Networking Tips For International Students In The Us

By Author: Darshit
Total Articles: 28
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According to a LinkedIn survey, 85% of critical jobs are filled via professional/business networking. Before jobs are posted online, they’re filled either internally or through a referral from a trusted source. Fresh graduates need to realize that networking is not about meeting as many people as possible. It is about meeting the right people – those who are in your field, are well-connected, can vouch for your ability and refer you to potential employers.

Going through the standard job search process online is tricky because only 2% of applications are selected for an interview. It gets even more difficult for international students. When you first receive the immigration screening questions during the application procedure, it’s possible that you won’t be able to advance to the next round. Many companies claim unequivocally that they do not sponsor work visas. It appears that there is nothing you can do to persuade them to change their beliefs.

Building Professional Terms
There is a technique to get around the immigration question.
When you’re able to form significant relationships ...
... with your target professionals there are chances that you can get referred directly to the recruiting manager. Many businesses have employment practices that are flexible, so all you gotta do is show that you are the correct kind of talent for them to invest in. You can skip the typical job search and get straight to the job interview of your dreams by going online and avoiding the “immigration question.”

Change Your Mindset About Networking
When you hear the phrase “networking,” you might picture yourself exchanging business cards with as many business executives as possible and waiting for someone to contact you. Alternatively, you can consider attending a business conference and attempting to impress business executives in the hopes of landing a job or an internship at their firm. Unfortunately, both of these techniques are unrealistic. They’re also ineffective when it comes to establishing a network. Instead of thinking of networking as a transaction, see it as a way to form essential connections with other professionals.
The purpose of making meaningful connections is to develop mentorships with professionals to learn more about each other. These connections are crucial because they have a greater impact and last longer than merely passing your business card to someone. You will also be able to locate mentors that can assist you in your future profession.

Connect in a variety of ways
International students can build their networks in a variety of methods, including online and in-person networking. In the United States, online networking can help students connect with business experts from other parts of the country. Email, LinkedIn, social media, and even phone calls are all forms of online networking.

Networking on LinkedIn
When it comes to networking on LinkedIn, one of the most common mistakes international students make is being too direct and just reaching out to people because they want to work for a specific company.

Ask yourself a simple question: “Did you reach out to people with the idea of job seeking or to develop a meaningful connection?” If your answer is the first one, then you are doing it wrong.
Consider adjusting your strategy if your main goal is to find work without making a genuine connection. Find folks who actually fascinate you and consider how you may assist them.
Being “on” LinkedIn is like attending a massive (400 million people) professional development networking convention that never ends.


Networking via Email
International students frequently make the mistake of being overly formal and writing lengthy emails.
When networking by email, keep in mind to address the email to a specific person and to use a polite and professional tone. Instead of using “Dear,” greet someone with “Hi” or “Hello,” followed by the recipient’s name.

When it comes to the length of your networking email, keep it to no more than five phrases to show that you value their time.

Networking Over a Call
You may be apprehensive about making a phone call because of your accent or because you’ve heard that Americans can speak very quickly at times, and you won’t be able to understand them. However, phone networking is unavoidable because it allows you to connect with people outside of your town or city.

If you’re a software engineering student in Lincoln, Nebraska, you might want to contact someone who works in a tech firm in California to introduce yourself and learn more about the industry and the work he or she does.

Because you have the option to speak with a business professional, phone calls are the most personal form of networking. A phone conversation should begin with a warm and professional introduction, similar to email networking. Begin by introducing yourself and asking a friendly inquiry, such as “How are you?” It’s critical not to overthink the call and instead focus on having a genuine conversation with the business professional.

When it comes to expanding your network, you may begin by engaging with people you meet on a daily basis. You should always create opportunities to engage with new people, whether you’re in a coffee shop or at a business conference — you never know who you’ll end up talking to!
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