank-note to your interviewer(s) within 24 hours Make sure you dress professionally.

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Remember, the interview is your chance to impress the employer(s)! While in many cultures is it customary to be modest about your skills and accomplishments, this is not the case in the U.S. The American culture values individualism and competition, so dont be afraid to openly and honestly disclose the full range of your strengths. Be sure to prepare detailed narratives discussing your education, experience, skills, and personality traits and demonstrate how they relate to the job you are interviewing for. Moreover, make sure to highlight your language skills! Many international students fail to mention that they are bi-lingual or even tri-lingual. In most cases, the employer will quickly realize that you not native to the U.S., so showcase your international perspective and talent for languages. Dont be shy about your accent your English is better than you think and constantly improving. Frame your cultural background as an asset, and the employer will too! Finally, it is important to remember that employers are evaluating you in two major categories: 1) skills and qualifications and 2) whether your personality represents a good fit for the organization, its members, and its corporate culture. This means that in addition to your showcasing your ability to perform the job function(s) you need your personality should mesh well with that of the interviewer. Make sure you have a firm handshake, good eye contact, friendly smile, professional appearance and good sense of humor. Oftentimes, an interview can feel more like a conversation or a getting to know you session. Pay careful attention to the demeanor and style of your interviewer(s) and try to act in a way that matches his/ hers. Leaving a professional and competent, yet friendly and easy-going impression should be your ultimate goal.

THIS PAGE FEATURES A NUMBER OF ACCEPTABLE OPTIONS FOR INTERVIEW ATTIRE.

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Know What U Can Do With Your Visa

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VISA INFORMATION
There are basic requirements which must be met for any F-1 employment: Must currently be in valid F-1 status or J-1 (student) status and in good academic standing. Must be enrolled in a full course of study, except during summer and winter semesters. Must maintain employment eligibility.

To apply for CPT, the student must submitted a completed CPT form (available at the OISS website) along with the necessary documents listed on the form. Once the CPT is approved, the school official will issue a new I-20 reflecting the work authorization. ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for CPT, students must meet the following conditions (in addition to the basic requirements listed above): Must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis* at a DHS-approved school for one full academic year. Exception exists for graduate students whose programs require immediate curricular training. The student will continue to be enrolled for a full course of study during the CPT Employment must not only be related to your major field of study, but must also be a required part of the student's academic program. Work which is not required by your degree program may meet the requirements for curricular practical training if you receive academic credit for the employment experience IMPORTANT NOTES: If you participate in 12 months or more of full-time curricular practical training, you will not be eligible for post-completion optional practical training (OPT). Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for CPT. Full-time permanent employment does not qualify for CPT.

F-1 VISAS
ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT F-1 students are generally permitted to work on-campus while attending school given that the basic requirements (listed above) are met. Employment on-campus is limited to part-time (20 hrs/ week) during Fall and Spring Semesters and full-time during Winter and Summer.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING (CPT)
Students who are holding an F1 visas may be eligible for employment authorization through Curricular Practical training (CPT) for work experience that is a required or an integral part of an established curriculum. These experiences may include alternative work/study, internship, cooperative education, or any other type of required internship or practicum which is offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school. Students can engage in CPT on a parttime basis (no more than 20 hrs/week) during the Fall and Spring semesters. Students can apply for full-time CPT (more than 20 hrs/week) during the Winter and Summer semesters. Graduate students in sustaining status can also engage in full-time and CPT authorization ends when they defend the dissertation.

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OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)

An F-1 student is entitled to up to 12 months of optional practical training after each level in F-1 status. Employment must be directly related to the students major field of study. Eligible students may apply for "precompletion OPT " (before completion of program) and/ or "post-completion OPT " (after completion of program). Although students may engage in both precompletion and standard post-completion OPT, the maximum amount of time that can be granted for all standard OPT combined is 12 months per educational level. Students do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT. Students recommended for OPT will receive a new SEVIS I-20 with an OPT recommendation notation. Students need to have authorization from USCIS before they can begin employment. Students can apply for post OPT 90 days prior to graduation or 60 days after graduation. Once the student applies, the authorization can take up to 90 days to obtain. For information on how to apply for OPT (pre/post), please visit the OISS website (www.udel.edu/oiss)

OPT STEM EXTENSION

F-1 students in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields (STEM) may seek an extension of their post OPT for an additional 17 months providing they have employment with an employer that is everified. The student needs to contact OISS to apply. H-1B CAP-GAP EXTENSION The duration of status (D/S), and any post-completion OPT work authorization, will be automatically extended for an F-1 student who is the beneficiary of a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting change of status and an employment start date of October 1 (the first day of the following fiscal year). UNEMPLOYMENT WHILE ON OPT: Students on post-completion OPT may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment in the aggregate. Students on STEM OPT are allowed an additional 30 days of unemployment, so they may not accrue more than 120 days of unemployment in the aggregate. ECONOMIC HARDSHIP F-1 students who experience a serious economic hardship due to an unforeseen change in their financial situation may qualify for off-campus employment authorization. The Student must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year and must prove to USCIS that employment is necessary due to severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond his or her control that arose after obtaining F-1 status. Examples of unforeseen economic hardship include "loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses." To apply for employment through Economic Hardship, please contact your OISS advisor.

