International Career Advice

To immigrants who got laid off & are looking for a job: here’s a VERY in-depth compilation of tools and resources to help you find mentors, negotiate salaries, & get a job! Context: More than 5,500 workers have been laid off in less than 2 weeks into 2024. Total 800,000 Indian IT workers have lost their jobs in the U.S. since late 2022. This post compiles a ton of tools & products that may come in handy. Recommend saving it for future use. 📎 Top job boards for immigrants on visas: - ChicagoH1BConnect : https://lnkd.in/gd4aCyYD - AiTou Technology: https://www.aitou.io/ - MyVisaJobs.com: https://lnkd.in/gDVfv6U6 - H1BVisaJobs.com: https://h1bvisajobs.com/ - USSponsorMe: https://usponsorme.com/en/ - Zeno: https://lnkd.in/g_z6yeNN 🗣️ Top tools for finding mentors and mock interviews: - adplist.org: https://lnkd.in/ghbZpx9r (find free mentors) - topmate.io: https://topmate.io/ (find expert paid mentors) - JobInterview.coach: https://lnkd.in/gXFwwCUN (AI Job interview coach) - Pathrise: https://www.pathrise.com/ (find paid mentors) - Duut: https://tryduut.com/ (mock interviews & free webinars) - Exponent: https://lnkd.in/guNkxkQv (find paid mentors) 📝 Top tools for optimizing your resume - Teal: https://www.tealhq.com/ - Careerflow.ai: https://www.careerflow.ai/ - Jobscan: https://www.jobscan.co/ - Cultivated Culture: https://lnkd.in/gUVSzkQu 🖲️ Top 6 job search trackers - Simplify: https://simplify.jobs/ (autofill job applications) - Huntr: https://huntr.co/ (organize job search) - Jackfruit: https://www.jackfruit.ai/ (organize job search) - Riva (sold to Teal HQ): https://tealhq.com (improve resume & track jobs) - SkillSyncer | Resume Scanner: https://skillsyncer.com (improve resume & track jobs) 🤑 Top tools for salary negotiation: - Comparably: https://lnkd.in/gAJh63Ke - H1Bdata: https://h1bdata.info/ - Levels.fyi: http://www.levels.fyi/ - Salary.com: https://www.salary.com/ - Glassdoor: http://www.glassdoor.com/ - Payscale: http://www.payscale.com/ Please re-share this with your network so more people can benefit from it! 🔥 Finally, if you’d like to get such resources every single week into your Inbox, join 10000+ immigrants who enjoy my weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gAHngsbu :) P.S. S/o to Nikita Gupta and Varun Negandhi who helped compile parts of this list. P.S. This isn't legal advice, just insights based on my research. #jobs #jobsearch #layoff #layoffs #freeresources #immigration #unshackled #USA #india #technology

The Job Search as an International Student is Not the Same. I remember sitting in front of my laptop with hundreds of job applications sent and zero responses that weren’t generic rejections back in 2022. Everyone told me, “Finding a job is a numbers game. Just keep applying, and eventually, something will stick.” But as an international student, that advice couldn’t be further from the truth. The job market is already competitive, but for international students, the challenges multiply: - You can’t just apply anywhere. You need an employer that sponsors visas, immediately cutting down your job pool. A company could love your skills, but if they don’t sponsor, it’s game over. - Recruiting timelines are different. Many companies that sponsor start hiring early, while others won’t even consider you unless you’re already in the U.S. - The H-1B lottery adds a layer of stress. Even after landing a job, there’s no guarantee you’ll get selected for a visa, making long-term career planning incredibly uncertain. - Some companies have a “silent rejection” for visa holders. They’ll let you go through multiple rounds of interviews—only to drop you at the last step because they “can’t justify sponsorship" -> I've experienced this myself. I had to completely rethink my approach to job hunting. Here’s what made the biggest difference: + Focusing only on companies that historically sponsor - I wasted so much time applying to jobs that were never going to consider me. Instead, I started targeting companies with a history of hiring international talent. + I used databases like MyVisaJobs, LinkedIn filters, and alumni networks to find real opportunities instead of blindly applying everywhere. + Cold applications as an international student? Almost useless. I reached out to people at target companies, had genuine conversations, and got referrals whenever possible. Even a simple LinkedIn message saying, “I saw you work at [Company]. I’m really interested in their work in [Field]. Would love to hear about your experience!” can open doors. + I built leverage outside of applications - Instead of just hoping someone would read my resume, I made sure people could find me first. I shared my work online, posted about my experiences, and engaged with the data science community. By the time I landed interviews, I wasn’t just another resume—I was someone they had already seen adding value. The System Isn’t Built in Our Favor, But That Doesn’t Mean We Can’t Win. For international students, job hunting is more than just a job search—it’s about securing your future. And that pressure is something very few people understand. The frustration, the uncertainty, the feeling of being so close but knowing a visa decision could change everything—it’s a process that takes more than just persistence. If you’re in this position now, I get it. I’ve been there. But you don’t have to do it alone. What’s been your biggest challenge as an international student in the job market?

