Wrap it Up Right
Too often, fatigue ò€“ and flat out relief ò€“ set in at the close of an extended interview. The result? It ends with a whimper instead of a bang. With the emphasis job seekers place on creating that all-important first impression, it seems a shame that so many miss the boat when it comes to making a lasting impression at the close of the interview. Itò€™s a golden opportunity. So make the most of it by employing a few key closing strategies that will leave your interviewers impressed.Youò€™ll want to start by sensing that the close is about to happen. You may have clarified the interview length at the outset by asking, ò€œHow much time do we have?ò€Ò Be alert to changes in the interviewerò€™s voice and the direction of their questions. Toward the end of interviews questions often move from specific to general. Shifts in the interviewerò€™s body language and eye contact are also signals that the wrap-up is near.Ò
Seize the opportunity for a strong finish by asking, ò€œDo we have time for a couple of quick questions?ò€ and then launching into one or two well-researched questions that can open up a unique exchange with the interviewer that could set you apart from other applicants.
You can also offer a strong conclusion by summing up your skills and presenting yourself in a closing comment.Ò Try something like ò€œAs I understand it, the role really demandsò€¦(name the skills you believe it will take to be successful).Ò Where I believe I will add the highest value is by ò€¦ (and name the areas that align best with your own capabilities). ò€œ
If you are confident by nature, you could ask a sales-type question to ferret out objections.Ò Ò ò€œBased on our discussion, how do you see me fitting into the role at this point?ò€Ò Key here is to work with the interviewerò€™s comments without becoming defensive. You want to reinforce the positive and deal realistically with any downsides they bring up.Ò Itò€™s far better to find out what their thoughts really are at this stage, than to think you aced the meeting, and then find yourself eliminated when because of gaps you never managed to address.
Most importantly, always express enthusiasm for both the position and the company.Ò Too often employers are left with the impression that an applicant could do the job, but theyò€™re just not certain how much the individual wants the job.Ò Leave no doubt in their mind.
With a little practice you may even come to enjoy designing your own original closing comments in your interviews. So, take charge and orchestrate the impression you want to leave behind.