Free Resource for Job Seekers

Your job search,
finally organized.

A free toolkit built from 60+ applications and 50+ interviews — designed for every job seeker, including international candidates navigating visa sponsorship.

Get the Free Toolkit Meet Karlie
60+
Positions Applied
50+
Interviews Completed
Free
Always & Forever
Karlie Tran, Hall Coordinator at the University of Iowa

Karlie Tran — Hall Coordinator, University of Iowa

Karlie at her 2021 Cornell University internship as Residence Director

Summer 2021 internship at Cornell University — Residence Director for the Pre-Collegiate Scholar Program.

About

Hi, I'm Karlie.

Originally from Hanoi, Vietnam, I came to the United States at 16 and have navigated life as an international student and professional for over a decade. I transitioned to working under an H-1B visa in 2022/2023.

I began at the University at Buffalo, earning a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Data Management. When COVID-19 reshaped my path, I pivoted to a Master of Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs, serving as an Assistant Hall Director in Campus Living for two years.

I spent a summer at Cornell University as Residence Director for the Pre-Collegiate Scholar Program, and today I serve as a Hall Coordinator at the University of Iowa.

Getting here wasn't easy — I applied to over 60 positions and completed more than 50 interviews. That experience inspired this toolkit. As an international candidate, I faced unique obstacles around visa sponsorship that had nothing to do with my qualifications. I built this resource so others wouldn't have to navigate alone.

See the Toolkit
Free Resource

Job Search Toolkit

Screenshot of the Job Search Organizer spreadsheet in Google Drive

A look inside the toolkit — fully customizable for any industry.

The Job Search Organizer is your command center for every stage of your search — from researching roles to negotiating offers. Pre-filled for Higher Education & Student Affairs, but fully adaptable to any industry.

Master Resume Template

A single source of truth for all your experience. Tailor it for each application without starting from scratch.

Master Cover Letter Template

Pre-written paragraphs based on your strengths — customize per job description in minutes.

Common Interview Questions

Organized with the STAR method. Use the Interview Answer Organizer to prep structured, confident responses.

Job Search Organizer

Track applications, deadlines, follow-ups, and offer negotiations — all in one place with an auto-populating dashboard.

Follow-Up Question Bank

Pre-sorted questions to ask during interviews. Show up as a thoughtful, prepared candidate every time.

Email Response Templates

Ready-to-send templates for application follow-ups, thank-you notes, and negotiation emails.

📌 Showcased at UMR-ACUHO and ACUHO-I Conferences. Once you have access, download and personalize — trim what doesn't apply, expand what matters most to your search.

What People Are Saying

Real stories, real results.

My supervisor shared a job search spreadsheet with me and then she let me know you made that spreadsheet. I have used it and it has been super helpful. I shared it with my international friends and they all really appreciate it. Thank you so much for supporting other international students!

P. C. B.

Karlie, thank you so much for yesterday's chat. I've been processing the resources you shared with me and it means the world to have someone so willing to help and provide support like you did. Thank you.

I. Y.

You really made this process so much more approachable, helped me get started and absolutely changed the way I went about my job search. I'm at a place now where I'm choosing between offers and will have a job secured by early next week. I credit the ways I went about my search a lot to you.

I. Y.

For International Candidates

Cap-Exempt H-1B Tips

A cap-exempt employer is not subject to the annual H-1B lottery — they can sponsor H-1B workers year-round. These organizations typically include:

Universities & Colleges

Higher education institutions like Harvard, state university systems, and community colleges.

Nonprofit Research Orgs

Entities engaged in scientific or medical research — e.g., Mayo Clinic, Scripps Research Institute.

Nonprofit Affiliates

Research centers or academic medical centers directly linked to higher education institutions.

Government Research

Public research institutions like the NIH or NASA research centers.

⚠️ Important: Many of these institutions reserve H-1B sponsorship for professors, doctors, and high-level administrators. Conduct thorough research before applying — and always ask directly.

How to Research Sponsorship

  • Read the institution's official policy — many universities publicly outline their H-1B sponsorship stance.
  • Search H1BData.info — historical H-1B data by employer and job title.
  • Remember: Past behavior doesn't guarantee future decisions — in either direction.

When to Ask About Sponsorship

  • Before applying / first interview — saves time if it's non-negotiable for you.
  • Before the final round — gauge fit and interest first.
  • After receiving an offer — maximize leverage, but carry some risk.

I've tried all three approaches. There is no universally right answer — do what protects your mental and physical energy.

Get in Touch

Let's connect.

Have questions about the toolkit, need guidance on your job search, or just want to say hi? Fill out the form and I'll get back to you.

You can also find me on LinkedIn — I love connecting with fellow job seekers and higher ed professionals.

Connect on LinkedIn