Closing Any Interview

You may think the interview is over when the interviewer stops asking questions, but landing a job could lie in how you close the conversation.  The end of the interview gives you one last chance to make a strong impression, summarize why you’re the right person for the job, and correct any misconceptions that may have cropped up during the interview.

To improve your chances of getting the job, consider the following strategies:

Find out if and when any next rounds of interviews will take place. This information will give you an opportunity to ask for an invitation to that next round. For example, “I am interested in participating in the next round. When can I expect a call for scheduling?”

Ask the interviewer whether you answered all the questions satisfactorily. In addition, ask outright if the interviewer has any concerns about your application. If the interviewer has concerns about your qualifications, you want to know what they are before you leave the meeting. This may be your only opportunity to squelch those misunderstandings and misgivings.

Inquire about a date for the hiring decision. Sometimes it is only a matter of days, other times it may be weeks. Either way, you want to know so that you can follow up appropriately. So ask, “By what date do you expect to make a decision?”

Ask interviewers for their contact information, should you need to reach them. For example, “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. This informative interview answered many of my questions. Should I need additional information, would you rather I contact you via phone or e-mail?”

There are also interview blunders to avoid. Many candidates make a wrong move at the very end that costs them the job. Avoid the following mistakes:

Saying “no” before the job is offered. An occasion may arise during the interview when you decide that you do not want the job. Regardless of the reason, refrain from turning down a position before it is offered. The reason is twofold: 1.) the intention of the interview is to receive a job offer. When you turn down a position prematurely, you never know if your interview skills are up to par; and 2.) interview settings are emotional settings, prone to quick and often inaccurate reactions. Do not say no to a position before you have had the time to consider its suitability for you.

Broaching the subject of salary. Interviewers are the ones who should raise the issue of compensation. When interviewers do not ask for salary requirements, it is an indication that the timing is not right.

Adapted from 201 Knockout Answers to Tough Interview Questions: the Ultimate Guide to Handling the New Competency-Based Interview Style, by Linda Matias, AMACOM, 2010