“Do You Need Sponsorship? Try responding this way (OPT and STEM-OPT)

[@StuartBradley]

To get your next offer: the steps are simple when spelled out. Shall we hop on a call and walk though them? Here is direct access to my calendar to do that : www.jstuartbradley.com/15mina

[@StuartBradley]

People hire people, not resumes, GPAs or visa status. Show up as a person, not a resume - works every time!

[@thisispartaa]

Hello Stuart, I will be using the first response from this video in my interview this week. The company I am interviewing for is small and presumably new to the idea of international students and sponsorships. The hope is to get in the company by providing a brief idea and later explaining them the process as and when the need arises.

[@StuartBradley]

Keep the international student thing off the table, unless they bring it up. But don’t fail to bring it up. One idea on timing is after the first interview and during the second round if there is one. Focus on understanding the needs of the company and how you are interested in helping them address those needs. Sell them on your ability and services to solve their particular problem first. Then possibly the issue about international status will be a minor detail.

[@thisispartaa]

That is great advice. Thank you so much, Stuart! I will be sure to include it at a later stage in the interview process by portraying how I can help them fill the need, along with mentioning sponsorship.

[@pinkcharms]

Unfortunately, the norm now is asking this question when submitting your application, and your application just gets filtered out if you need sponsorship.

[@StuartBradley]

Agreed. This way of responding is not a “silver bullet”. Domestic or international student just getting started out, ideal (necessary) to focus on generating relationships and referrals through networking. Applications do play a role, and interact with applying, but applying is the only arrow in our quiver, we are going to be job-hunting a very long time.

[@blur1590]

Great video Stuart. how about if i am applying on their website and that question pops up as a yes or no question. The ATS software or algorithm will reject my application before it even reaches the recruiter

[@NuellaEmma]

What if you do not need sponsorship, and you are sponsoring yourself via eb2?

[@StuartBradley]

What if you don’t need sponsorship because you are self-sponsoring? Sounds like you still need sponsorship. Until you are sponsored - by one means or another - sounds like it would be safe to assume the answer is yes? (Not legal advice)

[@yyla963]

Thank you!

[@vluessky]

Hi Stuart! I have an interview with a recruiter, and he might be one of the enforcers. I can’t really choose to talk to someone else, so once the question comes up, should I use one of your responses?

[@StuartBradley]

I say yes!

[@vluessky]

@@StuartBradley thank you so much! For replying so fast and for your help. I’ll let you know how it goes :)

[@StuartBradley]

@@vluessky HR will always have a policy. If the policy is not to sponsor, while we do want to phrase our need for sponsorship in the best way possible, sometimes the right audience is not HR. HR’s job is to enforce policy. If you’re looking for an opportunity in a firm that does not sponsor, then it will be up to you to meet with the influencers of policy to make an exception.

[@jennyferbejoy]

As an F1 student in a STEM program who is graduating this month, do i require sponsorship at my first job or only in the future?

[@VN-ux2ep]

Hi there, as a prospective STEM candidate, you say you are graduating in a month and you haven't got a job offer? Just...curious..

[@VN-ux2ep]

Hi I just havee a question, " you are going to have to", "you're gonna hope that my sponsorship can work out".....aren't these phrases a bit overly assertive? like, " look at the work I have done. I'm the rockstar here, you have no other option but to sponsor me, c'mon now".... I will be answering this question in two years time and hence my confusion...😐😐😐😐

[@StuartBradley]

I suppose that is one way you might be hearing it. Come to the discussion with confidence and a smile. If you prefer a different phrasing, go for it. No one is saying I am a rockstar and c’Mon in the video. Hope this helps