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗣𝗧/𝗢𝗣𝗧-𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀(𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿-𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆) Finding a job as an international student can be hard. You’re not just battling tough job markets — you’re also navigating visa rules that some companies simply don’t understand. But here’s the good news: Some startups actively want people like you — you just need to know where to look. Instead of applying everywhere and hoping for the best, 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀. Here’s how: ✅ 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹’𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀. Your university’s career center often has lists of companies that have hired international students before. These companies already understand CPT/OPT rules, making the process smoother for you. ✅ 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀. Websites like: - H1B Employer Data Hub by USCIS - https://lnkd.in/dp4Wdt2Y - H1B Grader - https://h1bgrader.com/ These portals provide lists of companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before. If they’ve done it once, they can likely do it again. ✅ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻. Follow people who regularly post about CPT/OPT-friendly resources. Their insights can save you hours of research. ✅ 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱𝗜𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲. Include keywords like “OPT eligible” or “Open to CPT/OPT opportunities” in your title and ‘About’ section. This makes it easier for recruiters to find you. ✅ 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗮-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀. Some platforms focus on roles that are welcoming to international students — use those to your advantage. ✅ 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝘆. Reach out to employees at startups you’re targeting — especially those who were international students themselves. They understand your journey and can offer guidance or referrals. Remember, being an international student makes you special. You're brave and strong. Good companies know this. Your international status isn't bad. It's good. You've already done hard things. Keep going.

Most tech sales professionals targeting Australia make this critical error that destroys their chances before they even apply.   Recently asked about transitioning tech sales careers to Australia - here's the systematic approach I use when advising professionals on international moves.   Having built global teams and facilitated talent movement from the U.S. to Singapore and Australia to London, I understand how international career transitions actually work.   Strategic Framework for International Tech Sales Moves:   1. Location-First Strategy Development: Research visa pathways, employer sponsorship patterns, and local hiring practices. Australia's primary tech hubs - Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane - each have distinct market characteristics. Target multinational companies, remote-friendly organizations, or firms scaling into APAC markets.   2. Global Professional Positioning: Optimize your LinkedIn presence with international keywords: "APAC market experience," "cross-border sales," "international GTM strategy." Highlight any global client work, partnerships, or market exposure - even indirect experience demonstrates international capability.   3. International Hiring Channel Access: Leverage platforms like AngelList, Otta, and WorkInStartups for global opportunities. Use LinkedIn's regional filters and engage directly with Australian-based hiring managers and recruiters rather than relying solely on traditional application processes.   4. Universal Value Communication: Focus on quantifiable sales metrics that translate across markets: ARR closed, market expansion results, deal velocity improvements, and B2B enterprise wins. Your performance data speaks a universal business language.   Core Principle: International employers prioritize transferable value over geographic familiarity. In tech sales, this translates to strategic thinking, communication excellence, proven results, and cultural adaptability.   What international career transitions have you observed or experienced in your professional network?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #internationaljobs #globaltechcareers #workabroad #careerstrategist

