Resumes, Cover Letters and Job Search Strategies for International Students SEARCH FOR WORK. DO WHAT YOU LOVE. © Stanford University 2012 Workshop Outline  Career Planning Overview  Questions?  Resumes & Cover Letters  Content and Organization  Language and Phrasing  Job Search Strategies  Additional Resources  Questions & Final Thoughts © Stanford University 2012 Career Planning Stages — Reflect — — Explore — Focus — Resume — - Cover Ltr Prep interview —— Find & pursue opportunities —— - - - - Request OPT EAD start - - - - -—— Offers —— Start work © Stanford University 2012 Reflect: You and Your Goals  Interests, values, skills  Signature strengths Skills & accomplishments  Experience  Academic  Extracurricular   Volunteer Work Personality  Preferences   Work environment Location  Goals  Factors and influences © Stanford University 2012 Explore Career Possibilities  First Steps  Vault/Career Insider Industry and Career Guides  Online subscription, CDC Library  Informational Interviewing  Non-Profit & Corporate Directories  Search by industry, product, location, size, . . . .  Rich’s – 150,000 tech and biotech companies  Book of Lists for major U.S. cities (in CDC Library)  Employers who submit H1B petitions: www.myvisajobs.com  Business magazines and trade journals  www.tradevibes.com, www.idealist.org  Google (Maps, News, Finance, etc.) © Stanford University 2012 Where Should I Focus? Self-Assess Interests, skills, values, wants P l a n A P l a n Discover, explore & research possibilities B Visa Requirements © Stanford University 2012 Marketing Yourself: Putting It All Together  Connect your experiences and personal qualities to your research about the industry and organization.  Show the organization . . .     You know who they are and what they do  Products/services, mission statement, their core values You have skills that match their needs You are a good personality fit A genuine interest in their organization  . . . through:  Networking  Well-targeted and customized cover letters and resumes  Focused responses to interview questions © Stanford University 2012 Qualities and Qualifications  Resume & Cover Letter o o o o o o o o o Specialized knowledge Specialized skills Academic achievement Technical know-how Communication skills Analytical skills Teamwork & leadership Motivation and initiative Focus © Stanford University 2012 International Status Potential Disadvantages  Miscommunication  Potential Advantages  Speak multiple languages Language and/or cultural  Hiring restrictions based on visa status Won’t sponsor H-1B visa or green card  Multicultural outlook Explicit  Lack of network in U.S. Work harder. Start now! ? © Stanford University 2012  Global perspective  Network in home country  Adapt to new situations ? Curriculum Vitae (CV or vita) Customarily used for:  Academic positions (teaching or administrative)  Fellowships or grants  Customary in some countries “Going Global” in CDC Library or website  Consult career counselor at the CDC   CDC’s “Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letters” handout  CDC’s Academic Job Search workshop © Stanford University 2012 Guiping (Gwen) Zhou 563 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford, CA 94305 • (650) 723-2300 • [email protected] OBJECTIVE Summer internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION BS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University Coursework: Statics, Dynamic Analysis, Product Development RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Mechanical Designer, ME 203 Course Project Collaboratively designed and prototyped a versatile webcam mount expected Jun 201x GPA 3.4 4/1x – 6/1x Engineering Intern, Hewlett Packard, Shanghai, China 6/10 – 9/10 Used AutoCAD to document variations in parts used in ink-jet printers Carefully verified that part numbers, drawings and physical parts matched Developed knowledge of production protocols and manufacturing environment OTHER EXPERIENCE President, Engineering Students Association SKILLS AutoCAD, SketchUp; Microsoft Word, Excel ACTIVITIES Operate and repair radio-controlled aircraft © Stanford University 2012 5/1x – 8/1x Guiping (Gwen) Zhou 563 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford, CA 94305 • (650) 723-2300 • [email protected] OBJECTIVE Summer internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION BS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University expected Jun 201x Helpful but optional Coursework: Statics, Dynamic Analysis, Product Development GPA 3.4 Quickly EXPERIENCE indicates the type of position sought RELEVANT Mechanical Designer, ME 203 Course Project 4/1x – 6/1x Collaboratively designed and prototyped a versatile webcam mount May include: Engineering Intern, Hewlett Packard, Shanghai, China 6/10 – 9/10 specific position you are seeking Used AutoCAD to document variations in parts used in ink-jet printers you wish to use onand thephysical job parts matched Carefully verifiedskills that part numbers, drawings industry, field or type ofand organization Developed knowledge of production protocols manufacturing environment a combination of all of the OTHER EXPERIENCE President, Engineering Students Association above SKILLS