Event Recap: AWNY’s “Thriving Stateside” Cross-Industry Panel

This week AWNY hosted a cross-industry panel offering advice for those looking to move to the US, or those looking for a new job while here. Hosted at the spectacular new American Australian Association office near Grand Central Station, our panel, moderated by Tania Yuki, an acclaimed global business leader, founder, and CEO shared their thoughts on what is unique about Australians in the US and tips on how to get that first, or next US based role.

A Panel of Australian Experts with a Wide Range of Career Experience

The evening brought together a diverse group of panelists. Dr. Lis Evered, an award-winning scientist specializing in perioperative neurocognitive disorders; Will Peters, a business intelligence consultant; Emily Cones-Browne, a global PR & Communications maven; and Belinda “BJ” Jackson, a prominent business consultant and career coach, all sharing their career journeys, rich insights, and relatable NY experiences.

There were many stories and common experiences shared, which led to a number of tips for prospective job hunters.

Tips for job hunters

Respect the hierarchy, different cultural norms: The US work environment can be hierarchal, particularly in academic or more traditional roles, and candidates are encouraged to reflect these norms when reaching out to people or speaking about roles. Even once you have the job some of these traditions mightn’t stop – be mindful so you don’t get caught out by these differences.
Network, network, network: You’ve heard it before no doubt but with the proliferation of AI doing the job of many recruiters and talent acquisition employees, it is important to build your network and rely on personal connections rather than your resume. Also important you follow US resume rules and update it to reflect the job description you are going for.
Use a cover letter: A one-page resume mightn’t show your full experience or capabilities (leverage a career coach to help identify how best to format and lay out your experience), so use a cover letter to sell the things that mightn’t be immediately apparent in your resume. This is a chance to mention that job you had earlier in your career that is 100% aligned with the job you want today.
Be persistent: Yes, not everyone will accept your LinkedIn request or reply to your email. Our panelists noted that sometimes they may want to reply but they can’t remember what to search for to find your email in the haystack. Don’t fret about following up a few times, it’s required! Also get out there, move in different circles, challenge yourself to find new ways to connect with prospective employers. Not everyone might be looking today but they might know of something in the pipeline. LinkedIn is not enough unfortunately.
Give back—don’t just take: If you’ve had support or the benefit of being connected with someone who’s got you a job, don’t forget to pay that forward so you can support others in achieving their career goals.
Be creative: Be that in the networking search, finding mentors, or how you position yourself and the visa situation. Lean on stories from people who have done it before to craft your pitch.
Use the Australian community: This is an obvious one. There are so many talented and experienced Aussies based in NYC alone—use it to your advantage. Most of us want to help see more Aussies strive over here (the more, the cheaper Tim Tams and good flat whites become!)
Channel your inner American—ooze confidence: It might be hard for you growing up in a culture that has Tall Poppy Syndrome, but to compete with Americans for the role, you will have to really sell yourself and your achievements. Again, get advice from a professional career advisor on contextualized advice, but leave your modesty at the border.
Be honest: Most people extrapolate from the previous tip that you might have to lie. This is not the case. You just need a good dose of American confidence and you’ll be good to roll.
And finally there are a lot of definitional differences, ensure you get up to date with your professions unique vocabulary so you aren’t referring to your experience incorrectly. If you need to, update your resume to use American titles!

If you’d like to learn more tips about job hunting in the US, read some of our other pieces, and reach out to our expert career coach, Belinda ‘BJ’ Jackson to learn more.