Looking to kickstart your career in the United States? If you’re a foreign student studying in the USA, an Optional Practical Training (OPT) Employment Letter is a crucial document you need to obtain in order to secure employment during your OPT period. This letter serves as proof of your eligibility to work under the OPT program, making it a mandatory requirement to be handed over to your prospective employer. To help you through the process, we’ve gathered some OPT employment letter samples that you can use as a guideline to create your own. These samples can be easily customized to fit your situation, ensuring that you give off the best impression possible. Let’s take a closer look at how you can prepare an effective OPT employment letter sample so you can avoid the headache of unanswered job applications and increase your chances of getting hired.
The Best Structure for an OPT Employment Letter Sample
If you are a recent graduate who is seeking employment under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, you will likely need to provide your prospective employer with an OPT employment letter. This letter is a crucial document that showcases your eligibility, qualifications, and work authorization status to your employer.
To ensure that your OPT employment letter is well-structured and professional, we recommend the following format:
1. Introduction: Begin with a brief introduction explaining the purpose of the letter and your interest in the job position. Mention your name, degree program, and the duration of your OPT.
2. Qualifications: Write a paragraph highlighting your skill set, education, and any relevant experience that makes you an ideal candidate for the job. Focus on your key strengths, and provide examples that demonstrate how you can be an asset to the company.
3. Work Authorization: This is one of the most critical sections of the letter. It must clearly outline your eligibility to work legally in the United States under the OPT program. Include the start and end dates of your OPT, your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) number, and any other relevant details such as the name and location of your school.
4. Job Description: This section should specify the job position, the duties and responsibilities, and the expected duration of the employment. Include any information about the salary and benefits package if available.
5. Closing: End the letter by thanking the employer for their time and consideration. Provide your contact details, including your email and phone number, so that the employer can reach you easily if needed.
By following this structure, you can create a well-organized and professional OPT employment letter that showcases your qualifications and work authorization status. Remember to proofread your letter carefully to ensure that it is error-free and polished. Good luck with your job search!
Opt Employment Letter Samples
Sample 1: OPT employment letter for internship
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for an internship program with your organization. [Applicant’s Name] has just completed an undergraduate degree in [Major] and is interested in gaining real-world experience in [Industry/Field].
[Applicant’s Name] is a dedicated and industrious individual with a strong work ethic. They consistently demonstrate a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, which have been invaluable contributions to their academic and extra-curricular pursuits.
As their academic advisor, I have observed [Applicant’s Name]’s motivation, commitment, and positive attitude towards learning. They possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and have demonstrated a collaborative approach to work and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
[Applicant’s Name]’s prior experiences in [Related Field] and volunteer work [explain briefly] have further honed their expertise in [Core Competencies] and given them first-hand experience in [Task/Project].
I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will bring the same level of professionalism and dedication to your organization. They would be an asset to your team and I highly recommend them for an internship program.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 2: OPT employment letter for research assistant
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a role as a research assistant in your organization. [Applicant’s Name] is a recent graduate of [University] with a degree in [Major]. They have also demonstrated exceptional research skills through their undergraduate research projects and [Related Activity].
I have had the pleasure of working with [Applicant’s Name] on their research projects and can attest to their exceptional work ethic and attention to detail. They possess excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, and they are highly proficient in [Related Skills]. Additionally, [Applicant’s Name] is an excellent communicator, both written and verbally, which has been evident in their research presentations and publications.
[Applicant’s Name]’s research experience, as well as their experience in [Related Environment], have further honed their skills in [Core Competencies]. They have a deep commitment to research and have shown an ability to take on complex tasks and complete them within stipulated deadlines.
I strongly believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an excellent fit for your organization, and I highly recommend them for the role of research assistant.
Thank you for considering my recommendation.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 3: OPT employment letter for software developer
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a role as a software developer. I have known [Applicant’s Name] for [Number] years, both in a professional and academic capacity. I can confidently say that they are an excellent candidate for the role.
[Applicant’s Name] has a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and has demonstrated exceptional technical skills throughout their academic career. Their proficiency in programming languages such as [Language] and [Language] is particularly impressive.
As a project leader in our undergraduate capstone project, [Applicant’s Name] demonstrated their ability to work within a team and collaborate effectively to complete a complex project. They also have experience in [Related Activity] that has further solidified their skills in [Core Competencies].
[Applicant’s Name] is a creative problem-solver and possesses excellent troubleshooting skills. They are highly detail-oriented and thorough, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy in their work. I have no doubt that they will excel in any software developer role and be a valuable asset to your team.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the role of software developer.
Best Regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 4: OPT employment letter for marketing specialist
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am excited to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a role in your organization as a marketing specialist. [Applicant’s Name] has exceptional academic credentials, including a degree in [Major] from [University] and additional coursework in [Related Coursework].
[Applicant’s Name] has gained an impressive amount of practical experience in [Related Experience], which has honed their skills in [Core Competencies]. Their skills in [Skill], [Skill], and [Skill] make them an excellent fit for a marketing role.
I had the pleasure of supervising [Applicant’s Name] while they worked as an intern with our marketing department, and they demonstrated excellent work ethic and enthusiasm. Their ability to contribute to [Related Task] and [Related Task] impressed me the most.
[Applicant’s Name] is an excellent communicator, both written and verbally. They possess great attention to detail and excellent problem-solving skills.
I have no doubt that [Applicant’s Name] will make a valuable contribution to your marketing team, and I highly recommend them for the marketing specialist role.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 5: OPT employment letter for nurse practitioner
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for a role as a Nurse Practitioner in your healthcare organization. [Applicant’s Name] has completed an undergraduate degree in nursing from [University] and received their Master’s degree from [University].
