4 Job Search Tips for International Students and Professionals

4 Job Search Tips for International Students and Professionals Looking to Land Their Next Job in Michigan

Navigating the job market can present difficulties for any job seeker, especially for recent university graduates. International talent, including international students, can face additional challenges when trying to secure employment. This handy resource will help international job seekers and students successfully navigate these challenges to find the job that they are looking for.

1. Connect with Supportive Organizations
Whether you are an international job seeker looking to continue your career in Michigan or an international student preparing for employment opportunities after you graduate, one place you can start is by connecting with Global Detroit. Since 2010, this nonprofit has worked to strengthen Michigan’s economy by advancing immigrant and migrant inclusion. Global Detroit has several teams devoted to helping international job seekers, students, and entrepreneurs thrive in Michigan. We can connect you with key resources, other partners, and opportunities across the state.

International students should also connect with International Student Offices and Career Services on their college or university campus. These offices can help you learn more about different industries in Michigan you might want to work in and connect you with prospective employers.

👉 You can connect with Global Detroit’s Talent Team by emailing talent@globaldetroitmi.org, joining their LinkedIn group, or learn more about their programs by visiting their website.

2. Get Organized
One piece of advice that will serve you well is “procrastination is the enemy of employment opportunities.” For international job seekers, be proactive and learn more about your visa options. Global Detroit partners with several immigration attorneys who may offer free consultations. You can also visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Categories page to learn more about different visa options you may qualify for and their requirements.

For international students, Optional Practical Training (OPT) under the F-1 student visa is most commonly used for post-graduation work authorization. We recommend securing employment at least two months before graduation.  The employer will need to supply you with proof of future employment, such as an offer letter, but it is up to you to work with your higher education institution to apply for OPT with the federal government. These two months will allow for a sufficient cushion of time for your OPT application to be processed so you can start your new role without delay.

3. Don’t Get Disqualified When You Apply
Application materials and hiring skills will get you in the door, so make sure it is not shut prematurely. There can be a big difference between the resume, curriculum vitae, or cover letter you may have used in another country and the types that Michigan workplaces are accustomed to. To ensure your application is competitive, one resource you can use is the Michigan State University Graduate School’s Resume, Curriculum Vitae, and Cover Letter page to modify your application materials for a U.S. employer. Also, invest in improving your interview skills. Being able to answer potential employers’ questions in a way that sets you up for success is crucial.

You can also reach out to Global Detroit for resources on resume, curriculum vitae, cover letter, and job interview best practices. We offer individual consultation, workshops, and even a multi-session Global Talent Accelerator Program, which teaches international students best practices for soft skill development and navigating the employment journey. All these resources are free of charge.

4. Do Your Research and NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
Finding a job opportunity in Michigan is not just about your qualifications but who you connect with. Find the right people who you need to know, and who need to know you, that can influence a potential employer to hire you.

This requires research on your part. Learn about prospective companies, firms, and organizations that have open positions, and do not be content with just submitting a job application. GO FURTHER!

• Who are the firms’ key decision makers?
• Can you identify the hiring manager for this position (and that is not always the Human Resource Manager but could be the person who heads the department where the role will be housed)?
• Have you reached out to them on LinkedIn or via email?
• What are the major pain points of the firm and/or department and how can hiring you best address them?
• Are there any company events being advertised that you can attend where you may meet the hiring manager or other personnel that can connect you with them?
• Are there any industry-level events that are coming up that you can attend where either company personnel may attend OR where you can meet other potential employers that may have open positions?

Your unique experiences and skills are your best assets. Sell that unique value proposition by building genuine connections with key decision makers who can advocate for your hire.

Final Thoughts
This is not an exhaustive list, but it provides some practical first steps international job seekers and students can take to improve their competitive employment advantage and build their careers in Michigan. Above all, connect with organizations who are invested in your success, like Global Detroit. Their unique resources and support staff are dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.

Author: Dr. Theodore Jones is Senior Director of Talent Initiatives at Global Detroit. In this work he leads two statewide programs:  the Global Talent Retention Initiative (helping international students find job opportunities after they graduate) and the Global Entrepreneurs in Residence (helping international founders bring their startups to Michigan). A lifelong Michigander, Dr., Jones earned his B.A. in Political Science from Hampton University, M.S.W.  from the University of Michigan, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Before joining Global Detroit in 2023, he worked for six years as a central office administrator for Detroit Public Schools Community District. He lives on Detroit’s east side.