International Student Career Information

The James C. Denneny, Jr., Career Development Center Provides a variety of services for international students whether the plan is to stay in the United States or return to their home country. Please feel free to set up an appointment with the Career Development Office to discuss your job search plan.

Due to the many federal guidelines and regulations regarding the employment of non-U.S. citizens, job searching can be a challenge for international students selecting to work in the United States upon graduation. Employers are often unfamiliar and inexperienced with the process; therefore it is important that international students become familiar with the American job search process and current government policies.

Job Search Information

Due to the many federal guidelines and regulations regarding the employment of non-U.S. citizens, job searching can be a challenge for international students selecting to work in the United States upon graduation. Employers are often unfamiliar and inexperienced with the process; therefore it is important that international students become familiar with the American job search process and current government policies.

Key Terminology

  • F-1 visas: Eligible international students have the opportunity to work full-time in the United States for 12 months after graduation.
  • H-1B visas: Employer-sponsored international employees are allowed to work in the United States for 1-6 years.

Employer Point of View

  • Many companies are unfamiliar with the process which continues to change and adjust, leaving the employer with the idea that the process is complicated and costly.
  • Due to the current economic climate, many employers worry about taking jobs away from American citizens.
  • There may also be concern that once the organization trains the employee, they may choose to return to their country of origin.
  • Sponsor an employee to receive his/her H-1B visa
  • Petition the government for the visa
  • Gain approval from the Labor Department
  • Obtain the necessary legal council
  • Fund the process

What to do?

International students should develop an understanding of the additional responsibilities imposed on employers when it comes to hiring international students as well as all the steps involved.
International students must also understand the American job search process.

Resume and Cover Letter

In order to be successful and to ensure that your application materials receives the attention they deserve, become familiar with the typical U.S. resume format (see Resume/Cover Letters) and have your materials reviewed by the Career Development Center by making an appointment by emailing career@centralmethodist.edu.

Resume Writing Tips:

  • Be concise (one to two pages maximum)
  • Clearly identify skills and accomplishments using a bullet format
  • Do not include personal information such as marital status, race, gender and/or religion
  • Emphasize communication skills in English by ensuring materials are error free and follow American written standards

Interviewing Tips for International Students

Presenting yourself well throughout the whole interviewing process is key to obtaining a position. Mock Interviews may be scheduled by contacting the Career Development Center by emailing career@centralmethodist.edu.

  • Show initiative by researching the company and asking well-developed questions.
  • Be punctual. Arrive at a minimum of 10 minutes early. Being late is not acceptable and may eliminate one from the candidate pool.
  • Articulate accomplishments, skills and competencies, and relate them to the position.
  • Make eye contact with everyone.

H-1B Visas, Employers and Interviews

Some employers may be reluctant to sponsor H-1B visas, so it is important to articulate what skills and competencies you would bring to the company and why you are the best person for the position.

The H-1B visa sponsorship should not be one of the first topics addressed during a meeting or interview. The topic of H-1B visas should be addressed only:

  • after an offer is made
  • an offer is close to being made
  • the employer brings it up
  • Once H-1B visas has been mentioned, the candidate should be ready to explain and highlight the simplicity of the sponsorship process.