What to Do After a Job Interview: The Complete AU & NZ Follow-Up Guide

The interview is over. You navigated the tough questions, built a rapport, and gave it your all. But the moment you walk out the door, a new kind of anxiety sets in. Knowing what to do after a job interview is a crucial skill that can be the difference between landing an offer and being forgotten. The waiting game is tough, but being proactive makes all the difference.

Many candidates think the work is done after the handshake, but in the competitive job markets of Australia and New Zealand, your post-interview strategy is a powerful tool to reinforce your value and stay top-of-mind. This guide provides a complete checklist, covering everything from crafting the perfect follow-up email to navigating local timelines and expectations.

The post-interview checklist: more than just a thank-you email

A successful post-interview strategy goes beyond a simple thank-you note. It's a structured process of reflection, communication, and preparation. By following these steps, you not only show your professionalism but also set yourself up for success—whether in the next round or your next opportunity. It's a key part of avoiding job search burnout and maintaining momentum.

Why you should always send a follow-up email

In a competitive market, a follow-up email is non-negotiable. It's your first opportunity to re-engage after the interview. While it may feel like a small gesture, global recruitment firm Robert Half notes that it allows you to reiterate your interest, showcase your communication skills, and add a final, personalized touch.

Moreover, it's a chance to briefly mention a key point you may have forgotten or to reinforce a connection you made during the conversation. According to career services at Harvard Law School, this note is a critical part of a successful job search strategy.

When to send your thank-you email: the 24-hour rule in AU & NZ

Timing is crucial. The consensus among career experts is to send your follow-up email within 24 hours of the interview. This ensures the conversation is still fresh in the hiring manager's mind.

For interviews held on a Friday in Australia or New Zealand, you have two options:

1. Send it Friday afternoon: This keeps you within the 24-hour window.
2. Send it first thing Monday morning: This prevents your email from getting lost in a weekend inbox and places it at the top of their list for the new week.

Both are acceptable, but Monday morning is often preferred for senior roles. Be mindful of regional and national public holidays in AU and NZ, and adjust your timing accordingly.

What to include in your thank-you email: a step-by-step structure

To make your email effective, it needs to be more than just "Thanks for your time." Follow this structure for a professional and impactful message.

Compelling subject lines

Keep it simple and professional. Good options include:

• Thank you - [Job Title]
• Following up on our interview for [Job Title]
• Thank you - [Your Name]
• Great to chat today

The personalised greeting

Address the interviewer by name (e.g., "Dear Jane,"). If you interviewed with multiple people, send a separate, personalized email to each one.

The "thank you" and reference to the role

Start by expressing your gratitude for their time and explicitly mention the position you interviewed for.

Reiterate your value (connect to the conversation)

This is your chance to shine. As recommended by recruitment experts at Michael Page Australia, reference a specific topic you discussed. Connect a key requirement of the role to your experience. For example: "I particularly enjoyed our discussion about the upcoming data migration project. My experience leading a similar initiative at my previous company aligns directly with the challenges you outlined."

Reinforce your enthusiasm

Clearly state your continued interest in the role and the company. A simple, "I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining your team," works well.

The professional closing

End with a professional closing like "Kind regards," or "Sincerely," followed by your full name and phone number.

Interview follow-up email templates for every AU & NZ scenario

Here are a few templates to get you started. The key is to customize them with specific details from your conversation to make them authentic and memorable.

Template 1: The standard post-interview thank you

Subject: Thank you - [Job Title]

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I truly enjoyed learning more about the role and the team's vision for [mention a specific project or goal].

Our conversation further solidified my interest in this opportunity. I was particularly interested in [mention a specific point from the discussion], and I am confident that my skills in [mention 1-2 key skills] would allow me to contribute effectively to your team.

I am very enthusiastic about the possibility of joining [Company Name]. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you require any further information.

Kind regards,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

Template 2: For the career changer

This template helps you bridge the gap between your past experience and your new career path, showing you've thoughtfully considered how your skills apply—a key part of any career gap analysis and growth plan.

Subject: Following up on our conversation about the [Job Title] role

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you for your time today. It was a pleasure discussing the [Job Title] role and learning more about the innovative work being done at [Company Name].

I was especially energized by our conversation about [mention a challenge or opportunity discussed]. It clarified how my background in [Your Previous Field] can bring a unique perspective to your team. As we discussed, my experience in [mention a transferable skill, e.g., 'project management' or 'client relations'] is directly applicable to the [mention a key responsibility of the new role] you described.