If I only had 60 days left on my U.S. VISA, here’s exactly how I’d find a job (step by step). This is not theory. It’s what I’ve seen work for dozens of international professionals in the U.S. When time is short and emotion is high, you need clarity, not chaos. So if I had 60 days left, here’s what I’d do: Step 1: Pick 20 companies, not 200 → Focus on companies actively hiring international talent. → Use filters on LinkedIn, job boards, and H1Bdata.info to shortlist roles that have been sponsored before. → Avoid wasting time on firms with zero history of sponsorship. Step 2: Build a 1-page precision resume → Highlight results, not just responsibilities. → Use keywords directly from the job description. → Add a line in your summary: "Available for immediate onboarding and ready to relocate." Make it easy for recruiters to say yes. Step 3: Activate your network - loudly and clearly → Reach out to alumni, ex-colleagues, and friends with a specific ask. Message format: “Hey [Name], I’m urgently looking for roles in [Field]. I saw you work at [Company] — would love to hear if your team is hiring.” → Don’t be shy. Be respectful, but direct. Desperation ≠ unprofessional. Step 4: Practice high-stakes interviews every day → Pick 3 behavioral stories. → Practice with friends, mentors, or mock interview platforms. → Time is tight, don’t wing it. Step 5: Stay calm. Then move fast → Rejections will come. → Silence will hurt. → But one right opportunity is all it takes. Keep applying, keep following up, and track everything. I’ve seen people land interviews and offers within 10 days using this system. You’re not out until you give up. If you're down to your final 30, it's not over. It's just time to play all in. P.S. Follow me if you are a job seeker in the U.S. I share practical job search advice that helps you land your dream job.

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

How I would go about finding a summer role as an international student First, you need to know it’s not too late to find a summer internship! I know how challenging it can be to find an internship as an international student, but with the right strategy and a proactive approach, you can still land a role. Here’s how I’d go about it: 1️⃣ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Not all companies can or will sponsor visas, so start by targeting those that do. Use platforms like: ⭐ MyVisaJobs.com (for sponsorship trends) - https://lnkd.in/eC7W8Bsu ⭐ H1BGrader (to check past sponsorships) - https://h1bgrader.com/ ⭐ Simplify and Handshake (filter for visa-friendly employers) - https://lnkd.in/eveZBcg2 ⭐ FrogHire.ai (helps international students find companies open to sponsorship) - https://lnkd.in/eEubGzFR 2️⃣ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 & 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 Many roles have rolling deadlines, so apply ASAP! Don’t wait to mass apply. Apply within 7 days of the job posting going up. It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a good way to stay competitive. 3️⃣ 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 & 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Your friend group can be a great resource for job leads and company insights. Back in college, my friends and I would recommend each other to recruiters and share our knowledge of companies that sponsored international students. If you don’t know someone at the company yet, a warm referral can really help your application stand out. 4️⃣ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 & 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⭐ Engage with company recruiters on LinkedIn. ⭐ Find professionals in your field (working for the company of interest) and ask for informational interviews. ⭐ Join community centered or professional networking groups like ColorStack for additional support. 5️⃣ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 If traditional internships are limited, consider: ⭐ Research assistant roles at your university or other universities. ⭐ Micro-internships with Parker Dewey - https://lnkd.in/ekQxh6_E. ⭐ Summer research programs. See list here: https://lnkd.in/eJWieBN9 To get you started, here are some non-FAANG companies known to hire international students:  🌸 Salesforce 🌸 Bandwidth Inc. 🌸 Eli Lilly and Company 🌸 EBSCO Information Services 🌸 Cisco 🌸 EY 🌸 Deloitte 🌸 Dell Technologies 🌸 HubSpot 🌸 Duolingo 🌸 IBM 🌸 Slack 🌸 Amgen 🌸 The Home Depot 🌸 ServiceNow 🌸 DEKA Research & Development You can also follow Put Me On to see new roles that opened recently. 💬 If you know other companies open to hiring international students, drop them in the comments. You never know who you’ll be helping. If you’re an international student still searching, don’t get discouraged! Roles keep opening daily. Stay proactive and remember, I’m rooting for you 💙 #putmeon #internationalstudent #hiring #internships #college #studentsoflinkedin #jobs

