Closing the Interview
Knowing how to successfully close an interview can make the
difference between getting the job and being one of the
unfortunate individuals who receives a rejection letter in the
mail. While much attention is given to the matters of how to
write a resume and cover letter as well as what to expect in
regards to interview questions, far too many job seekers are
unprepared when comes to knowing how to successfully close an
interview. Keep in mind that this is perhaps your last
opportunity to demonstrate why you are perfect for the job.
Successfully closing an interview walks a fine line between
being too aggressive and not being aggressive enough.
It’s always a good idea to bring along some questions that you
can ask the interviewer at the end of the interview. This shows
that you have more than just a passing interest in the position
and truly want the job. If you have taken the time to do your
research on the company, this also demonstrates initiative and
increases your chances of being hired.
Once all questions have been asked and answered, it is quite
appropriate to ask the interviewer when they anticipate making a
hiring decision as well as what the next step in the
interviewing or hiring process will be. Make a point to ask the
employer for a business card so that you can have readily
available contact information for following up with the employer
in the days to come. This will also make it much easier for you
to mail the all important interview thank-you letter as soon as
you return home.
Also don’t forget to shake hands with the employer and summarize
how your skills and experience, as well as ambition and desire,
make you the perfect candidate for the position. If you’re
really confident and don’t mind taking risks, you might ask “So,
is there anything stopping you from offering me the job right
now?” This ploy should only be used if you feel the interview
has gone well, however. Otherwise you might be setting yourself,
as well as the interviewer, up for an embarrassing response.
A much milder version of this tactic would be, “Is there
anything else I can answer for you to make a hiring decision?”
If you really aren’t sure how well the interview went and don’t
want to waste your time waiting for a call that may never come,
you could simply ask, “Have I done well enough to advance to the
next level of the hiring process?”
This puts all the cards on the table and an employer who
appreciates honesty and frankness will reciprocate by letting
you know where you stand. If for some reason, you were not the
candidate the employer was looking for this may give you a
golden opportunity to clear up something that might make you the
ideal candidate. Otherwise, at the very least, you won’t be
spending the next two weeks waiting by the phone and you can
begin concentrating on other employment prospects.
In the event that the employer does not offer you a firm
commitment and seems to be a bit hesitant about when a firm
decision will be made, don’t take it as a personal affront.
There could be any number of reasons why the employer is
reluctant to hire you on the spot-the least of which could be
the need to consult with superiors. It’s important that even if
you are disappointed about not receiving a job offer on the spot
that you remain positive, up beat and confident. Finally, take
the time to thank the employer for meeting with you. Above all,
remember to always be professional no matter what happens.
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