How to search for OPT Jobs in USA as International students?
The vast majority of international applicants have never had an easy time finding another job on OPT since so many people are looking for them. Graduating from college is an exciting moment of triumph. Many young people may view it as a metaphorical step toward independence. Finding a full-time job that matches your qualifications and interests is also a good idea at this time. Getting a job will allow you to begin living like an adult and earning money. Finding a career needs a lot of adjustment, yet graduating from college is a pleasant and symbolic success. In this blog, we are going to talk about everything you need to know on how to go about looking for OPT jobs in USA.
What is the USA job market like?
Before starting out with a job in USA, it is important that you know what the US job market is like. Considering you as a reader an international candidate looking job OPT jobs, the market is going to be quite a bit different in USA from the rest. This is our attempt at proving you with as much information about it to help your walk through the process easily.
The US labor market conditions improved more than anticipated in October, but the pace of job growth is slowing and the unemployment rate jumped to 3.7 percent, suggesting some easing. This would allow the Federal Reserve to switch to lower interest rate rises beginning in December.
In addition, last month’s carefully watched unemployment data from the Department of Labor revealed that annual salaries rose at their slowest rate in just over a year. In addition to a decline in household employment, the employment-to-population ratio for employees of prime age fell to its lowest level in more than 2.5 years.
Unemployment news is undoubtedly popular. Jobs are being lost mostly in the tech, mortgage, and housing sectors, which have all experienced significant slowdowns as a result of falling consumer spending or rising interest rates. Major corporations, like Wayfair, Apple, and Walmart, have announced layoffs and downsizing in recent weeks.
And yet, across the board, there are still more available positions than there are people looking for work. With widespread job growth, there were 10.7 million jobs available in June. Since the start of 2022, the number of documented layoffs has remained constant, averaging between 1.3 million and 1.4 million every month.
Companies’ Trend of Hiring for OPT Jobs in USA
Employers may occasionally be discouraged from recruiting people with student visas due to the complexities of hiring OPT students. However, ignoring these candidates is a lost opportunity. International students diversify the workforce of the provider, offer fresh viewpoints on business problems, and foster the organization’s capacity for creative problem-solving.Employers look for some specific things when hiring candidates for OPT jobs.
Curricular Practical Training for OPT students looking for jobs:
These positions were made possible by a collaboration between the professors, outside companies, and students. Employers offer internships, cooperative learning opportunities, and other practicums that are integrated into the curriculum. In these circumstances, the Designated School Official completes Form I-20 to attest to the student’s eligibility for employment.
OPT Students’ Optional Practical Training
OPT jobs are directly tied to the student’s academic major even though it is not included in the curriculum. Candidates who are granted an OPT work permit are subject to hour restrictions. They are only permitted to work 20 hours a week while school is in session, yet they are permitted to work full-time when classes are not in session. Unless an extension is granted, they can only work for a maximum of twelve months.
Requirements for employing OPT students looking for jobs:
1. Use a service like Simplicity Recruit, which enables you to include screening criteria that ask students if they are legally permitted to work in the US while posting your job.
2. Even if those with student visas must be aware of their employment eligibility, during screening interviews, ask about the type of visa.
3. Make sure Candidates fill out I-9 forms with the appropriate identity papers when hired.
4. Complete the W-4 form. W-4 forms should be reviewed with a tax advisor and a salaried service to ensure that taxes are calculated correctly.
5. I-9 papers should be kept using regular archive storage techniques.
6. When the work permit expires, follow up to find out what should be done regarding the student’s employment situation.
Ways to find OPT Jobs
Finding a career needs a lot of adjustment, yet graduating from college is a pleasant and symbolic success. OPT students looking for jobs should try to adhere to these suggestions if they want to increase their chances of landing a job after graduation:
1. Start early: Take your career search into consideration while you are still in college. To impress employers, keep your grade point average (GPA) high. Develop your skills and resume by taking on a part-time job or an internship, and decide if you want to work in a particular field by doing so.
2. Target your job search: You can be more successful if your job search has a clear direction. List all of your education, training, previous employment, interests, and talents. You can use this information to build a strong resume and find the jobs you qualify for right now. Determine the aspects of your job search that are most important to you, such as income range, industry, location, benefits, or corporate culture.
3. Develop a strong CV: Make sure to emphasize your schooling, soft skills, and potential talent in your resume. Start by including a brief resume objective that summarises your ideal position and professional goals. You can substitute “Projects” or “Accomplishments” for the standard “Experience” section on your resume if you don’t have any work experience. To ensure proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation, proofread your resume.
4. Maintain a Log: Be sure to record and monitor your job hunt. This includes the place where you submitted your application, the time of any phone interviews, and yes, any recorded rejections. You may monitor the progress of your job search to see where it is right now. What position did you apply for, and who should you get in touch with next? This way, you’ll be aware of the business and position when a hiring manager calls. Maintaining a record of your job hunt can also prevent mistakes like applying to multiple openings at the same employer or skipping an interview.
What are the requirements of the companies?
Employers today look for talents beyond a candidate’s “academic qualifications.” The following are some of the most desired qualities that employers look for in candidates:
1. Taking the Lead. Taking the lead is the essence of initiative. It is the drive to complete activities independently. You must demonstrate that you are prepare, capable. and eager to do tasks on your own. if you want to excel at what you do and be consider for a leadership role.
2. Team player: Employers are aware that when workers feel like vital members of a team, they are more productive and often more devoted to the company. Team players demonstrate a willingness to work together with others to carry out tasks and achieve objectives.
3. Positive outlook: Many businesses consider a person’s disposition to be more significant than their level of expertise. Positivity spreads like wildfire. It spreads to everyone else at work. Positive people also have a tendency to be more inquisitive about things. Due to your constant search for fresh concepts that boost productivity levels, you typically perform better at work than a negative person.
4. Results-Oriented. People are focus on getting things done are motivate to overcome obstacles and make things happen. This implies that you investigate tasks and determine how to get at the desired outcome. You also adhere to deadlines, remain steadfast in your concentration, and provide the organization with value.