ELIGIBILITY:
To be eligible for OPT, students must meet the following conditions (in addition to the basic requirements listed above): Must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis* at a DHS-approved school for one full academic year. The student will continue to be enrolled for a full course of study during the Pre-OPT Employment must be related to your major field of study Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for OPT.

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J-1 VISAS
Academic Training
Students on a J-1 student visa are eligible for employment through Academic Training for up to 18 months or the length of the program, whichever is shorter. Doctoral students are eligible for an additional 18 months of post-doctoral academic training. The training must be related to the student's field of study. It is available before completion of your program of study as well as afterwards. As long as you stay within the stipulated time limits, it lets you work part-time during the academic year (Fall & Spring) and full-time during Winter and Summer; Students on sustain status may be eligible for Full-time employment. Academic training can be authorized by OISS upon the recommendation of your academic advisor or by your J-1 program sponsor if not OISS. For additional information including eligibility and application procedure, please visit the OISS website (www.udel.edu/oiss).

The core specialty occupations include: IT, Computing, Finance, Accounting, Banking, Marketing, Advertising, PR, Sales, Recruiting, Engineering (all types), Teaching, HealthCare/Medical, Legal, Lawyers, Networking, Telecoms, Business, Management and Hospitality. The number of H1B Visas issued each year is subject to a cap that is determined by U.S. Congress. The current H1B cap is set at 65,000 plus an additional 20,000 for international students that graduate with an MBA or higher from a U.S. university. This cap does not include new applications for work with non-profit organizations, government research organizations, or institutions of higher learning. An H1B visa is typically valid for up to six (6) years. To obtain an H1B Visa you must first secure an H1B sponsorship job with a U.S. sponsoring company Your H1B employer then files your H1B Visa Application with the U.S. Immigration Bureau. Individuals can NOT sponsor or apply for their own H1B Visa. Only U.S. Employers can. * Source: http://www.h1base.com/ content/h1bvisa

H1B VISA BASICS

The H1B Visa is the official and primary U.S. work visa / permit available to people from all over the world. The US Government introduced the H1B Visa to offer and enable highly skilled International Professionals and/ or International Students the opportunity to live and work in the U.S. It is the most popular and sought after U.S. work visa and U.S. Immigration requires every foreign national to obtain a visa in order to legally work in country. There are many reasons why U.S. employers want to hire foreign national workers on H1B Visas including: to help maintain their global competitive advantage, to bring cultural diversity into the workplace, and the innovative and strong work ethics and practices that International workers possess. H1B workers also contribute highly to the US economy in numerous ways, help fill current labor shortages in many highly skilled professions and have been instrumental in contributing to the success of many of Americas largest and most prestigious companies. In order to obtain an H1B Visa, the employee must have a minimum of a Bachelors degree and the position must be considered a specialty occupation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED H1B VISA QUESTIONS

When is the best time to mention to an employer that need H1B sponsorship? Many employers are intimidated by the U.S. immigration process and are reluctant to sponsor H1-B visas, or simply have a policy against it. Do not begin an employment interview or letter with an inquiry regarding H1-B sponsorship. Discussions about H1-B sponsorship should come later, either when the employer brings it up or when the applicant is offered a position. The applicant's first task in an interview is to convince the employer of his/her suitability for the job. Only later, when an employer is close to making or has made an offer, should the applicant raise the H1-B sponsorship issue. www.gsd.harvard.edu WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO APPLY FOR AN H1B VISA? Best months to find H1B jobs - October to April; Worst months to find H1B jobs - June to September (summer months). For more questions about Visas and other issues affecting international students, please contact Younes Haboussi of Foreign Student & Scholar Services at (302) 831- 2115 or younesh@udel.edu
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International Student Job Search Guide

The following is a list of select employers that have sponsored H1B Visas for University of Delaware international students and alumni. Please be aware that this does NOT mean that they are currently accepting applications. This information must be ascertained by you via contact with the employer. This list is intended to give you a starting point for your job search.

AAA Mid-Atlantic http:// www.aaa.com Aadhick Solutions Inc Accenture ACS (Abacus Management & Consultancy Services) Aerotek Aerotek/TEKsystems AGNIK, LLC AIG Bank of America BearingPoint Bernard Personnel Bloomberg L.P. Bohler Engineering

Cambridge International Capital One Financial Chesapeake Diesel Cisco Systems Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. Creative Financial Group Cumberland Therapy Cvent, Inc. Deloitte & Touche, LLP Devereux Foundation DuPont Company Eastman Chemical Company EG&G Technical Services, Inc. (A Delaware Electric Cooperative Dentsply Division of URS Corporation) DMB Technologies Inc. DuPont Company Ernst & Young, LLP Enterprise Business Solutions Inc Falcon Power Inc. First Financial Financial Group FitnessGarage.org Frontier Greene Tweed & Company

