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
First impressions
Actual interview
Your questions
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
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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
 E-mail: iscareer@missouri.edu
 Telephone: 573-882-2170
 Hours: Monday – Friday 10 AM – 4 PM