AutoCAD, SketchUp; Microsoft Word, Excel 5/1x – 8/1x Clear, concise, meaningful ACTIVITIES Operate and repair radio-controlled aircraft © Stanford University 2012 Summary or Professional Qualifications  Overview that highlights your greatest relevant strengths  Clear, concise, meaningful  It may include Big-picture view of your most relevant qualifications  Personal traits and/or work style  A combination of the above   Optional; may complement or replace the objective  Can be more powerful than an objective © Stanford University 2012 Sample Summary Statements Summary of Qualifications: Excellent team management and communication skills Outstanding analytical and problem solving abilities Proven leadership and decision making skills History of solving challenging problems under tight deadlines  Strong financial analysis and intuitive business sense     © Stanford University 2012 Guiping (Gwen) Zhou 563 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford, CA 94305 • (650) 723-2300 • [email protected] OBJECTIVE Summer internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION MS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University expected Jun 201x Coursework: Dynamic Analysis, Smart Product Development GPA 3.4 BS (Diplom) Mechanical Engineering 201x Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea GPA 97/100 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Mechanical Designer, ME 203 Course Project 4/1x – 6/1x Collaboratively designed and prototyped a versatile webcam mount Engineering Intern, Hewlett Packard, Shanghai, China 6/10 – 9/10 Used AutoCAD to document variations in parts used in ink-jet printers Carefully verified that part numbers, drawings and physical parts matched Developed knowledge of production protocols and manufacturing environment © Stanford University 2012 Guiping (Gwen) Zhou 563 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford, CA 94305 • (650) 723-2300 • [email protected] OBJECTIVE Summer internship as a Mechanical Engineer EDUCATION MS Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University expected Jun 201x Coursework: Dynamic Analysis, Smart Product Development GPA 3.4 BS (Diplom) Mechanical Engineering 201x Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea GPA 97/100 RELEVANT EXPERIENCE Mechanical Designer, ME 203 Course Project 4/1x – 6/1x Collaboratively designed and prototyped a versatile webcam mount Engineering Intern, Hewlett Packard, Shanghai, China 6/10 – 9/10 Used AutoCAD to document variations in parts used in ink-jet printers Carefully verified that part numbers, drawings and physical parts matched Developed knowledge of production protocols and manufacturing environment © Stanford University 2012 Experience  Emphasize most relevant experience by listing it first       paid jobs (in field) internships special academic projects/research volunteer experiences leadership/teamwork in student organizations paid jobs (other)  List most recent information first within each section  Minimize jargon or acronyms only known within your field  Use common action verbs © Stanford University 2012 Chronological Resume EXPERIENCE 9/10 – Research Assistant, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University Investigated wireless network technologies . . . 9/07 – 9/10 Course Assistant, Dept of Engineering, Tsinghua University Led the Accelerated Calculus for Engineers Program . . . 6/09 – 9/09 Research Assistant, Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University Designed wireless sensors that . . . 6/05 – 9/07 Software Engineer Intern, IBM Corporation, Shanghai Tested machine software . . . © Stanford University 2012 Combination Resume PROJECT EXPERIENCE: 9/10 – Research Assistant, Electrical Engineering, Stanford University Investigated wireless network technologies . . . 6/09 – 9/09 Research Assistant, Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University Designed wireless sensors that . . . WORK EXPERIENCE: 9/07 – 9/10 Course Assistant, Dept of Engineering, Tsinghua University Led the Accelerated Calculus for Engineers Program . . . 6/05 – 9/07 Software Engineer Intern, IBM Corporation, Shanghai Tested machine software . . . LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE: 5/06 – 6/07 President, Society of Scientists & Engineers Led 60 members in the successful launch of . . . © Stanford University 2012 References  On a separate sheet of paper  List at least 3 references  Name  Title/Relationship  Address  Phone Number  Email  Ask your references ahead of time! © Stanford University 2012 References  Provided upon request  In industry, most employers prefer to communicate directly with the person providing the recommendation by phone or email, rather than a written letter.  Other than academic and research positions, written letters of reference or recommendation are not needed for most positions. Provide letters only when requested or if reference is unreachable, otherwise provide contact information. © Stanford University 2012 Additional Information Unless specifically asked, employers do NOT need:  Copies of diplomas  Photos  Information put in folders or other protective covers  Transcripts  List of References © Stanford University 2012 Cover Letter: Purpose & Structure  First paragraph: Who are you? Why are you writing? Middle paragraph(s): Why are you a good candidate?    