1. Approaching the Topic of OPT with Employers
 An effective interviewapproach requirespreparation. You needtoknowthe benefits and restrictions ofyour particular
status and be able todiscuss optional practical training, temporary status, and permanentresidence. The more
knowledgeable you are about the employment options available, themore confident you will feel about the discussion.
 Practice responses topotential questions suchas “Are you authorized towork in the US?”
o Possible response: Iamauthorizedto work in theU.S.
 This answer allows you toavoid the issue ofdiscussing temporary work status, which is sometimes
unappealing toprospective employers becausethey would prefer that someoneremainwith their
organizations for a long time since they are investingin employees with training, etc.
 However, one repercussion ofanswering this way is that the employer could feel as ifyou were not being
forthcoming when s/he finds out you are not a citizen later; also, ifthere are other signals—suchas your
name, educational history, language skills—that point toanothernationality, an employer might expect
more information.
o Possible response: Yes. Iam authorizedto work in theU.S. for a year/more than ayear (ifa STEM major)without any
need for sponsorshipor reportingto governmental agencies under “practical training,”whichwill allowmeto perform
regular work duties. I do feel that my international backgroundcouldbenefit your organization becauseIam
bilingual andcan communicatewith both your Spanish-speakingclientsandyour English-speakingclients. Also, I
havebeen studyingElectrical Engineeringfor four years andamat the top of my class. Through my programat UWF, I
was able to take advantageof an internshipopportunity withGulfPower to improvemy knowledgeandtechnical
skills. Wouldyou liketo hear moreabout theinternship?
 Here, you want to “sandwich”your one-year temporary work statusinformation (potentially negative news
for the employer)between positive marketing ofwhat you can bring as an employee (that you are
authorized and that you have excellent skills/experiences tooffer). This softens potentially negative news.
 However, one repercussion ofanswering this way is that the employer will learn, perhaps sooner than you
would like, that you will only be there short term without requiringsponsorship/governmental reporting.
o Timing is important! Making thechoice is up toyou, but keep in mind that you want toshare your skills with the
employer and get him or her toreally understand what you can bring tothe organization. Most experts recommend
building a relationship with an employer first before deliveringany potentially damaging information.
o Do not have a rehearsed answer! The above responses are only samples and may not work for your needs due to
context and specificquestions asked. For instance,the employer may not ask you this question directly, sobringing
up this information may be up toyou. You will want to practice, but, typically, you will want toremember points
that you want tomake rather than lengthy paragraph-style information.