Applying and Interviewing for Jobs

The best way to approach the international job market is with a targeted job search campaign. 

• Develop list of organizations which provide the kind of opportunity you're seeking (see the Research section if you can't list these organizations).
• Prepare a cover letter (paper and email versions) which demonstrates your knowledge of the organization and/or position and effectively conveys what you have to offer.
  • Be sure you have a contact person to send it to.
  • Send your cover letter and resume to the head of the section where you want to work.
• Follow up by telephone. This is the most important step in the process. You more than double your chances for an interview if you follow your resume mailing with a phone call.
• Take advantage of your career services office for assistance with this process and/or consult a general guide to job-finding for more details on a marketing campaign.

Prepare for the Interview

• Ask yourself: "What skills or accomplishments do I have that might be of interest to an employer?"
• Practice speaking about your skills in a positive manner in your interview.
• Do a mock interview with a staff member at Liberal Arts Career Services.
• Prepare your "liberal arts story" for the employer. Don't know it? See a staff member at Liberal Arts Career Services
• Make sure you've done your research and can talk intelligently about the company and/or the career field you're pursuing.
• Take notes on your horror stories and be prepared to talk about how you learned patience, flexibility, organization, etc., through your travels.
• Prepare examples of your communication skills, integrity, and ability to work independently as well as be a good team member.

At The Interview:

• Demonstrate your knowledge of the industry to which you’re applying as well as your knowledge of the organization and the job you’re seeking
• Don’t begin your interview by divulging your international aspirations to the organization. Unless the position you are interviewing for specifically sends you abroad, you will have to make a contribution to the company first. Make sure they know your first priority is to work for them, and an international assignment is a long-term goal.
• Mention how your foreign study broadened your cultural horizons, gave you experience, helped with your fluency in a language, and required a lot of perseverance.
• Mention if you planned and paid for your international travels or study abroad yourself.
• Let the employer know that your knowledge of a foreign language required several  years of work and study and reflects that you are long-term in your thinking.
• Project self-confidence, good practical judgment, ingenuity, language ability, friendliness, and social and cultural exposure.
• Convey your ability to be flexible, adaptable, and maintain a sense of humor.
• Prepare stories that show you are able to roll with the punches.
• Demonstrate your sensitivity to foreign culture, adaptability, and overseas living experience.
• Carefully present your study or travel abroad. It can label you as a "spoiled rich kid" if not presented well.

After the Interview

• Once you've completed the interview, send a thank you email or letter within 24 hours of your interview.  and
• Keep track of interview contacts and follow-up if you don't hear within the expected time frame.  
  

Content for this page provided by:
Dr. Kate Brooks, Director, Liberal Arts Career Services, University of Texas at Austin