A Hiring Manager conducting an in-person job interview with an applicant.

Interview Tips for International Students

International students may be asked about their visa status during job interviews. It is important to be prepared to discuss work authorization and employment eligibility. Additionally, interview practices in the United States may differ from those in other countries, so understanding these differences can help ensure a successful interview experience.

How to Answer Questions about Authorization Status 

Before applying to a position at a U.S.-based company, become familiar with immigration regulations and your visa status benefits. UConn’s Center for International Student and Scholar Services can answer your work authorization questions and provide you with ongoing updates about federal work authorization guidelines. 

  • If you are an F-1 student, you can explain your legal rights to work in the U.S. for twelve months after your practical training is authorized.  
  • If you qualify for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT extension, it will extend your OPT by 17 months. 
  • You can ask if a company is willing to sponsor a work permit. 

When to Reveal Your Authorization Status 

Immigration status may come up at any time during the job application process. Most companies pose the question to understand if you currently need sponsorship or if you will need it in the future. You are encouraged to answer honestly. If the question does not come up, you do not need to answer it. Sample questions: 

  • “Are you eligible to work in the U.S.?”
  • “Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for an employment visa?” 

Illegal/Inappropriate Interview Questions

It is illegal for companies to ask about a job seeker’s race, color or visa type. However, under current federal export control laws and regulations, they may ask about one’s citizenship and permanent residence.

Additionally, a recruiter can pose the following questions to understand the fluency of a language necessary for a position: 

  • “What language do you most often speak? 
  • “What is your native language?”

This is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your proficiency in speaking any language that the employer desires. Emphasize that you are bilingual or multilingual if you are and share with the employer how this can be of value to the company, which can also help you to stand out amongst other candidates. 

Preparing for the Interview

Here are steps you can take to prepare for an interview:

  • Visit Interstride a mobile app and desktop channel for international students’ career preparation. The platform provides a range of resources and information for international students in the United States. Interstride offers international students tailored resources for interview preparation and job offer negotiation, including common interview questions, follow-up strategies, negotiation checklists, and expert-led webinars.
  • Develop a U.S. Style Résumé – several characteristics are unique to résumés and CVs in countries outside of the U.S. Explore UConn’s webpage to learn more about writing Résumé and CVs.
  • Schedule a Practice Interview at UConn’s Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills. The office offers interview simulations conducted by specially trained staff members to provide you with tips and tricks to feel more comfortable and confident during your interview performance. 
  • Consider trying an AI-powered practice interview through Quinncia with personalized feedback on speech, content, and non-verbal cues to help students improve their interview skills and build confidence.

The Day of the Interview 

If you are interviewing in person, bring multiple copies of your résumé or CV in a portfolio or professional notebook. Dress in professional business attire. Many introductions involve shaking the interviewer’s hand. If there are cultural, religious, or health concerns, you may politely decline to shake a hiring manager’s hand. It is recommended to make eye contact throughout the interview.

Many interviews occur via video. It is advisable to find a distraction-free, quiet location for your online interview. Position yourself in front of a plain wall, if possible, and test your technology. 

In the U.S., it is not considered rude to discuss your accomplishments, providing examples of skills, knowledge, and experience. Self-promotion is encouraged. Highlight how you communicate in multiple languages and showcase your global diversity. 

Towards the end of the interview, ask the interviewer about the next step in the process if they have not already shared that information. Make sure to verbally thank the employer for their time.

Follow up with a thank-you email. Include highlights of your conversation and reiterate your interest in, and alignment with, the position.  

Refer to the Interview Preparation Guide, produced by the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, for additional interview tips.