For the students of higher education institutions in the USA with F-1 visas, OPT is indeed the useful program that allows the graduates to work for one’s degree in the USA upon graduation. But the process of obtaining an OPT job is never easy, even with the available job opportunities in the market thus far.
In this blog post, we will outline the crucial things that people need to know in order to successfully find OPT jobs in the USA and some ways to make the OPT job search more approachable.
- Understand the OPT Program:
To jump right into the use of job search strategies, the reader needs to know what OPT is. OPT enables internationally accepted F-1 visa holders to work up to twelve months within America after graduating in a related field of their study. Specifically, fresh STEM graduates can take advantage of visa extension for an additional 24 months; therefore, it would be even more popular among STEM graduates.
However, finding a job during this period can be difficult due to work authorization when to complete a job or the employer’s demands.
- Start Early Plan Ahead:
OPT job search is a lengthy process and so the best time to begin the search is before you earn your degree—in fact, months before your expected graduation date. Some employers will not consider your application until they know your OPT status. Therefore, applying early increases your chances of getting a job offer.
Start by:
Updating Your Resume and LinkedIn:
Remember, a resume covers your educational achievements, any internships, volunteer work, and personal skills acquired during your coursework. These experiences should be reflected in ones linked in profile and search for organizations or companies that offer the services.
Researching Potential Employers:
List organizations that hire OPT students. A lot of big organizations are already acquainted with the OPT process. Therefore, look for specific research companies to hire foreign students.
- Employ OPT Specific Websites and Job Portals:
Some of the online portals that are dedicated to providing OPT job search assistance to international students are as follows:
LinkedIn:
Arguably the best method of connecting with individuals to create an opportunity for getting hired. Subscribe to groups related to OPT and international students, look for alumni and check companies you are interested in.
Handshake:
A website used to advertise job vacancies where a lot of universities take their students for employment. As it will be shown, many employers that are posting their jobs on Handshake are knowledgeable about the OPT process.
MyVisaJobs:
This website provides a list of organizations that have hired international students on work visas in the past. It is advantageous for OPT and CPT occupational search because you get a chance to find employers who are conversant with the process abounding this tool.
Indeed and Glassdoor:
These general job search engines are not OPT-specific. But when seeking employment you can search for jobs according to the region, sector, and sponsorship for visas.
- Network, Network, Network:
At this stage, networking is very essential, especially when working towards being appointed to an OPT job. Organizations like to hire through recommendations. However, it is vital to network with people within your field. Here are a few ways to network:
University Career Fairs:
Hear from employers of international students and go for the career fairs. You are also able to get more information about the hiring process, as well as meet the recruiters face-to-face.
Alumni Connections: Go out and find your fellow alumni from your secondary institution. Some alumni are ready to provide tips or recommendations or even provide contacts for a job position.
Industry Events:
Practice your intention by going to seminars and conferences within your area of specialty. Such events also create ideal chances to be introduced to employers and equally minded working professionals.
Faculty and Advisors:
It is worth it to talk to the professors and academic advisors you work with because they can help you to get a hold of employers or can vouch for you to get a job.
- Tips on how to get a Job Apply for Jobs That Match Your Skills:
While seeking job, OPT job in this case, its important to ensure the jobs sought are those in the area of the course done. Even though it may be possible to apply for any job, the best results can be obtained. If an individual is to confine himself or herself to positions that fall under the OPT category.
Let each application be made based on the specific job description and writing down experiences and skills that are appropriate to the position.
Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter:
Ensure that whenever you are applying for a job, you write a new resume and a new cover letter. It’s always good to build on any skills that you were involved in while in school. For example, a project you accomplished or an internship you did that relates to the job that you are being interviewed for.
- Make Sure Your OPT Status is Clear to People:
When searching for employment, ensure that OPT status is well stated during job application processes. State clearly your work authorization status, and steps on eligibility for OPT or Optional Practical Training. Because some employers may not understand the process, just providing them with information or offering to educate them on your work eligibility may reduce their concern.
- Aside from OPT Internships and Part-Time Jobs:
If finding a full-time job is difficult, get any job that can be illuminated with internships or part-time jobs in relation to your course. There are large number of internships that candidates with OPT can apply for in many organizations today.
Still, if the internship is not a paid job. It does not necessarily mean that at some point there will be no opportunity to become a full-time employee.
- Stay Organised and Be Persistent:
Looking for a job may take a very long time and may be very tiresome, but it is very important to be neat and strong. Record all the application you have made for various positions, and don’t forget to contact the employer after you have been interviewed and be ready for the wait.
Moreover, it is important that you continue applying the initial few applications will not rake in the jobs, most likely. Like any other international student, there are many more who encounter similar problems yet still manage to find OPT jobs.
Conclusion:
Although OPT job search in the USA is a common aspect that can be regarded as a rather difficult yet rather rewarding task. If you start as early as possible, use the specialized job search engines, network, and explain your OPT to employers. You will increase your chances of getting the job in the desired sphere. Just keep on applying, make sure you keep your schedule in tact, and never forget that patience is key.
