The author, with extensive experience in interviewing and assisting students, highlights that many struggling job seekers falter due to poor time management rather than technical inadequacy. Career paths are divided into two main tracks: staying in the US on OPT/H1B, and returning to China for campus or social recruitment. A common misconception about OPT is that the unemployment period is 60 days, when it is actually 90 days, with an additional 60 days for STEM extensions, totaling 150 days.The timing for US recruitment, particularly fall recruiting for major companies, peaks from August to October, but the unemployment clock starts at graduation, not when job applications begin. For those returning to China, early recruitment for some companies starts as early as July, with formal recruitment in September and offers distributed from December to January. Understanding one's "graduating cohort" is crucial for Chinese recruitment, as it determines eligibility for early and formal application rounds.Several pitfalls exist regarding immigration status, including CPT usage that can reduce OPT duration and the implications of not being selected in the H1B lottery, which may lead to alternative paths or higher costs for staying in the US. The "returned student" status in China can be tricky, with certain graduation dates or prior OPT employment potentially disqualifying candidates from entry-level positions. It's also important to note the benefits of overseas talent introduction programs for relocation.Resumes need to be tailored for each job market; the US version emphasizes verifiable depth with GitHub links, while the China version focuses on business impact, quantifiable results, and the ability to translate technical achievements into business value. Preparing for interviews should be project-centric, deeply understanding 2-3 key projects, rather than solely focusing on rote memorization of algorithm problems. Submitting applications for both US and China tracks with tailored resumes is often the most stable approach, allowing for dual offers and better negotiation leverage. Making a decision on which path to pursue should ideally happen by mid-October, before offers expire.