The Job Search Deal
By:
Marcus Anderson
Academic & Career Advisor
Steps to the Job Search
1. Be Aware
2.Preparation
3. Identify
Jobs and
Internships
4. Apply and
Follow Up
Steps to the Job Search
1. Be Aware
2.Preparation
3. Identify
Jobs and
Internships
4. Apply and
Follow Up
Be Aware
Be Aware of what You Have to Offer
 Your strengths as an international student:
 Diverse cultural background
 Speak various languages
 Adaptability
Your strengths as a JMU student
 Knowledge of Visa guidelines allowing you to
be a strong advocate of yourself

Be Aware

Be Aware of the US Culture
Know the differences in job-search culture in
the U.S. as compared to your home country
 Assertiveness and Self-Promotion
 Individuality
 Communicating in a Straightforward
Manner
 Self-Awareness
Be Aware
Be aware and research your area of
interest
 Learn more about your field of interest.
 Talk to Professors.
 Find your “research crush.”
 Discover and read blogs or websites from
prominent leaders in your field of interest.
 Become a content expert in your field of
interest.
Steps to the Job Search
1. Be Aware
2.Preparation
3. Identify
Jobs and
Internships
4. Apply and
Follow Up
Preparation –
Resume
Prepare Your Resume
 Use online resources
 Attend Resume Writing Workshops
 Schedule Resume Reviews
 Articulate your skills and Experiences

Preparation –
Cover Letter
Learn How to Write A Cover Letter
 Know the components of a strong cover
letter
 Utilize CAP resources

Preparation –
Recommendations
Identify 3-4 References
 A quality professional reference is:

 Someone who can speak to your abilities (In
and out of the classroom)
 A professor
 Past employer

It is important to maintain a strong
reputation with members of the campus
community.
Preparation –
Interviewing


Learn about the US interviewing culture.
Be punctual.
 Arrive five to fifteen minutes prior to appointment.


Eye contact is expected and shows confidence.
Interviewer styles vary.
 May begin with direct questions or minimal small talk.


The interviewer may do most of the talking or may
expect the candidate to do most of the talking.
Questions regarding age, race, sexual orientation,
disabilities, national origin and marital status are
illegal.
Preparation –
Interviewing (Cont.)

Articulate clear self-knowledge:
 Talk about your career goals and long-term plans.
 However, remain flexible to obtain initial
employment.


Disclosing your strengths, weaknesses,
personality, leadership style, problem solving
abilities, etc. are appropriate when asked.
Researching the organization.
 Demonstrate that knowledge during the interview.
This is appreciated and shows initiative and interest.
Preparation –
Interviewing (Cont.)

Study commonly asked interview questions.
 Write the answers to those questions, and practice
your responses in front of a mirror as well as with
friends.

You can enhance your communication skills by:
 Talking and speaking up in class
 Making friends and talking with Americans
 Attending CAP workshops
 Watching television
 Reading newspapers and academic publications
Preparation –
Elevator Speech

Develop your elevator speech.
 A 15 second description of who you are, your goals, and future
aspirations

Prepare a short (30 -60 seconds) "elevator pitch” or “personal
commercial,” to share with employers when you meet them.
My name is ________ (your name), and I am a (senior, Masters
student, sophomore) in ___________(field/major). I will graduate
in___________. I am interested in the _____________(co-op? full
time?) _______________ (position title) position at ____________
(company name). I have the _____________ skills and experience that
the job posting describes. _________ (the company name) interests
me because__________________.

ADD something about yourself that is positive and memorable:
 My last employer said ________________. I am _________________.
Preparation –
Informational Interviews
Schedule information interviews with
professionals in your field.
 Informational Interviews are like “First
Dates.”
 They are opportunities for you to learn
more about your field and grow as a
professional.

Preparation
Develop a professional image
 Utilize online resources for suggestions
on professional attire and appearance
 Uphold a strong reputation with campus
jobs, professors, and administrators
 Get a JMU Recruit-A-Duke Account.
 Upload you Resume to RAD.

Steps to the Job Search
1. Be Aware
2.Preparation
3. Identify
Jobs and
Internships
4. Apply and
Follow Up
Identify Jobs and
Internships
Start with Recruit-A-Duke!
 CAP’s Online Resources
 CAP Resource Center

Identify Jobs and
Internships
Research Potential Employers and
Positions
 Recruit-A-Duke
 H1 Base International Job Search
Database
 LinkedIn
 Company Website

Identify Jobs and
Internships


Learn How to Network- Tap Into Hidden Job Market
Network with:










Friends
Family Members
Professors
Neighbors
Alumni who have gained employment successfully
Learn how they conducted their job searches
Limit your competition
Go to Networking Events
View LinkedIn Job Postings
It’s not just about who you know, it’s about who knows
you and what they know about what you are looking
for
Steps to the Job Search
1. Be Aware
2.Preparation
3. Identify
Jobs and
Internships
4. Apply and
Follow Up
Apply and Follow-Up
Upload your Resume to Recruit-A-Duke
 Send Resume, Cover Letter and other
materials to the employer contact.
 Showcase updated information on your
LinkedIn profile.

Apply and Follow-Up
Attend the interview.
 Bring copies of your resume and other
supplemental materials
 Be confident throughout the interviewing
process.
 Come with questions!
 You are interviewing them as well.

Apply and Follow-Up

After the interview is over send
employers a appropriate follow-up
correspondence.
 Thank you notes (Preferred Method)
 This correspondence is expected and is
not over-zealous
 Be specific in your thank you notes
 An email message
 A personal message on LinkedIn
Apply and Follow-Up
Evaluate your job offers
 Weigh the pros and cons of offers
 Make a decision on what would be the
best fit for you, your career goals, and
life situation.
 Accept the Job or Internship

Questions???
Marcus Anderson
Academic and Career Advisor
Career and Academic Planning
James Madison University
Office: 540-568-6555
Email: ander2mp@jmu.edu