My enthusiasm for this career transition and for this role in particular has only grown. I am eager to bring my skills and fresh perspective to your team.

Sincerely,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

Template 3: For the new migrant

For migrants to Australia or New Zealand, this template confirms your enthusiasm while proactively and professionally addressing your work status. Ensure your contact details and local address on your resume are clear.

Subject: Thank you - [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Interviewer's Name],

Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position today. I enjoyed our conversation and learning about [Company Name]'s impressive goals for the coming year.

I am confident that my international experience in [Your Field] would be a strong asset to your team. Having recently relocated to [City, e.g., Auckland or Sydney], I am incredibly motivated to build my career here and am excited by the prospect of contributing to a company like yours.

(Choose the sentence that applies to you)

• For clarity, I can confirm I have full, unrestricted working rights in [Australia/New Zealand].
• I would require visa sponsorship for this role and am happy to discuss the process and my eligibility further at your convenience.

I look forward to hearing about the next steps.

Kind regards,

[Your Name] [Your Phone Number]

What to do while you wait: your post-interview action plan

The time between the interview and the decision can be nerve-wracking. Use it productively to keep the momentum going. You've got this!

Step 1: Debrief and reflect immediately

As career guidance from the University of Canterbury suggests, take time to reflect right after the interview. Write down the questions you were asked, how you answered, and any skills the interviewer emphasized. This is invaluable information. If you notice a gap between their needs and your resume, update your master application materials now so your next application is even stronger.

Step 2: Update your job application tracker

Don't let your search become a mess of forgotten applications. To stay organized, use a job application tracker to log the interview date, save your follow-up note, and set a reminder for when to check in next. JobSparrow's free Job Application Tracker makes this effortless by keeping all your activity in one place, helping you manage the process efficiently, especially if you're running an NZ Job Sprint.

Step 3: Prepare for the next round

If the interview went well, there may be a second or third round. Use your debrief notes to anticipate future questions and build serious confidence. You can practice your responses with JobSparrow's AI Mock Interview tool. It generates questions specific to the role and provides instant feedback on your answers, clarity, and delivery, so you're even more prepared for the next stage. One user, Sarah, practiced with our AI tool and, two days after her follow-up, landed a marketing role in Melbourne!

Step 4: Connect professionally on LinkedIn

Consider sending a personalized LinkedIn connection request to your interviewers a day or two after sending your thank-you email. Keep the message brief and professional: "Hi [Name], it was great meeting you on [Day] to discuss the [Job Title] role. I enjoyed our conversation and would like to connect."

How long after an interview to hear back in NZ & Australia?

This is the million-dollar question. Timelines can vary widely, but here are some general guidelines based on local experiences.

• Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs): Often move faster. You might hear back within a few days to a week. A student's experience shared on the University of Auckland blog mentions hearing back two days after one interview and a week after another, which is common for internships and graduate roles.
• Large Corporations: Can be much slower. As shared by users in an r/auscorp Reddit thread, it's not uncommon for large companies in Australia to take two to four weeks due to internal bureaucracy, multiple decision-makers, and extensive background checks.

If the interviewer gave you a timeline (e.g., "We'll be in touch by the end of next week"), wait a few business days after that deadline before following up.

How to follow up after an interview with no response

If the expected timeline has passed and you've heard nothing, a gentle nudge is appropriate. According to career platform The Muse, a polite follow-up is perfectly acceptable and shows you're still interested. Wait at least a week after your initial thank-you note before sending this.

Template: The gentle nudge

Subject: Checking in regarding the [Job Title] role

Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],

I hope you're having a great week.

I'm writing to politely follow up on my interview for the [Job Title] position on [Date of interview]. I truly enjoyed our conversation and remain very interested in the opportunity to join your team.

Could you please let me know if there's an update on the timeline for this role?

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Handling the outcome: graceful next steps

No matter the result, how you handle it reflects on your professional character. As advice from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) points out, professional communities in AU and NZ can be small, and being gracious is always the right move.

• If you get the offer: Congratulations! Express your excitement, and if you need time to consider, ask for it professionally.
• If you are rejected: Send a brief, polite email thanking them for the opportunity and their time. This leaves the door open for future opportunities and shows immense professionalism.

Your post-interview conduct is the final piece of the impression you leave. By following this structured, professional, and regionally-aware approach, you position yourself as a standout candidate every time. For more tips and guides, explore our full suite of Career Resources.

Ready to take control of your job search? JobSparrow's AI-powered tools help you track applications, prepare for interviews, and create tailored career documents. Explore your personalized dashboard today and see the difference for yourself.