Become irresistible: How to get hired as an international student

Job hunting in the US as an international student can be overwhelming and unpredictable. You’re adapting to a new job market and workplace culture, navigating visa-specific hiring requirements, and facing hesitant employers.

But here’s the good news: We’ve teamed up with Betsy Cohen, author of Welcome to the U.S.A.–You’re Hired!, to help you turn these challenges into opportunities. Betsy, who is an alum of Harvard Business School and Wellesley College, has dedicated her career to helping international talent succeed in the US.

Together, we’ve created a guide packed with practical strategies to help you showcase your unique skills and make yourself an invaluable asset to employers. Ready to stand out and get hired as an international student? Let’s dive in.

1. Understand what makes you irresistible to employers

To stand out to employers, you need to show them why you’re their perfect fit. Why should they choose you? How are you necessary for their team? What unique value can you bring both now and in the future? Reflect on your strengths, skills, and experiences, and connect them directly to the role and company you’re targeting.

As an international candidate, you’re competing with Americans who don’t face work authorization or sponsorship hurdles. That’s why it’s crucial to showcase what sets you apart. Highlight how your background brings fresh perspectives, cultural insights, or international connections that can drive the company’s success. Make it clear that your global expertise is a competitive advantage they can’t afford to overlook.

2. Don’t just network. Build relationships.

Standing out to potential employers often starts with networking, but how you approach it makes all the difference. In the US, “networking” can sometimes carry a negative connotation, especially if it feels transactional.  Sending generic messages on LinkedIn or asking for job referrals right away when meeting someone can come across as impersonal and pushy.

Instead, shift your focus to building meaningful connections. Take the time to learn about people’s experiences, offer value where you can, and let relationships grow naturally. This approach feels more authentic and leaves a lasting, positive impression.

Why relationships matter more than networking

Building relationships allows you to showcase your value holistically, giving people insight into who you are beyond your skills and experience. Often, your personality, work ethic, and unique perspective are what make the difference in landing your dream role.

Start connecting with potential employers early and frequently to create authentic and meaningful relationships. Here are some ways to get started:

• Attend industry events and meetups like industry meet-ups or chamber of commerce events to expand your network.
• Pursue internships or shadowing opportunities to gain hands-on experience while building rapport with professionals in your field.
• Initiate coffee chats or informational interviews for one-on-one conversations to learn insights.
• Request to do a case study to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving skills by offering a valuable perspective on real-world challenges.

Relationships built on mutual respect and genuine connection can set you apart in a competitive job market.

How to network effectively

The key to relationship-building is asking thoughtful, relevant questions. This not only makes you stand out but also demonstrates genuine interest in the person or company you’re connecting with.  To do this, you’ll need to research the company and individual in advance, allowing you to align your questions with their expertise, goals, or challenges.

Practical tips for networking success:

• Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on making a few meaningful connections rather than spreading yourself too thin.
• Engage with common interests: Use topics like sports, food, or travel to break the ice during small talk.
• Always follow up: Send a personalized email or LinkedIn message to reinforce the connection after an event or meeting.
• Network in person whenever possible: While virtual tools like Zoom can help, face-to-face interactions are often more impactful.

3. Research your way to success

Effective research is a cornerstone of a successful job search. The US job market varies significantly by region and industry, so knowing where to focus your efforts can make a big difference. 

Use AI search tools like Google Gemini or ChatGPT to locate industry hot spots in the US—such as New York for finance or California for technology. 

Trusted resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics can provide reputable data on industry trends, job outlooks, and salary expectations.

Maximize your preparation with these resources:

• Research specific companies: Use LinkedIn and search engines to explore company goals, current projects, leadership, and job openings. Being well-informed demonstrates genuine interest and professionalism.
• Identify visa-sponsoring companies: Use Interstride’s US Visa Insights tool or MyVisaJobs to find the top companies that sponsor international students.
• Leverage AI for tailored applications: Use AI to customize your resume and cover letters for each job, showcasing your relevance to the employer’s needs.
• Boost your skills with online courses and certifications: Enroll in courses through platforms like Hubspot Academy if you’re doing marketing or strategy roles or Coursera or Google Career Certifications to enhance your expertise in areas relevant to your field.
• Find a mentor: As an international student, a mentor can guide you through the nuances of the US job market, help you expand your network, and offer valuable advice to strengthen your leadership skills.

By conducting thorough research and utilizing available tools, you can set yourself apart from other candidates in job applications and interviews, and feel confident as you navigate the US job market.

4. Make the most out of job fairs

Job fairs hosted at your college or university are valuable, in-person opportunities to connect directly with employers and recruiters. They’re free and open to all students, but for international students, job fairs are goldmines. They offer a unique advantage: the chance to speak face-to-face with potential employers and make an impression.

