3 answers
Akshay
Student
Morton Grove, Illinois
1
Question
Asked
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What can I do to improve my job search strategy and increase my chances of getting interviews and offers, especially given my F-1 visa situation?
I hold a Master’s in Marketing Analytics and an MBA, with experience in B2B marketing, growth strategy, and working at startups. Over the past 6 months, I’ve actively applied to roles in marketing analytics, digital marketing, and growth-focused positions.
I’ve tried multiple approaches, including cold messaging on LinkedIn, networking with people in my field, customizing my resume for each role, and applying through both job boards and company websites. Despite these efforts, I’ve only landed very few interviews, with no offers yet.
I'm currently on an F-1 visa (OPT) and seeking companies open to H-1B sponsorship. I’d appreciate any guidance on what I might be missing and how I can improve my job search strategy to get better results.
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3 answers
Steve J
Manager
13
Answers
Manhattan, Kansas
Updated
Steve’s Answer
To improve your job search and increase your chances of landing interviews and offers—especially with the added complexity of being on an F-1 visa (OPT) seeking H-1B sponsorship—here’s a focused 5-line strategy using AI Interview Prep best practices:
1. Target companies that have historically sponsored H-1B visas by using databases like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader.
2. Refine your personal brand—update your LinkedIn headline and About section to highlight your OPT status and niche in Marketing Analytics + Growth.
3. Practice tailored storytelling for interviews, showcasing your startup versatility and ROI-driven marketing contributions.
4. Use ChatGPT or other AI tools to simulate behavioral and technical interviews with feedback loops.
5. Leverage niche job boards (e.g., AngelList for startups, or marketing analytics roles on BuiltIn) that prioritize skill fit over visa bias.
1. Target companies that have historically sponsored H-1B visas by using databases like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader.
2. Refine your personal brand—update your LinkedIn headline and About section to highlight your OPT status and niche in Marketing Analytics + Growth.
3. Practice tailored storytelling for interviews, showcasing your startup versatility and ROI-driven marketing contributions.
4. Use ChatGPT or other AI tools to simulate behavioral and technical interviews with feedback loops.
5. Leverage niche job boards (e.g., AngelList for startups, or marketing analytics roles on BuiltIn) that prioritize skill fit over visa bias.
Thank you so much, this is incredibly helpful!
I’ve already been working on the areas you mentioned, and it’s reassuring to know I’m on the right track. I’m especially interested in learning how to build stronger connections or get referrals. Any tips on that would be greatly appreciated.
Akshay
Chandrima Bardhan
marketer and client account management
9
Answers
Sugar Hill, Georgia
Updated
Chandrima’s Answer
Hi Arpan
First things first since you are on an FI visa, I would recommend that you be familiar with the USCIS guidelines on the types of work you can do holding an F1 visa. For e.g. for the first year F1 visa holders cannot work off campus, and they can work on-campus with certain guidelines. As you familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot do, this will then help you approach the right stakeholders /'employers'. In certain conditions the F1 visa holder can get an H1 job - again its very important that you familiarize yourself with the process and the guidelines via the USCIS website. Once you familiarize yourself with the guidelines/processes, here are some ways you can up your game:
1) Update your LinkedIn - make sure you clearly mention your OPT status, and then use key tags to highlight your skills
2) Am sure you will be having some connection and they in turn will have other connections. Reach out to connections (direct) to understand if they know anyone who has been on a similar status and landed a job in the US, and then reach out to find out the nuances /places where you can apply
3) If the above does not work out, reach out to recruiting/staffing firms that work to recruit H1-Bs - you can find staffing companies by doing a google search, and then narrowing it down by the place you stay/ would like to work out of etc.
4) Indeed.com is a great place to also start for contractual/full time jobs and companies that recruit H1-B positions
5) Polish up on your LinkedIn profile and to add to this, build out a short one page resume that highlights your skills, your relevant experience and impacts you have created. A short clear resume always sits well with recruiters, and also gives an opportunity for you to just share as much is needed, with space to talk through in an interview without sounding repetitive.
6) Polish up using AI/ research interviewing techniques on the more general questions that always happens in interviews: e.g. Tell me about yourself, what are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, what are your hobbies. These are some common questions asked across interviews, but how uniquely you answer them, will create the desired impression.
All the best! I hope you find these tips and tricks useful.
thanks
Chandrima
First things first since you are on an FI visa, I would recommend that you be familiar with the USCIS guidelines on the types of work you can do holding an F1 visa. For e.g. for the first year F1 visa holders cannot work off campus, and they can work on-campus with certain guidelines. As you familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot do, this will then help you approach the right stakeholders /'employers'. In certain conditions the F1 visa holder can get an H1 job - again its very important that you familiarize yourself with the process and the guidelines via the USCIS website. Once you familiarize yourself with the guidelines/processes, here are some ways you can up your game:
1) Update your LinkedIn - make sure you clearly mention your OPT status, and then use key tags to highlight your skills
2) Am sure you will be having some connection and they in turn will have other connections. Reach out to connections (direct) to understand if they know anyone who has been on a similar status and landed a job in the US, and then reach out to find out the nuances /places where you can apply
3) If the above does not work out, reach out to recruiting/staffing firms that work to recruit H1-Bs - you can find staffing companies by doing a google search, and then narrowing it down by the place you stay/ would like to work out of etc.
4) Indeed.com is a great place to also start for contractual/full time jobs and companies that recruit H1-B positions
5) Polish up on your LinkedIn profile and to add to this, build out a short one page resume that highlights your skills, your relevant experience and impacts you have created. A short clear resume always sits well with recruiters, and also gives an opportunity for you to just share as much is needed, with space to talk through in an interview without sounding repetitive.
6) Polish up using AI/ research interviewing techniques on the more general questions that always happens in interviews: e.g. Tell me about yourself, what are your strengths, what are your weaknesses, what are your hobbies. These are some common questions asked across interviews, but how uniquely you answer them, will create the desired impression.
All the best! I hope you find these tips and tricks useful.
thanks
Chandrima
Kelly Taylor
4
Answers
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Akshay! I may not have much advice on the F1 visa, but I can share some tips to help you shine in interviews. Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and resume. Make sure your LinkedIn has a updated, professional photo, includes your experience and highlights relevant skills and certifications. Add relevant keywords to both your profile and resume so they stand out to recruiters and through recruiting platforms. Having the right keywords can help your resume standout in a sea of other reviews. You can use AI tools to help you with this, making sure the right terms are features and that your messaging and structure clearly shows your past work and individual contributions/value, whether that be from school projects, internships, or past work experience.
For interview preparation, I can't emphasize enough the important of researching the company and role you're applying for. And think about your past experiences and how that can relate to the role. This will help you show that you understand the role and have relevant skills to bring value. I also recommend preparing a couple of strong stories for each experience on your resume and be ready to discuss them. Lastly - but not lead - don't hesitate to ask good questions about the role during the interview. This noy only shows your interest but can help you better understand the role expectations, which will be useful in future interview rounds.
For interview preparation, I can't emphasize enough the important of researching the company and role you're applying for. And think about your past experiences and how that can relate to the role. This will help you show that you understand the role and have relevant skills to bring value. I also recommend preparing a couple of strong stories for each experience on your resume and be ready to discuss them. Lastly - but not lead - don't hesitate to ask good questions about the role during the interview. This noy only shows your interest but can help you better understand the role expectations, which will be useful in future interview rounds.