How do you meet or exceed the job requirements? Why are you applying for this position at this organization?  Last paragraph: What’s the next step? Good: “I look forward to hearing from you.”  Better: “I will contact you next week to follow up about scheduling an interview.”  Signature and closing  Keep it simple: “Sincerely” or “Best Regards”  Sign in black ink above your typed name (if printed)  Type your name directly below the closing (if email)  © Stanford University 2012 Cover Letter Tips  “Ask not what your employer can do for you . . . ”  Focus on how you can contribute, not what you hope to gain  Customize each letter  Why are you applying for this position at this organization?  Offer tangible, relevant skills with concrete examples.  Avoid clichés (e.g. “I am a people person” or “Teamwork is my middle name”)  Use direct and easily understood language.  Avoid abbreviations and slang  Spelling, punctuation & grammar must be perfect! © Stanford University 2012 Email Cover Letters  Briefer but still include your top 2 or 3 selling points.  Subject line conveys why you are writing.  Avoid a blank or generic “resume/cover letter” subject.  Follow up:  Can email again in a week or two  Consider calling to establish “live” communication. “Cover Letter Magic” by Wendy S. Enelow and Louise M. Kursmark © Stanford University 2012 How Students Find Jobs © Stanford University 2012 The Hidden Job Market  Most (75 - 80%) job openings are not advertised  Employers prefer to fill positions by referral People they already know  People recommended by trusted colleagues   Build a network of contacts in target companies  Informational interviews  Network AND gather information simultaneously © Stanford University 2012 Establishing and Expanding Your Network Meetup Facebook LinkedIn Yahoo! Groups Twitter Career Fairs Employer Info Sessions Professors Student Organizations Family Friends Stanford Alumni Assoc. Stanford Career Network © Stanford University 2012 Off-Campus Networking Events Professional Assocs. Ideal Job Search for March Graduate Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar — Reflect — — Explore — — Resume — - Cover Ltr Prep interview —— Find & pursue opportunities —— - - - - Request OPT Apr EAD start - - - - -—— Offers —— Start work © Stanford University 2012 Gather Information  Research Industry or Field  Research the Organization  Economic trends  Products & services  Future growth areas  Organizational structure  Potential for new markets  Reputation  Problems & areas of concern  Financially sound?  Competition & main players  Career paths within company  Professional development  Resources  Vault/Career Insider  Resources  Informational interviews  Employer website  Industry blogs  Employer info session  Trade magazines  Informational interviews  CDC Library  Google News, Finance  CDC Library © Stanford University 2012 Job Search Timeline – For Profit Large Consulting, Finance & Engineering firms hire through career fairs and on-campus recruiting Fall: Register & activate Cardinal Careers account. Monitor & apply by deadlines. Attend career fairs and info sessions. Winter: Identify and apply to smaller firms. Explore other industries. Attend career fairs and info sessions. Spring: Attend career fairs and info sessions. Pursue job listings. Network & follow up! CDC counselors can help! © Stanford University 2012 Job Search Timeline – Public Service Fall: Research and network with organizations Winter Apply to posted jobs. & Spring: Check for opportunities with contacts made in the Fall Nonprofits post when ready to hire (ie. jobs posted in March start in April) Exceptions: Large national nonprofits and fellowships If job starts too soon for you, introduce yourself & network for the future. © Stanford University 2012 On-Campus Recruiting Tips  Attend Cardinal Recruiting Overview workshop  Unlike the “real world,” OCR is condensed and structured  Job posting, resume deadlines, notifications, interview sign-ups and interviews span about 30-40 days.  Review, understand and follow all recruiting policies.  Do  not misrepresent yourself! DO NOT change your bio & education info to be eligible for jobs.  Upload cover letter + resume and unofficial transcript Copy transcript from Axess into Word doc, and then upload.  Don’t tamper with your transcript!  © Stanford University 2012 Upcoming Events and Programs  Super Saturday – Sat Sept. 29  Fall Career Fair – Tues Oct. 2 @ White Plaza  CDC Workshops  Interviewing for International Students – 3pm Fri Oct 5  For PhD’s: PhD Pathways; Academic Job Search © Stanford University 2012 Highlighted Resources  CDC http://studentaffairs.stanford.edu/cdc/international-students  Short 15-minute drop-ins for a resume or cover letter review  Make a 45-minute appointment with a career counselor online via your Cardinal Careers account  Publications: pick up at CDC or download from web site  Binder: Sample Stanford Student Resumes & Cover Letters  Workshops at Bechtel International Center  F-1 Practical Training (CPT/OPT)  H-1B Visas © Stanford University 2012