Landing your dream job: Top 6 tips that work

Hey there, ambitious international student and global citizen! Are you ready to take the world by storm and showcase your incredible talents and knowledge? It’s time to raise your profile and take the next step now that you have successfully achieved your foreign degree. We know any type of transition can be daunting but we are going to share with you tips and tricks to help you land your dream job.

As an international student, you’ve undoubtedly faced numerous challenges during your academic journey. From adjusting to a new world to competing with talented students from all corners of the globe, you’ve proven your resilience and dedication. Now, it’s time to reap the rewards of your hard work and make the most of the competitive advantage your foreign degree provides.

However, we understand that navigating the job market as an international student can be a complex and overwhelming process. That’s why we’ve curated this guide specifically for you. We want to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to successfully land promising jobs after completing your academic pursuits.

So, what are the key factors you need to understand and act upon to secure that dream job? Let’s dive right in!

1. Get to know the company

Research, research research. Google is your friend. Find out as much as you can about the company, what the company vision, strategic direction and culture is and what they do. What have their main achievements been and what do they have a reputation for? Your University Careers Office will be able to provide information but your own personal research will help you have a much deeper understanding.

2. Get active with the internship processes

During your studies or once you have graduated internships are a great way to gain inside knowledge of a company. Internships prepare you according to the company’s requirements. Getting into a lucrative internship program enhances your chances of landing a promising job with them after you have graduated as you will have established networks and a track record with the organisation.

To take advantage of internship opportunities, extensively study the available options and determine which internship program will enrich you and boost your job prospects. The company websites, LinkedIn, Indeed.com, and Internships.com provide a plethora of information on paid and unpaid internship opportunities. You can get the most out of this experience by pursuing the companies that offer your desired role. Don’t forget to ensure you are confident during the interview process and are well-equipped to crack the screening process. These internships are the stepping stone for your career opportunities and must be taken seriously.

3. Identify international employee-friendly companies

If you’re studying abroad, it’s important to consider companies that would love to have you as part of their team. These are the companies that welcome international students with open arms and offer great job opportunities. You’ll find that many companies operating in your home country are particularly friendly towards international employees, which means there are plenty of job opportunities waiting for you.

There are several reasons why companies are eager to hire foreign students like you. They often want to expand their business and open offices overseas, which requires talented individuals like yourself. Your language skills and fresh perspective can bring a lot to the table and help these companies grow. Plus, working for companies in your native country can be a fantastic way to kickstart your professional journey.

Don’t worry if you plan to return home after completing your studies. Even if that’s the case, it’s still a great idea to send your profiles to these employers. It benefits both you and the companies, as they gain valuable insights and experiences to improve their operations in your home country. So go ahead and start reaching out to these companies, no matter your plans for the future. Exciting opportunities await you!

4. Start networking now

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s absolutely essential for students to recognize the power of networking in order to establish strong relationships and gain access to a wealth of valuable information. This is particularly crucial for international students, as it greatly enhances their prospects of finding employment.

Networking involves actively reaching out and connecting with professors, classmates, university alumni, and industry leaders. Engaging in conversations with these individuals can open up exciting new opportunities, such as discovering alternative career paths, securing internships, exploring research options, and much more.

By building connections with experienced professionals, you gain invaluable industry insights and insider knowledge about available job positions. Furthermore, networking allows you to tap into a wide range of events and job fairs, providing you with even more chances to expand your professional network and establish strong connections in your field of interest.

5. Create a winning resume

Creating a great CV that methodically portrays your academic background and appropriate professional experience is one of the most critical elements in securing a job. The objective statement helps companies understand your goal and how the company will gain from your international student experience. As a result, it is necessary to construct an eye-catching resume that provides an outline of your talents and achievements. The CV must be concise and to the point, and tailored to your particular role. This matters because 61% of hiring managers agree that a customized resume is the best way to increase your chances of landing a job.

6. Leverage the power of social media

In today’s digitalized world, your social media presence is key. Online recruiting platforms are game changers. In fact, 8 individuals are hired via LinkedIn each minute.

Thus, exploiting the power of significant employment portals like LinkedIn is critical. It generates endless jobs for international students and provides them with extensive knowledge of the foreign job market.

Maximizing your digital presence on LinkedIn and networking with relevant people online will increase your prospects of employment and put you in touch with employers.

Creating a proper profile on LinkedIn is vital for getting recognized; therefore, you must prioritize this task. A LinkedIn profile gives you a free platform to showcase more than your CV, build your personal brand, access non-advertised jobs, fast-track your job search experience, build credibility, and exhibit your skills.

Also, beware that employers will review your social media profiles on other platforms to see if you are the right “fit” for the organisation. Make sure that the content on your platforms is respectable and appropriate for your future employers to see.

As a fresh graduate you need to put in the effort to land the job that you want. Researching potential employers, crafting an exceptional resume, and applying for internships often pose challenges for these students. By following this guide and taking timely action, you can distinguish yourself and gain access to the most favorable employment options.

At Gradstar, our mission is to ensure a seamless study abroad journey for you. We offer comprehensive support from start to finish, enabling you to pursue your education at your dream college and fulfill your lifelong aspirations. We value students as individuals, providing thorough pre-departure assistance to make studying abroad an incredibly fulfilling experience for you. Book a private appointment now.