Common Mistakes International Students Make When Applying For Jobs & How To Avoid Them
By Bola Akintujoye CSM, Director, Candidate Experience at inSpring
Here are some common setbacks that entry-level and graduate candidates may face during the hiring process, as well as tips for addressing them.
When it comes to hiring and interviewing potential candidates, I know a thing or two about this; after being in the recruitment space for more than 12 years. Initially, my focus had always been on mid-level to senior-level candidates. I intentionally avoided entry-level roles because 90% of hiring managers always asked for candidates with years of experience. Years later, I realized that these entry-level/graduate candidates needed guidance, training, and preparation to get them in front of the hiring manager and land them the jobs of their dreams.
I have now had the opportunity to interact with entry-level and graduate candidates. I can see how much help and guidance they need.
Based on my findings and interaction with these candidates:
Lack of experience: Many entry-level candidates may need significant work experience, which can be challenging when trying to stand out in a competitive job market. To address this, encourage candidates to highlight relevant coursework, internships, or volunteer work on their resumes.
Poor communication skills: Some entry-level candidates may need help with written or verbal communication skills, which can hinder hiring success. Encourage candidates to practice their communication skills, seek feedback, and use online tools like Grammarly to improve their writing.
Lack of preparation: Entry-level candidates may need to learn what to expect during the hiring process, which can result in a lack of preparation for interviews or assessments. Provide guidance and resources to help candidates prepare for interviews and assessments, such as sample interview questions or practice assessments.
Ineffective resumes: Entry-level candidates may need to learn how to craft a compelling resume that highlights their skills and experiences. Offer guidance on resume formatting, relevant skills to include, and tips for tailoring the resume to the job posting.
Poor networking skills: Some entry-level candidates may need help with networking, which can be a keyway to accessing job opportunities. Encourage candidates to attend job fairs, industry events, or other networking opportunities, and guide effective networking strategies.
Common Mistakes
Applying for jobs that do not match their experience/skillsets.
Applying for jobs that do not match your experience or skillset can be challenging. Still, it is not necessarily a terrible thing. It is important to remember that job descriptions are often just a wish list, and employers look for the best fit for their team. If you are applying for a job you have a limited amount of experience in, it is essential to highlight the skills and experiences you have that could be transferable to the new role. For example, suppose you are applying for a marketing job without direct marketing experience. In that case, highlight your writing skills, social media experience, or project management skills.
Do your research on the company and the job you are applying for. This can help you tailor your application and interview to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the job. Look for any transferable skills you have and how they apply to the role.
Be honest about your experience and skills and do not exaggerate or make up skills you do not have. Instead, be upfront about what you bring to the table and be willing to learn and grow in the new role.
Finally, it is crucial to be persistent. Do not give up if you do not get the job you are hoping to get. Keep looking for new opportunities and continue to build your skills and experiences in areas relevant to the roles you are interested in. With time, effort, and persistence, you can find the right job for you.
Lack of preparedness for job interviews
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but being prepared can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a job interview.
Research the company: Before the interview, research the company and its mission, values, and culture. This can help you better understand what the company is looking for in a candidate and help you tailor your responses to fit their needs.
Review the job description: Ensure you understand the responsibilities and requirements of the job you are applying for. Review the job description and think about how your skills and experience align with their expectations.
Prepare your responses: Practice answering common interview questions, such as "Tell me about yourself," "Why do you want this job?" and "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" This can help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
Dress appropriately: Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. Dressing professionally can help you feel more confident and show the interviewer that you take the interview and the job seriously.
Arrive early: Arrive at the interview location at least 15 minutes early. This can give you time to calm your nerves and gather your thoughts before the interview.
Bring copies of your resume and any other relevant documents: Bring extra copies of your resume and any other relevant documents, such as a portfolio or work samples. This can show the interviewer that you are organized and prepared.
Follow up after the interview: Send a thank-you note to the interviewer to express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your interest in the position.
Remember, being prepared for an interview can help you feel more confident and increase your chances of success. With these tips, you can feel more prepared and confident going into your next job interview.
Not asking relevant questions to the interviewer.
Asking relevant questions during a job interview is important because it shows the interviewer that you are genuinely interested in the company and the position. Here are some tips to help you ask relevant questions during a job interview.
Research the company and the position: Before the interview, research the company and the position you are interviewing for. This can help you come up with thoughtful questions relevant to the job.
Prepare a list of questions: Make a list of questions to ask during the interview. This can help you remember what you wanted to ask and show the interviewer that you are prepared and interested in the position.
