Personal Responsibility and Branding
Employer Expectations
All candidates are to take responsibility for their own job search and personally market their skills and abilities to employers
Candidates are expected to research employers, find job openings, reach out to employers and follow-up with employers in a timely manner
Candidates should talk about marketable skills and accomplishments
Employer Perceptions
Candidates who speak modestly about personal achievements may seem uncomfortable working independently and unable to achieve personal goals
Candidates who fail to take responsibility for their job search show employers that they lack accountability
Candidates who focus too much on technical skills risk demonstrating “in the box” thinking
Interpersonal Interaction & Networking
Employer Expectations
All candidates are expected to demonstrate abilities beyond technical skills, therefore joining organizations and making friends from other cultures is important
While networking, start with informal conversation; focus the conversation around the other person and their needs and interests
Always greet professionals with a firm handshake
Employer Perceptions
Only interacting with people from your home country may inform employers that you are not comfortable with American culture or language
Handshakes that are too limp demonstrate a lack of confidence
Written Communication
Employer Expectations
Poorly written documents are typically not given consideration; employers expect all candidates to have proficient written business level English
Resumes and cover letters are to be free of errors and awkward language
Resumes and cover letters are to be primarily focused on accomplishments and abilities that directly relate to the job description
Employer Perceptions
Candidates who use translators to type correspondence to employers may use words incorrectly and come off sounding awkward
Poor grammar and spelling gives off the impression that a candidate has trouble with the English language and may have a hard time communicating with colleagues and customers
Verbal Communication
Employer Expectations
All candidates are expected to have proficient verbal business level English
Employers expect candidates to be prepared and demonstrate assertiveness, confident answers in a clear, projecting voice with natural enthusiasm
Employer Perceptions
Spending too much time searching for the right word to say may lead to employers questioning your ability to communicate effectively
Eye Contact
Employer Expectations
Candidates are to make direct eye contact when corresponding with people of all authority levels
Employer Perceptions
Candidates who demonstrate averted eye contact appear to lack confidence
Professional Appearance
Employer Expectations
Candidates are to dress professionally and demonstrate exceptional personal hygiene out of respect to the employer
Men are expected to wear a shirt and tie under a business suit with polished dress shoes
Women are expected to wear a professional dress or pants suit with hosiery and polished closed toe shoes
Employer Perceptions
Wearing unprofessional clothing gives off the impression that the candidate lacks attention to detail.
Candidates who wear ill-fitting clothing that is wrinkled come off looking unprofessional
Candidates who do not demonstrate personal hygiene risk coming off disrespectful