When you search for a US job, you need to make yourself stand apart from the other candidates.

But how?

Make your international background an asset that US employers don’t want to work without.

Yes, your education, job experience, skills and resume are all extremely important to potential employers. But US companies also want employees who adapt easily to new situations, interact sensibly with co-workers and clients of different cultures, and speak knowledgeably about local and world events.

As an international student, you probably possess all of these qualities, plus a few more that may assist in your US job search.

Grace Kutney at Sweet Careers has a list of more than 30 questions you should ask yourself as you search for a job in order to take stock of your international experience.

But remember: Having international experience isn’t enough. If you want to work in the US, you must be able to explain how that experience will benefit the company.

For example, does the company have customers from other countries? Explain how having an employee who speaks the language and knows the culture will be good for business.

I’ve heard how some companies hesitate to hire international students because they don’t want to sponsor a visa. During your US job search, you must make sure that the employer sees you — and your international experience — as a wise business investment.