When I first came to the US, like every other international student, I had one goal - get a job before my OPT runs out. And like most of us, I fell into the trap: 🔹 Apply to every job you see 🔹 Pray one of them calls you 🔹 Repeat every night I applied to 500+ jobs. Got 50+ rejections. And silence from the rest. At one point, I genuinely thought maybe I wasn't good enough. But the problem wasn’t me. It was the way I was approaching this system. Here’s what nobody told me - and what finally changed my journey: 📌 1. Not every job is H1B-friendly I was applying everywhere without checking sponsorship policies. Big mistake. I learned to research companies that had sponsored students in the past. Tools like MyVisaJobs.com, H1BGrader, F1hire helped. 📌 2. Referrals > Applications Every single job I’ve interviewed for in the US came because someone internally forwarded my resume. Not a job portal. Not career fairs. 📌 3. DM the right way Instead of begging for referrals, I asked people how they got their job, what the culture was like, or if they had advice for someone in my shoes. That’s when conversations happened. 📌 4. Alumni are gold Your university alumni working in the US? They get your struggle. I started messaging seniors who had once been where I was. 70% of them replied. 📌 5. Be visible on LinkedIn Posting about my journey, my mistakes, and what I was learning along the way made me visible to recruiters and hiring managers I didn’t even know. Within 3 months of shifting my strategy, I had multiple interviews lined up - from companies I genuinely wanted to work at. If you’re stuck in a similar phase right now, please remember this: It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter. And no - your worth is not defined by a job title or visa status. Your story isn’t over yet. If you found this helpful, feel free to ♻️ repost it with others who might benefit. Follow Mohammed Wasim for more job search tips, resources, and advice tailored to international students! #jobsearch #cfbr #internationalstudents

“You have to network in the U.S.” My ears used to bleed every time I heard this. When I moved to the U.S., everyone kept repeating it: “Build relationships.” “Get referrals.” “It’s all about networking.” But no one ever explained how to do it. So I figured it out myself. — I started with my professors. They’re always willing to help, and they have incredible alumni networks — students who now work at top companies. Most people just don’t ask. — Then I used LinkedIn — properly. And that’s how I landed my role at Microsoft. Here’s what I learned: *Don’t start with recruiters.* They’re overwhelmed with resumes screenings, cold messages, and coordination tasks. Your message may never be seen or prioritized. Instead, reach out to people who: - Are already in your target role - Work as managers or above - Have been at the company longer - Are often involved in hiring decisions - Know the team, culture, and expectations These are the people who can offer real insight — and real support. In my case, the person I built a relationship with at Microsoft: - Referred me internally - Reached out to the Hiring Manager - Ended up being on my interview panel That changed everything. If you’re job searching: - Be intentional with your outreach - Ask meaningful, curious questions - Don’t lead with “Please refer me” — build trust first When the relationship builds, they’ll ask for your resume! P.S. I help international students and professionals land internships and full-time jobs in the U.S. Follow me for practical tips on #networking #resumes #interviews #careerstrategy. #ThatIndianCoach – From where you are, to where you want to be!

Hiring Talent in a Country You Don’t Reside: Key Considerations for a Smooth Process Expanding your hiring efforts internationally unlocks incredible talent, but it also introduces new challenges—especially when it comes to local hiring laws, cultural expectations, and notice periods. Here’s how to approach hiring in a country where you don’t reside: 1️⃣ **Understand Local Employment Laws & Notice Periods Many countries have mandatory notice periods that can impact your hiring timeline. For example: - **UK & Germany:** Standard notice periods range from 1 to 3 months for full-time employees. - **India:** Many professionals, especially in IT, have notice periods of **up to 90 days**. - **Middle East:** Notice periods typically range from **30 to 90 days**, depending on contract terms. 👉 **How this affects you:** If you need someone urgently, consider hiring contractors or negotiating an early release with their current employer. 2️⃣ **Leverage Local Job Boards & Networks Global platforms help, but local job boards (e.g., JobStreet in Southeast Asia, Naukri in India, or Seek in Australia) provide better access to regional talent pools. 3️⃣ **Adapt to Cultural & Hiring Norms Each country has unique expectations around interview processes, salary negotiations, and probation periods. Research these norms to build trust with candidates. 4️⃣ **Plan for Longer Hiring Timelines** Due to notice periods, hiring internationally often takes longer than domestic recruitment. Build **buffer time** into your hiring strategy and **communicate realistic start dates** with stakeholders. 5️⃣ **Partner with Local Experts** Engage local recruitment firms or Employer of Record (EOR) services to streamline sourcing, compliance, and onboarding. 6️⃣ **Offer Competitive & Locally Relevant Compensation** Salaries, benefits, and perks vary widely. Use local benchmarking tools to stay competitive. Hiring internationally requires patience, planning, and local expertise. But when done right, it’s a powerful way to build diverse, high-performing teams! #Hiring #TalentAcquisition #GlobalRecruitment #HR #RemoteWork