“Have a plan or become part of someone else’s plan”. Heard this one before?

Here’s an example DIY job hunting plan you can consult:

1. Focus on firms you love—Not just job postings. Build this list and track your outreach from this list.

2. Consult 20-30 junior hires doing the exact function you wish to have. Reach out over LinkedIn and set up calls to do this. Ask them all of your “dumb questions”.  -- (Assuming your data is “normal”, it does take 30 data points to reach statistical significance ^^)

Become more than a resume to company leaders. People hire people, not your resume. Network!

Don’t judge yourself. Focus on process. Continue to refine your process so that you’re doing more of what works and less of what doesn’t.

Here are seven mistakes international students do when they try to secure a job in the US:

1. Planning to graduate, but not beyond that

2. Getting caught in the label, “international student”

3. Confusing certifications and more tests with job hunting

4. Expecting campus competitions to open doors

5. Not choosing a focus (decide who you want to serve and how!)

6. Not following up on job applications (persistence is a positive)

7. Obsessing over resumes (no one hires a resume).

The good news is that you can do something about it!

I was a student in exactly the same situation.

Some parts I loved - Some parts such as my terrible first attempt at the job hunt I'd prefer not to repeat!

What insights about jobs, career, or the market would be the most helpful to you?

Researching companies is a critical part of winning a job offer.

There are many ways to do it, but this is my approach to it:

#1 Talk to current and old employees

#2 Get familiar with their values and mission statement

#3 Research the projects they are working on

Number #3 is critical.

Companies want people that can solve their problems. By researching their projects you can familiarize yourself with what they need and you can position yourself to be the SOLUTION -- and get hired!

Companies love to see that you've done your homework!

What to do when you see an attractive job posting? 

Quick breakdown of what to do: 

#1 Apply online

#2 Become a real person through 1x1 live interactions with people in the firm to bring your application to life. 

While doing the reverse (#2 than #1) is still the best, you don’t always get to choose. 

Just don’t wait to hear back -  and still expect your life will change! 

For more information on how to achieve #2 (networking) invite you to check out my networking course explaining what to do: https://bit.ly/networking203.

[Ethical use warning: this approach works at any firm. Apply it only where you really want to work]

PSA: Network with the people in the firms where you got a rejection.

Why?

Because people hire people, not resumes or GPAs.

Likely you were rejected before anyone got a chance to meet you. You’ve been too quick to give up.

Also, make networking because it enables you to:

A) To learn and practice professional skills

B) To get a referral or interview chance inside the firm

C) To get referrals to people in OTHER firms in the target company or person list

Having a conversation with someone inside your industry or dream company is very valuable, and the rejection doesn’t matter at all.

Go here to learn more https://bit.ly/networking203

Are international students getting screwed at the offer stage? Yes and No.

I help international students master the job hunt. The BIG BANG comes at the end when my clients don't have to be alone during offer negotiation.

Situation: Offered $70k, $72k LESS than the median.

Problem: Identified with client that JOB TITLE does NOT match responsibilities. Here, NOT a case of intentional malice, but definitely a low-ball based on playing games with the job title.

SOLUTION: Stage the discussion. Don't go right to salary. I stay behind the scenes guiding client while they:

1) Get agreement on job description (JD). We'll draft the JD, not wait for the firm to do that. DONE.

2) Share market data on comp for the agreed title. We'll not "say" we need more money. Point out the difference and engage. Big shift in salary will ensue.

Having a coach is not only investing in yourself, not only avoiding isolation. It's often about adding 5-figures to your annual salary.