JOB SEARCH ATTITUDE: DO’S AND DON’T
It’s important to develop a positive attitude toward your job search. Employers want candidates who will be a “good fit” for their companies, and negative, frustrated, desperate job seekers do not inspire confidence in potential employers! Be sure to understand how the hiring process works, follow the application instructions, and respect the hiring process for each company.
Develop a support system (family, friends, career counselor, and faculty) and keep them informed of your progress, or lack of, during the job search. The support system can serve to encourage you and be a resource to evaluate your progress along the way.
The longer the job search takes, the more likely you will become discouraged and frustrated. These traits can sabotage your best efforts if they show up in an interview or phone conversation with a potential employer. Remember, finding a job is hard work. Focus on the skills and background you possess, and build on the results you have accomplished. Take responsibility and let the following ten, two-letter words guide you: “If it is to be, it is up to me.”
| DO | DON’T |
| Be positive, upbeat, and confident. | Be negative, downcast, or frightened. |
| Look ahead to the next step. | Let a setback drag you down. |
| Concentrate on opportunities you have. | Focus on opportunities you missed. |
| Learn from each experience and grow. | Dwell on and relive your mistakes. |
| Develop your outgoing, friendly side. | Behave in unfriendly ways. |
| Consider your search a challenge. | Look at it as impossible. |
| Visit CDES for some assistance. | Believe we can be of no help. |
Emphasize the positive. It is an advantage to many employers to have a bilingual employee and/or an employee familiar with work abroad. The fact that international students have lived and studied abroad shows tenacity and resourcefulness. Convey to the interviewer challenges faced and overcome in this process. Be prepared to explain to your potential employer how hiring you offers more advantages than disadvantages. You might want to contact the employer’s HR office prior to an interview to ask about organizational policies regarding hiring non-citizens or permanent residents. Ask if the employer will help a qualified non-citizen obtain work authorization.