[Applicant’s Name] is a dedicated healthcare professional who has demonstrated an exceptional level of competence and professionalism throughout their academic career. They possess excellent clinical skills, as well as a deep understanding of evidence-based practice.
[Applicant’s Name]’s in-depth knowledge of pharmacology, anatomy, and physiology, combined with excellent communication skills, has enabled them to provide compassionate and quality care to patients.
As the clinical advisor for [Applicant’s Name], I have no doubt in their ability to diagnose and develop treatment plans, manage and prescribe medications, and provide patients and their families with emotional support.
[Applicant’s Name]’s dedication to the nursing profession has been evident throughout their education and their work as a registered nurse. I firmly believe that [Applicant’s Name] would be an asset to any healthcare organization, and I strongly recommend them for the role of Nurse Practitioner.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 6: OPT employment letter for accountant
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
It is my pleasure to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the role of an accountant in your organization. [Applicant’s Name] has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from [University] and is well equipped with all the required skills and experience to excel in an accounting role.
[Applicant’s Name] is highly proficient in [Software] and is comfortable with complex financial analysis. They are attentive to detail and have demonstrated a high level of accuracy in their work. Their ability to assist with financial analysis and forecasting is commendable.
Their experience in [Related Experience] has given them a comprehensive understanding of accounting practices and the ability to work in a team environment. Additionally, their excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of [Related Field] have been valuable contributions in their previous roles.
As their academic advisor, I have been impressed by [Applicant’s Name]’s ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with stakeholders. Their work ethic and ability to work with others make them an excellent choice for an accounting role.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the role of an accountant in your organization.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Sample 7: OPT employment letter for graphic designer
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I am writing to recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the role of a Graphic Designer in your organization. [Applicant’s Name] has completed a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from [University] and is equipped with all the technical and conceptual skills required to excel in a graphic design role.
[Applicant’s Name] has demonstrated excellent proficiency in [Software], [Software], and [Software], as well as a keen eye for detail and an ability to interpret design briefs creatively. They have produced a range of impressive design work throughout their academic career, including [Related Work].
When working as part of a team, [Applicant’s Name] is an excellent collaborator, communicating effectively with colleagues while still demonstrating the necessary independence to meet deadlines. Additionally, their excellent problem-solving skills and knowledge of [Related Field] have been valuable contributions in their previous roles.
As their academic advisor, I have been impressed by [Applicant’s Name]’s passion for graphic design, work ethic, and creativity. They consistently went above and beyond in their design work, and I am confident they will bring the same level of dedication to your organization.
I highly recommend [Applicant’s Name] for the role of a Graphic Designer.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Tips for writing an OPT Employment Letter Sample
As an international student, acquiring an OPT Employment Letter is an essential step in kickstarting your career in the United States. This letter verifies that the job you’ve applied for or already been offered is related to your field of study. It is, therefore, crucial to draft a convincing document that will increase your chances of securing the job. Here are tips to help you write an impressive OPT Employment Letter Sample:
- Highlight your qualifications and skills: Your letter should clearly state and outline your skills that qualify you for the job you’re seeking. Emphasize on your achievements and relevant experience. Sell yourself by outlining your unique skills that make you stand out from other candidates.
- Mention the employer’s company: Address the company you’re applying to by name and demonstrate your keen interest in them. Show that you’ve researched the company beforehand and indicate why you’re interested in the job.
- Provide insights on how the job is related to your field: The OPT Employment Letter must explain how the proposed employment links to your study field. Clearly state why you believe the job will benefit you in your career and how the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired throughout your study program have prepared you for the job.
- Be Specific: Your letter should concentrate on the job description and the key responsibilities involved in the role. Demonstrate how your experience, skills, and education align with the job requirements.
- Use a professional tone: Maintain a professional tone of voice throughout your letter. Avoid casual statements or levity that might distract the reader from the critical points in your letter.
- Ensure accuracy: Finally, ensure that your letter is accurate, grammatically correct, and typo-free. Check and recheck the spellings of names, job titles, and the company’s address to demonstrate your professionalism and attention to detail.
Writing a compelling OPT Employment Letter requires time, effort, and attention to detail. Following the tips provided above, you can create an excellent first impression on prospective employers, and increase your chances of securing the job.
OPT Employment Letter Sample FAQs
What is an OPT Employment Letter?
An OPT Employment Letter is a letter that your employer writes to confirm that you will be employed by them during your Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.
Do I need an OPT Employment Letter?
Yes, you need an OPT Employment Letter to show proof of employment to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) when you apply for OPT.
What should be included in my OPT Employment Letter?
Your OPT Employment Letter should include your employer’s name and address, your job title, the start and end dates of your employment, the number of hours you will work per week, and your supervisor’s contact information.
Can I use a template to create my OPT Employment Letter?
Yes, you can use a template to create your OPT Employment Letter, but it should still be personalized and include all the necessary information mentioned earlier.
How should my employer sign my OPT Employment Letter?
Your employer should sign your OPT Employment Letter by hand, and include the date of signing.
Can my OPT Employment Letter be in a language other than English?
No, your OPT Employment Letter must be written in English, or include an English translation along with the original language version.
What if my employer refuses to provide me with an OPT Employment Letter?
If your employer refuses to provide you with an OPT Employment Letter, you may need to find another employer who is willing to provide one, or consult an immigration attorney for advice.
Thanks for reading!
There you have it, a sample OPT employment letter that you can use as your guide. Remember, the content of the letter is crucial in securing your OPT job, so make sure it’s accurate, comprehensive, and convincing. We hope we were able to provide you with valuable insights on this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to drop us a message. We’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to bookmark our site for future reference. See you on our next article!