Your Ultimate OPT timeline: When the OPT Clock is ticking

As you begin your OPT job hunt journey, many questions which are genuine and confusing start running through your head. The first question which should pop up in your head is:

When Should International Student start looking for OPT jobs?

International students should start applying for OPT Jobs at least 3 months (90 Days) prior to their Graduation date or expected EAD card arrival. During this period, you can start with some serious research on Industries, companies and many other factors such as resume preparations, Job openings and interview preparations.

3 or more months prior to the completion date:

APPLY FOR OPT EAD CARD

• 1. Request the DSO (District School Officer) at your school to recommend your OPT in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).

• 2. You will receive a new form I-20 with the recommended OPT.

• 3. File I-765 form and mail to USCIS supported by the stipulated fee and the required documents.

• 4. You will receive a receipt from USCIS in a few weeks of time confirming they received your application.

For the remaining period use your receipt number to constantly keep track of your application status online and if the USCIS asks for RFE (Request For Evidence) kindly respond immediately, whilst waiting for approval.

APPROVED OPT EAD:

Once approved, the USCIS will mail the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card and this will permit you to work in the US during the OPT Job period.

You are only permitted to work once you have received the EAD card.

Best strategies to find OPT Job Opportunities in USA:

Despite the challenges that the international students on F1 OPT visa may face, it is important to deduce a strategized plan on how best one can successfully increase their chances in securing a OPT job. Start with Building a strong network of connections which can help you with referral, advice or anything related to job hunt when required. Job Seekers also need to work on their resume writing, which should be decent looking and well drafted with all the required information related to academics, skills and professional background. Instead of randomly applying for job opportunity, find a domain or a field and stick to all the job titles related to it and apply mindfully.

Some of the best strategies which can be used are the ones mentioned below

Networking:

Take time to build a strong network by attending events, industry conferences, joining professional organizations, seminars, workshops and connecting with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn whereby you create a professional profile.

Most job openings are not advertised publicly hence you get to know these job opportunities by word of mouth moreover building relationships with professionals in the industry can increase your referral chances of an OPT job opportunity in your interested domain.

Resume Optimization: ATS friendly Resume writing

An optimized resume will be consisting of your relevant skills and experiences which will be matching with the relevant keywords for your job description hence making you a stronger candidate.

Optimized resumes are more likely to pass the initial screening during the hiring process and increase your selection chances. Your resume should be ATS friendly as most companies use ATS (Application Tracking System) which makes sure that your resume is reaching the recruiter and is not discarded.

Make sure to write in a structured format so it is easier for the recruiter and the ATS to read through it. To know more about Resume Dos and Don’ts, read this informative blog on how to prepare resume if you are an OPT students according to us resume

Resume Marketing:

Resume Marketing can be best described as a full time OPT job of finding a company which is willing to hire and sponsor international students and is knowledgeable about immigration employment and visa formalities.

Once found, you can carefully apply for a job to these companies through their career pages and hope that your resume will pass through the ATS such that the recruiter or hiring manager can see your resume and invite you for a phone screening or interview.

Make sure to check out UNITED OPT for much needed services like resume marketing whereby you are provided with professional career guidance which includes resume writing services, a dedicated recruiter to market your profile all over the job portals and company sites as per your preferences along with interview preparation and study materials to help you get through with the OPT job hunting process.

Interview Preparation: Technical/Practical and Skill Brush up

After securing an interview, it is important for you learn how to ace it and impress the hiring team.

Communication Skills

One should practise mock interviews to gain confidence and learn how to professionally articulate themselves during interviews as this will help in efficiently improving communication. Being able to answer behavioural questions showcases your experiences and skills.

Technical Part

These are skills mainly related to your desired job position and should be mainly focused on. Regular practice depending on your job description will sharpen and reinforce the skills like the use of websites like leetcode. The use of your technical language and the previous projects you have once worked on can be of great benefit.

Skill Brush Up

In this day and age one should at least be familiar with basic computer skills to at least operate a computer. The critical thinking ability and the way you solve problems will be closely monitored as well as the way you engage yourself with others. Our website will assist in enhancing and refining these skills.