I’m Mert, and I’m a Senior Recruiter at Duolingo. Originally from the Middle East, I lived and worked internationally for almost 15 years before moving to the United States a decade ago. My career path has led me from engineering to marketing, business development, higher education, nonprofits, and now talent acquisition.
As a result of my international background, I care deeply about diversity. And because both our founders are immigrants to the US and our product has users all over the world, Duolingo understands the importance of diverse cultures and perspectives. In fact, we don’t just measure our DEIB success in terms of race, ethnicity, and gender, but also in terms of international backgrounds. This diversity is essential for creating a truly global product that meets the needs of learners worldwide.
As a company dedicated to making education universally available, we naturally have a desire to make access available to U.S. interviewing conventions too. Below are a few pointers for international candidates trying to enter the American job market.
Personalize your outreach
The American job market is highly competitive, and building relationships remains as crucial as ever. As an international candidate, you can tap into your community networks, such as social clubs, community groups, sports teams, and school alumni, to find job opportunities. Instead of sending out general emails, connect with your network to identify suitable companies and roles.
Once you have some options, research and tailor your outreach to highlight your expertise. You’re more likely to get a response from a recruiter if you send a personalized inquiry directly to them.
It might feel unfamiliar, but it's important to get comfortable asking for help during your job search! I would also encourage you to have those same colleagues and friends review your emails, resume, and cover letter before you apply.
Rework your resume
When preparing a resume for an American company, it's important to present a clear and cohesive story about your professional career and how it relates to the role you’re seeking. Keep this as short as possible while still including all the relevant information.
Don’t:
- Include a headshot
- Provide information related to a protected class
- Include past roles that aren’t relevant to the position you’re applying for
- Repeat information
- Use generic statements
Do:
- Include details from your work experience that match the job description
- Keep your resume concise and easy to read
- Use concrete examples and data to illustrate accomplishments
Ace your interview
Interviews are a two-way street. They are a path to discover whether you're the right fit for the company as well as if the company is a right fit for you as a candidate. Instead of approaching the interview as a way to prove yourself, think about it as an opportunity to learn.
Be sure to use the STAR technique during the interview to keep the conversation on track. Think of it like telling a story — this is what happened, this is what I did, and these are the results.
Feel free to start the interview by giving a quick introduction of yourself and background then ask about which part of your professional journey and expertise they want you to focus on.
By mastering these steps, you'll expand your network, enhance your expertise, and broaden your job prospects—crucial for international candidates transitioning to work in the US.
As you navigate this journey, remember that Duolingo’s language learning resources can support you in improving your communication skills and building confidence for your job search.
If a workplace that values diversity and champions a life-changing international mission speaks to you, apply here!