Before attending, your school will typically release a list of companies that will be there. Take advantage of the list and research each one in advance to understand their hiring history, especially regarding international students and graduates.

Tips to prepare and stand out at job fairs:

• Bring multiple copies of your resume to pass out to recruiters.
• Be proactive by approaching tables and introducing yourself to recruiters.
• Show enthusiasm and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.
• Ask high-quality, insightful questions about the company’s culture, opportunities, and growth plans.
• Inquire about current openings.
• Ask to connect with them on LinkedIn and get their email.
• Always follow up afterward via email or LinkedIn to express appreciation and reaffirm your interest in staying connected.

5. Breakthrough cultural barriers to ace your job interview

According to recruiters, the 5Cs–Character, Culture Fit, Career Direction, Competence, and Communication Skills–can help guide job seekers when preparing for interviews. 

As an international candidate, demonstrating cultural fit is vital. It’s widely recognized that cultural adaptability plays a critical role in hiring decisions, especially for international candidates. Research has shown that focusing on cultural fit in the hiring process can help companies increase employee retention and job performance. 

Interviews are a chance to showcase not only your skills and experience but also your ability to integrate into the team and effectively communicate in English.

What to expect in US job interviews

Knowing what types of questions will be asked and preparing thoughtful answers for each category will help you present yourself as a strong candidate in your interview.

• Performance questions focus on your previous work experience and achievements to see if you are a good fit for the role long-term and can help the company grow.
• Competency questions test your technical skills, depth of knowledge, and problem-solving abilities to figure out if you will be able to do the job efficiently.
• Behavioral questions ask about how you acted or would act in specific situations to determine if you are a cultural fit for the company and assess your soft skills.
• Logistical questions ask about your work authorization status, whether you will need visa sponsorship, and what date you’re available to start working. 

Research commonly asked interview questions for the US and for the industry and role you applied for. Prepare and practice answers to performance and behavioral questions using the STAR format:

• Situation – Describe a specific situation that addresses the question.
• Task – Explain the task you were responsible for or the goal you were trying to achieve.
• Action – Describe the specific actions you took to complete the task.
• Result – Explain the positive outcomes and what you learned from the experience. 

At the end of the interview, ask 2-3 thoughtful questions to show your research and genuine interest in the role and company. Not asking questions can leave a negative impression. Be sure to close with a confident statement about why you’re a strong fit for the position and ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows your engagement and eagerness.

6. Know work authorization and immigration rules inside out

As an international student, it’s crucial to be fully informed about your F-1 student visa status and work authorization options, including post-graduation pathways like OPT and STEM OPT. 

Many employers may not know that you can work on your F-1 visa without needing sponsorship right away, so it’s important to be your own advocate.

Clearly communicating your visa status and work authorization options can smooth the hiring process and ensure employers understand what they need to know. For more information, refer to our guide for US employers hiring international students.

Your visa and work authorization options

International students on F-1 visas have three options for work authorization before and immediately after graduation:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is used for off-campus internships that relate to your field of study. CPT can only be used during your academic program, not after graduation. You must have an eligible internship offer to apply and once approved, you can work up to 20 hours per week for the duration of the internship.  
• Optional Practical Training (OPT) is for temporary off-campus employment that is related to your area of study. You can use OPT both before or after you graduate, and it’s valid for up to 12 months total.
• STEM OPT is an extension of OPT that gives eligible STEM graduates an additional 24 months of work authorization. Only graduates already on OPT can apply, and their employer must be enrolled in the E-verify program.

Each option has specific requirements and time limits, so it’s essential to plan ahead and understand what works for your career goals.

Your long-term options

Don’t wait until your OPT or STEM OPT expires to start thinking about your long-term visa options. Research and plan ahead before graduation to avoid last-minute stress. 

The H-1B, the most common work visa, requires employer sponsorship and is subject to a highly competitive lottery system. As alternatives, consider the O-1 or E-visa, which are self-sponsored. These visas require you to submit evidence when applying, so it’s crucial to start preparing early.

Additionally, consider H-1B cap-exempt positions. These positions are available at certain employers who do not have to go through the lottery process, such as universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-funded research institutions. If you are aiming for a career in academia, research, or specialized fields, these cap-exempt opportunities can offer a more straightforward route to long-term employment in the US.

Be irresistible and land your dream job

Job hunting doesn’t have to be stressful. Start early, build meaningful relationships, and leverage all available resources. Use LinkedIn and in-person events to strategically create connections that work for you. As an international student in the US, you’re an asset. Show employers that hiring you is an opportunity, not a challenge, by showcasing the unique value you bring to the US job market.