You’ve made it through the interview—now it’s time to take the final steps that could secure you the job. Following up professionally and negotiating with confidence are essential parts of the recruitment process, yet many candidates underestimate their importance.

At Signature Staff, a leading Queensland recruitment agency, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers—from Cairns to Townsville—turn strong interviews into job offers. With the guidance of our CEO, Vlasta Eriksson, a recognised leader in the recruitment industry, we’re here to help you master every step of the journey.

Follow Up Without the Fuss

A well-timed follow-up can reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and remind the hiring manager why you’re the right fit. It shows that you’re proactive, professional, and truly interested in the opportunity.

Here’s how to follow up effectively:

· Send a thank-you email within 24 hours. Be sincere and concise. Mention something specific you discussed during the interview to personalise your message and show that you were engaged.

· Follow up after one week if you haven’t heard back. A short, polite message expressing continued interest and inquiring about the timeline can go a long way.

· Avoid excessive contact. One thank-you email and one follow-up are typically sufficient. Over-communicating may appear desperate and reduce your chances of receiving an offer.

These simple steps demonstrate your professionalism while keeping you top-of-mind without overwhelming the hiring team.

Negotiate Your Salary with Clarity and Confidence

Many job seekers feel uneasy about salary discussions, but most employers expect some level of negotiation. What matters is that you approach the conversation with preparation and confidence.

Here’s how to make a strong case:

· Do your research. Use tools like LinkedIn Salary, PayScale, and Glassdoor to determine the salary range for similar roles in your region and industry. This gives you a realistic starting point.

· Highlight your value. Instead of focusing solely on what you want, emphasise what you bring to the company. Use specific achievements and skills that align with the job to justify your expectations.

· Stay open to alternatives. If the salary offer is lower than expected, be ready to discuss benefits such as flexible hours, performance bonuses, or training support that could add value to the package.

When asked about salary expectations, offer a range based on your research. This shows that your expectations are well-informed and grounded in current market data.

Use Market Research to Support Your Case

Backing up your salary discussions with solid research helps position you as informed and reasonable. It also gives you confidence when presenting your expectations.

To prepare effectively:

· Compare salaries across multiple platforms. Look at data from Glassdoor, Seek, LinkedIn, and industry-specific resources.

· Consider the entire compensation package. Base salary is only part of the offer. Superannuation, paid leave, healthcare, and other benefits should be taken into account.

· Adjust for location-specific factors. A role in Cairns might offer a different package than one in Brisbane, so factor in cost-of-living differences when comparing offers.

Referencing your findings during negotiations demonstrates your professionalism and helps ensure the final offer is both fair and competitive.

Don’t Overlook Benefits and Perks

In many cases, benefits can greatly enhance your work-life balance, even if the salary is fixed. Understanding what’s negotiable—and what truly matters to you—can help shape a more rewarding offer.

Consider negotiating on:

· Work flexibility. Remote work, flexible start times, or compressed workweeks can improve your lifestyle significantly.

· Professional development. Ask if the company supports training, courses, or attending industry events.

· Additional leave. If vacation time is a priority, request additional paid or unpaid leave options as part of your offer.

Before you enter the negotiation, identify which benefits are most important to you and consider where you might be willing to compromise. A collaborative mindset, rather than a list of demands, will lead to better outcomes for both sides.

Final Advice from the Experts

At Signature Staff, we believe that a successful recruitment experience doesn’t end with a job offer—it begins with finding the right fit and being confident enough to ask for what you deserve. That’s why Vlasta Eriksson, our CEO and recruitment leader, continues to champion candidate empowerment through strategy, preparation, and support.

By following up professionally and negotiating thoughtfully, you show employers that you are well-prepared, respectful, and confident in your value—qualities every employer looks for. For more information and candidates tips, visit our website: signaturestaff.com.au