Closing the interview successfully is crucial to your job search success. How you end an interview should be tailored to suit the position, the company, the style of the interviewer, and your own personal style. Use the examples of good interview closing statements and questions to help you develop your own appropriate way of wrapping up the job interview. Leave your interview on the right note and make a lasting impression.
Closing the Interview – What to Say and Do
Closing the interview successfully is crucial to your job search success. How you end an interview should be tailored to suit the position, the company, the style of the interviewer, and your own personal style. Use the examples of good interview closing statements and questions to help you develop your own appropriate way of wrapping up the job interview. Leave your interview on the right note and make a lasting impression.
Interview Closing Statement Examples
Consider what you have discussed and reinforce your suitability for the job as the interview reaches a conclusion. One example of closing statement could be: “I did extensive research on this company beforehand and was really excited about this interview. This has been reinforced by everything I have heard and learned today. I appreciate the time you have taken with me and I am positive about my ability to perform successfully in this job. Is there anything else you need to know, do we need to set up another meeting?”
Another example could be: “This sounds like an exciting challenge- just what I have been hoping for. I believe my [list your strengths] make me the right candidate for this job. What will the next step in the hiring process be?”
You need to be sure that any possible concerns that the interviewer may have are addressed when you close. You can ask: “Is there any reason why this process will not progress to the next step – I would like to clear up any issues now that may impact on my getting this job. I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity.”
Or you can say: “Although I know there are other candidates interviewing for this position, I am confident that I am the right candidate for the following reasons………. Do you agree with me?”
Make sure you close on a positive note. This can be done by saying: “Thank you for your time. You have given me a very clear picture of the position and I am even more enthusiastic about it than before. I know that my skills and experience [list the relevant skills and experience] will add real value to your company in this job. Can we discuss what I should do next to make sure that I get this job?”
Another example of closing on a positive note: “From my research, I knew that this was going to be an exciting position with a company that has an excellent reputation in the industry. Now I am even more convinced of that. Is there anything else you need to know that will help persuade you that I am the right candidate for this job?”
Find out the next step in the hiring process
It is important to have an idea of what comes next in the hiring process. You can ask: “What are the next steps in the hiring process for this job and can you give me an approximate time frame?”
Another question to ask is: “When can I expect to hear feedback, and who will be in contact?”
A direct question about the next step can be: “The job sounds just what I am looking for. What is the next step?”
Closing the Interview Tips and Techniques
There are a few techniques that can help you close the interview on a positive note. It is important to make good use of these closing techniques to leave behind an excellent impression. These tips include:
- Implement strong body language: Maintain good eye contact, have a firm handshake, and sit upright during the interview.
- Show enthusiasm and interest: Express your genuine enthusiasm and interest in the position and the company.
- Summarize your qualifications: Recap your key qualifications and skills that make you a great fit for the job.
- Ask thoughtful questions: Ask questions that show you are genuinely interested and engaged in the opportunity.
After the Interview
After you have successfully closed the interview, the next step is to send a well-written interview follow-up letter. This is a chance to reiterate your interest in the position and express your gratitude for the opportunity to interview. sending a thank you letter within 24 hours of your job interview is considered good etiquette and shows professionalism.
How to Know if Your Interview Went Well
It can be difficult to determine how well your interview went, but there are some signs that can indicate a positive outcome. These signs include:
- Lengthy and in-depth conversation: If the interview went beyond the scheduled time and involved detailed discussions, it’s a good sign.
- Positive body language: If the interviewer displayed open and engaged body language, such as leaning in, nodding, and maintaining eye contact, it suggests a positive impression.
- Mention of next steps: If the interviewer discussed the next steps or mentioned that they will be in touch, it indicates their interest in moving forward.
- Personal connection: If the conversation felt friendly and comfortable, with some personal connection established, it suggests a good rapport.
On the other hand, there are also signs that indicate a bad interview. These signs include:
- Short and rushed interview: If the interview was cut short or felt rushed, it suggests a lack of interest.
- Negative body language: If the interviewer displayed closed-off body language, such as crossed arms or avoiding eye contact, it suggests a lack of engagement.
- Lack of questions about your qualifications: If the interviewer did not ask many questions about your qualifications or experience, it suggests a lack of interest.
- Mention of other candidates: If the interviewer mentioned that there are other candidates being considered, it indicates that you may not be their top choice.
Recovering from a Bad Interview
If you feel that your interview did not go well, don’t panic. It is possible to bounce back from a bad interview. Here are some tips to recover from a bad interview:
- Reflect on the experience: Take some time to evaluate what went wrong and identify areas for improvement.
- Learn from your mistakes: Use the experience as a learning opportunity and make note of the things you could have done differently.
- Follow up with a thank you letter: Even if the interview did not go well, it is still important to send a thank you letter expressing appreciation for the opportunity.
- Focus on the next opportunity: Don’t dwell on the past interview. Instead, shift your focus to the next opportunity and prepare accordingly.
The Best Way to Begin Your Interview
Starting the interview on the right note is just as important as closing it. The first impression you make can set the tone for the rest of the interview. Here are some tips to begin your interview well:
- Be punctual: Arrive on time for the interview to show that you value the opportunity and are reliable.
- Dress appropriately: Dress professionally for the interview to demonstrate respect for the company and the position.
- Greet with enthusiasm: When meeting the interviewer, greet them with a smile and a firm handshake to convey warmth and confidence.
- Engage in small talk: Use small talk to build rapport and establish a connection with the interviewer before diving into the main interview questions.
- Prepare an introduction: Have a brief introduction prepared that highlights your relevant experience and skills.
Problem-Solving Behavioral Interview Questions
During an interview, you may encounter problem-solving behavioral interview questions. These questions are designed to assess your ability to handle challenges and find solutions. To prepare for these types of questions, consider past experiences where you successfully solved a problem. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and provide specific examples.
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In conclusion, closing the interview effectively is crucial in leaving a positive lasting impression on the interviewer. It is important to reinforce your suitability for the job, address any possible concerns, and close on a positive note. Additionally, finding out the next steps in the hiring process and following up with a well-written thank you letter can further enhance your chances of securing the job. Remember to reflect on your interview experience, learn from any mistakes, and stay focused on future opportunities.
