Job Strategies: Marketing and Interviewing Skills University of Missouri-Columbia International Student Career Services

A Few H1-B Visa Statistics In FY2003, out of 231,030 H1-B petitions, 217,340 were approved The current cap (limit) on H1-B visas  Exceptions The top 5 industries receiving visas in FY2003 It is important to know that there are a lot of internationals working in the US!!

The American philosophy of the job hunt: Setting yourself apart from all the other qualified applicants Appear unique or different The 2 C’s:  Confidence  Competence As an international student you have an advantage over American

The Basics of Interviewing 3 stages of interviewing  Stage 1: Preparation  Stage 2: Interview  Stage 3: Follow up

Stage 1:Preparation Learn more about the company  What to look for when researching  Where to find information on companies Prepare to talk about yourself  Topics to think about Goals, Values, Weakness, Strength

Stage 2: The interview Phases of the interview FFirst impressions AActual interview YYour questions CClosing

First impressions: Dress Dress appropriately This depends much on your work environment! The general rule of thumb

The Interview: First impressions Starts the minute you leave your front door Promptness Be nice to everyone you meet in the office Give a firm handshake

The Interview: General Tips  Be enthusiastic  Non-verbal communication  The positives  Don’t exaggerate or lie  Avoid debate  Understand the question  Follow the lead  Don’t interrupt  Timing of answers  What not to expect  Talking about salary  Past employers, colleagues, teacher or institution.

The Interview: Top 10 questions Adapted from St. Norbert’s college and MU Career Center Tell me about yourself What is your most significant accomplishment? Why do you believe you are qualified for the position? Have you ever accomplished something you did not think you could? Describe a time where your performance went above and beyond expectations. What do you like/dislike most about your current position? What are your career goals? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now? What are your most significant strengths? What are your most significant weaknesses? Why do you want to work here?

Most common questions for international students. How long do you think you will stay in the U.S.? How are your communication skills? How are you more qualified than an American candidate? Where are you from?

Discriminatory questions Have you had any medical problems lately? What country are you or your parents from? Do you prefer Ms., Miss., or Mrs.? Do you have children? What church do you go to? How old are you?

Stage 3: The Follow up Shake hands again Thank the interviewer Immediately send everyone you talk to a thank you letter.

MU Career Center Mock Interview What: Practice like a real interview! Time: ~50 minutes  Practice Interview  Expert feedback from the mock interviewer  Can be videotaped so you can see what you look like when you are interviewed Cost: FREE!!! Where: MU Career Center at the Student Success Center.

Want more information? For a more detailed information about interviewing, please visit us at ISCS. We have staff members who do individual consultations as well as an in depth workshop on interviewing skills. International Students’ Career Serivces Student Success Center Room 3 Telephone: Hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM