So you have finished your interview for a job in the U.S. from Australia. You’re probably feeling a mixture of excitement and relief–relieved that the interview is over and excitement about the opportunity. However, waiting to be contacted again can be stressful. Remember that it’s not over yet. Following up after the interview is a key part of the process. It shows potential employers that you are interested and serious. You want to show your potential employers that you are the perfect candidate. Here are some tips for following up after your interview.
Before You Leave
Your follow-up starts before you even leave the interview. If possible, you should inquire about the employer’s timetable for choosing candidates for the job position. Asking about the next steps in the process or when you should anticipate hearing back are appropriate things to bring up. This gives you an idea of how to approach your follow-up. If the interview is already finished and you don’t have these details, it is still important to follow up in a polite and timely manner as you seek a job in the U.S. from Australia.
Send a Letter or Email
Use your nervous energy after the interview to be productive. Write a thank-you note for every person who interviewed you. You can choose to send an informal handwritten letter in the mail or email. If you decide to go the handwritten route, you should try to send it out within a day or two of the interview. Keep it simple and write on a plain card. In this job market, it is perfectly acceptable to email thank-you notes while trying to get a job in the U.S. from Australia.
Suggested Thank You Wording
Here is an example template for your thank-you note:
Dear [Hiring Manager Name]:
Thank you so much for the interview. As I continue to review the job position with [name of organization], I feel confident in my fitness for the position. In closing, I want to say that no other applicant desires to benefit your company more than I do.
Truly yours,
[Your Name]
When You Should Follow Up About a Job in the U.S. From Australia
If the hiring manager gave you a timetable of when the organization will make a decision, do not follow up before that time. However, if the date has passed and you have sent thank-you notes, you should formally follow up. It’s a good idea to wait about a week and send an email inquiring whether a decision has been made. You may be told directly that you got the job, that you didn’t get it, or not get any response at all.
Be Persistent
If you do not hear back or are told that the process is still underway, the possibility of you getting the job is not over. If you are in a more aggressive and competitive profession, you may want to contact the company every two or three days via email. In more relaxed professions, you can wait another week to send another message. Whenever you follow up, be courteous and professional in your enthusiasm.
Don’t Stop Your Job Search
In general don’t put all of your hope into one job. While waiting to hear back from the company, continue to send resumes, schedule interviews, and network with your contacts. Unfortunately, you may not hear back about the opportunity. If your emails and calls are not returned after several weeks, it’s safe to assume there will not be an offer. It’s important to keep hunting for a job in the U.S. from Australia, as your time will come!
Conclusion
Strategically positioning yourself to receive a job opportunity doesn’t end with resumes and interviews. How you follow up after an interview is key to landing the job. Follow these guidelines and stay motivated. If you still haven’t had an interview yet, review your interview tips for making a good impression.