Halcrow Heifer International Honeywell Inc. ICON Clinical Research INVISTA Inc. JPMorgan Chase & Co. KCI Technologies, Inc. MARLABS, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Microsoft Corporation Monsanto Peri Software Solutions Inc PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) Procter & Gamble (P&G) Scientech Shell Oil Company Siemens Corporation The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) URS Corporation Walt Disney World Co. Wireless from AT&T (formerly Cingular Wireless) Xerox Corporation

For a complete list of employers that have sponsored international students please log in to Blue Hen Careers from the Career Services website. This database allows you to identify companies, apply to internships, full-time, and summer job opportunities. Additionally, you have access to employers that have positions they will be interviewing for on-campus. You also have the opportunity to post your resume so employers may contact you with pertinent opportunities. Every UD student already has a Blue Hen Careers account. (see page 14 )
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
www.h1base.com www.h1visajobs.com www.succeedinamerica.com www.visanow.com www.usajobs.opm.gov/E19.asp (USA Jobs - links to federal jobs) www.flcdatacenter.com/CaseH1B.aspx (U.S. Department of Labor find employers who have applied for H1B Visas) www.uscis.org (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service) www.aila.org (American Immigration Lawyers Association) ARTICLES RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ISSUES: We have compiled a list of some articles that may be helpful to International students in their adjustment to the United States, throughout their job search process, and providing assistance in planning for the future. This is not an exhaustive list but rather a suggestion of readings. When In The Hiring Process Do I Reveal That Im An International Student? www.intlcareers.org/non-us.html Practical Job Search Tips For International Students www.h1visajobs.com/ articles/10Point_prescription.htm International Students And The Job Search www.purdue.placementmanual.com/jobsearch/ jobsearch-16.html Leading Employers of Specialty Occupation Worker (H-1B): October 1999 to February 2000 www.bcis.gov/graphics/shared/services/employerinfo/ h1top100.pdf International Students And Grad School In The U.S. http://education.yahoo.com/college/essentials/ articles/grad/grad_intl_final.html Suggested Tips for Ensuring Safety on College & University Campuses www.educationguide-usa.com/isg/safetytips.htm Learning About U.S. American Culture & Values www.educationguide-usa.com/isg/culture.htm Health Care and Medical Insurance

uniworldbp.com (UniWorld American companies operating internationally) www.foreignborn.com/visas_imm/ start_here/3employment_visa.htm (Foreign Born website to assist individuals with living and working in the U.S.)

The University of Delaware Career Services center also has a variety of valuable resources available online for international students and regularly holds the workshop Job Search Strategies for International Students. For workshop dates and additional information about the resources available at Career Services, please visit www.udel.edu/CSC/ international.html or visit us in person at 401 Academy St.

www.educationguide-usa.com/isg/healthcare.htm
The American Education System www.educationguide-usa.com/isg/edusystem.htm

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
INTERNET RESOURCES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THE U.S.:

The Electronic Embassy Connecting foreign embassies and international resources found around the world. Currently includes a directory of all embassies in Washington DC www.embassy.org U.S. Immigration for Canadian Businesses and Professionals Contains information about temporary and permanent U.S. immigration work permits for Canadian businesses and professionals www.grasmick.com iStudentCity A great site with information for international students from start to finish. Includes online chats with other international students as well as helpful hints for job searching after graduation www.istudentcity.com/career/career_placement.asp INTERNATIONAL JOB LINKS: www.internationalstudent.com - Started by a group of international students living in New York City with the goal of helping other students deal with American immigration authorities and education system -www.internationalstudent.com Jobs & Adverts - Offers the ability to search for jobs around the world by keyword, or country and discipline Also offers a resume database, company listings, and an e-mail service -www.jobsadverts.com/index.phtml
Monster.Com Work Abroad - As an extension of

ForeignMBA.com - This site has useful information for international MBA students as well as other international students who would like to work in the U.S. Includes career profiles, corporate interviews, immigration information, lists of companies who have hired MBAs, and more (No Fee) --www.foreignmba.com Hobson's Publishing Inc. - Publishing company that produces casebooks profiling major employers and career opportunities around the world. Contains a searchable jobs database, a listing of international job fairs, and corporate profiles all online -- www.hobsons.co.uk Overseas Jobs - International jobs database of positions available in companies around the world. Also provides job search resources -- www.overseasjobs.com JOB FAIR LINKS: National Society of Hispanics MBAs - NSHMBA fosters Hispanics' leadership through graduate management education and professional development in order to have a better society. NSHMBA organizes an annual Conference and Career Expo for Hispanic students in the U.S -www.nshmba.com AsianDiveristy.com - Sponsors a career expo with a broad cross-section of corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations seeking workforce diversity www.adiversity.com

Monsterboard.com, this site provides job postings for Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, Middle East, and South America -http://workabroad.monster.com for Hispanic students in the U.S --www.nshmba.com

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