Here are some pointers in navigating the US job market and some cultural barriers you may want to be aware of...
Self Promotion
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Assertive
Able to openly discuss goals and accomplishments with confidence
Follow-up with employers
Appropriate dress
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Unless a group activity, mentioning specific skills and accomplishments is seen as boastful
Following up with employers about application status is seen as rude
DIRECTNESS IN COMMUNICATION U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Openly responds to questions in a direct manner
Maintains eye contact with interviewer and displays appropriate nonverbal feedback
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Maintaining eye contact with someone of higher power is seen as disrespectful
SELF-DISCLOSURE
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Openly discusses experiences, hobbies, strengths and weaknesses
Answers personality questions regarding leadership and problem-solving
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Personal questions are considered an invasion of privacy and are only discussed with close friends and family
CAREER SELF-AWARENESS U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Openly demonstrates knowledge of personal self in relation to short-term and long-term career goals
Discusses career concentration and expresses interest in doing specific job tasks
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Jobs are often assigned by government or family
Questioning someone about career role is seen as disloyal
Companies assign work responsibilities
Individuals must be flexible and willing to accept available job
INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Uses multiple resources to identify job opportunities
Actively seeks career information independently
Networking with friends, family and professionals is crucial
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Jobs opportunities are found through family and/or the government
Depends on specific person/people to coordinate job search (e.g. adviser or employer agent)
INFORMALITY
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Interviewer and interviewee may engage in friendly, open conversation that may incorporate some joking
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Job applicant is very polite to interviewer and is very careful about saving face and not coming off impolite
Handshaking, touching, using first names, crossing legs, etc. may be seen as inappropriate
PUNCTUALITY
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Arrive approximately 5-15 minutes early for interview/appointment
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Time is not of high value, and 15 minutes – 2 hours of lateness is not seen as insulting
EFFECTIVE RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Resumes need to be 1-page, error-free and concise
Strong focus on accomplishments and skills that relate specifically to the job
Personalized according to the job and employer
Does not contain a picture or personal information such as a age, sex, religion
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Resumes are detailed chronology of academic and work experience and not a tool of self-promotion
May contain personal information and a picture
INDIVIDUAL EQUALITY
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Race, sex, and age should not affect the outcome of a hiring decision
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Males are expected to assume dominance in interactions with females
PREPARATION
U.S. EMPLOYER EXPECTATIONS
Obtain as much information as possible about the job and the employer and demonstrate this in the cover letter and during the interview
CONFLICTING VALUES WITH SOME CULTURES
Researching the organization may indicate excessive initiative or independence