Ask about the company culture: Asking about the company culture can give you insights into the work environment and whether it is a good fit for you.
Ask about the job responsibilities: Ask specific questions to better understand what you will be doing daily.
Ask about the team: Ask about the team you will be working with, how they work together, and how you will fit in.
Ask about growth opportunities: Ask about growth opportunities within the company and how they support its employees' career development.
Avoid asking questions that can be quickly answered: Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered by doing a quick Google search or reading the company's website.
Remember, asking relevant questions during a job interview is a fantastic way to show the interviewer that you are interested in the position and the company. It can also help you better understand whether the job is a good fit for you.
Being unprofessional with the hiring manager.
Maintaining a professional demeanor during a job interview is crucial because it can influence the hiring manager's perception of you as a potential employee. Here are some tips to help you maintain professionalism during the job interview:
Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and conservatively for the interview.
Be on time: Arrive on time for the interview or even a few minutes early.
Be polite and respectful: Be courteous and respectful to everyone you encounter during the interview process, including receptionists, assistants, and other staff members.
Avoid controversial topics: Avoid controversial topics such as religion or politics during the interview.
Watch your language: Use professional language and avoid swearing or using slang during the interview.
Do not interrupt: Let the interviewer finish speaking before responding or asking a question. Use your active listening skills.
Do not speak negatively about previous employers: Avoid speaking negatively about previous employers or coworkers during the interview.
Follow-up: Send a thank-you note after the interview to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position.
Remember, maintaining professionalism during a job interview can help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager and increase your chances of getting the job. It is crucial to always remain respectful, polite, and professional during the interview process.
Poorly written communication
Written communication skills are important for many jobs. Poorly written communication during a job interview can hurt your chances of getting hired. Here are some tips to help you improve your written communication for a job interview.
Practice writing: If the interview involves a written test or writing sample, practice your writing skills beforehand. Write daily, whether in a journal entry or a response to a blog post. This can help you improve your writing skills over time.
Read regularly: Reading regularly can help you improve your vocabulary, grammar, and written communication.
Use online tools: Online tools such as Grammarly or Hemingway can help you improve your grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.
Get feedback: Ask a friend, family member, or mentor to read your written communication and provide feedback.
Take your time: Don't rush through your written communication. Take the time to review and revise your work.
Use templates: Use templates for cover letters or thank-you notes to help guide your writing and ensure that you include all necessary information.
Focus on clarity: Ensure your written communication is clear and understandable. Avoid using overly complicated language or jargon.
Check your spelling and grammar: Take the time to check your spelling and grammar before submitting any written communication.
Keep it concise: Stick to the point and keep your written communication brief.
Be professional: Use a professional tone and avoid informal language or slang.
Tailor your writing to the audience: Consider who will read your written communication and tailor it to their needs and expectations.
Use bullet points and headings: When appropriate, use bullet points and headings to make your written communication easier to read and understand.
Read it aloud: Read your written communication aloud to check for errors and ensure that it flows well.
Remember, written communication skills are important in many jobs, so it is worth improving them, as poorly written communication can hurt your chances of getting hired. Regularly practicing, getting feedback, and focusing on clarity can improve your written communication skills and increase your chances of success in the job search and interview process.
The hiring process existing today is a broken, especially for recent international student graduates, but it doesn't mean all hope is lost. Use the tips above to set yourself up for success during the hiring process and increase your chances to land the job.
If you are an international STEM student graduating this year and not seeing the results you hoped for during your job search process, inSpring can help! The inSpring Launchpad, a hands-on Tech Leadership Program to successfully launch international students' careers in the US, will allow you to up-level your soft and hard skills to hit the ground running when you embark on your career journey in the US during your OPT period. We take the headache out of the OPT job hiring process and place you with one of our partner employers. We'd love to have you!
Bola Akintujoye CSM isa HR Business Partner with over 15 years of experience. Her passion is in making employees successful. She is constantly partnering with leadership teams to create excellent employee experiences and amazing company cultures. She thinks globally with an inclusive and diverse mindset.
Bola’s experience has covered large Fortune 500 organizations to SMEs. These organizations include: Amazon, GPTW, Accenture, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Citigroup and KCS. She has constantly proven to be a successful member of these organizations with the main focus on Business strategy, Talent Acquisition, HR Operations, Global mobility, DEI, Leadership Coaching, and Performance Management. Bola focuses of people, while making sure everyone is treated equally.