Imagine this – you’re in a job interview and feel really good about how it’s going. The conversation has flowed naturally, and you’ve answered all the questions with confidence. You can practically see the “you’re hired!” look in the interviewer’s eyes.
Then, as the interview winds down, the dreaded question comes: “Do you have any questions for me?” Your mind goes blank. You blurt out the first thing that comes to mind: “Uh, yes! Just one… When can I start?” The interviewer raises an eyebrow, smiles awkwardly, and thanks you for your time. Cue the instant regret – your overeager response may have lost you the opportunity to close the interview strong.
While genuine enthusiasm is great, too much can quickly undo all the progress you’ve made throughout the interview. The way you close the conversation is just as important as how you open it. Here are five tips to add to your job seeker toolkit to end an interview with confidence.
Tips for Closing Your Interview Strong
1. Ask Specific Questions
Let’s start with the mistake made by our overeager interviewee. Don’t let the interview end without asking thoughtful and specific questions of your own. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the company and the position.
Some good questions to ask might include:
- What would the expectations for me be during my first 90 days in this position?
- How would you describe the company culture and values?
- What are the opportunities for advancement like?
- Why is this role available right now?
- What qualities are you looking for in the ideal candidate for this position?
- Could you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
- What do you enjoy most about working for this organization?
- What would you say is the most challenging aspect of this job?
Asking questions gives you the chance to get any remaining information you need to determine if this is the right opportunity for you. It also shows your interviewer that you’re genuinely interested and excited about the position.
2. Summarize Your Qualifications
Take a moment at the end of the interview to summarize the reasons you think you’re the right person for the job. Even if you covered some of this in the interview already, quickly touch on your most relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that make you the ideal candidate. This is the perfect opportunity to set yourself apart from other candidates.
This answer will change based on the job and industry, but it could sound like, “Based on our discussion today, I believe my seven years of experience in CNC operation and passion for improving efficiency make me a strong candidate for this position.”
3. Restate Your Interest
Make sure to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the job, and for the company. This can be as simple as saying, “I’m excited about the opportunity to join the team!” Emphasize that you would be honored and excited to be chosen for the position.
Avoid sounding desperate, but let the interviewer know you’re passionate about the job.
4. Address Any Issues or Concerns
If anything popped up in the interview, or during your own preparation beforehand, now is the time to address them directly.
For example, if you noticed the interviewer seemed unsure about your ability to manage a team, you could say: “I noticed some hesitation about my management experience. I want to reiterate that I consistently received positive feedback on my ability to motivate my team members in my last position. I’m confident I have the skills to be an effective manager in this role, as well.”
5. Ask About Next Steps
Finally, ask for next steps in the hiring process. This shows you’re committed to the role and eager to move forward. Ask them if there is a timeline for making a hiring decision, and make sure you have their contact information to send any additional information they may need.
The last thing you should do before leaving the interview is thank them for their time. Keep it simple and to the point: “Thank you so much for taking the time to meet with me today. I look forward to hearing from you soon!”
The Last Piece of the Puzzle
The interview may be over, but your work isn’t done. A day or two after, follow up with a thank-you email to the person(s) you spoke with. This is a chance to reiterate your interest and provide any relevant information that didn’t come up during the interview. By taking the time to follow up, you show your genuine interest in the opportunity. Think of it as your final chance to make a strong, memorable impression.
With these five strategies and a thoughtful follow-up in place, you’ve given yourself the best possible chance of being the top choice for this role.
