Ending the Interview

Anyone who isn't aware that ending the interview is important should be. Think of the interview like a stage show at the theatre. Your opening act is to make a great first impression and get off to a flyer. You create a strong rapport, and your answers to questions seem to be right on the money. You build their interest and your audience buys into you…….

……..And so you reach the final curtain. The interview is drawing to a close, but how do you end the show in a way that leaves the interviewer wanting an encore?

Remember the core questions of the interview? The interviewer needs to have no doubts in their mind that you fit the bill. The last impression you make is significant in reinforcing the positive messages you have sent throughout the interview process. Ending the interview gives you a final chance to let the interviewer know why you are the right candidate for the role. If you know how to do it.

Many people think the interviewer is ended when the interviewer has completed their list of questions, but your work isn’t done yet. From your perspective the interview isn’t over until they feel confident about offering you the role. Your job is to make sure they reach that point.

How to end the interview

The interviewer reaches the end of their questions. This could be the end…..At the end of the interview you will almost certainly be asked whether or not you have any questions of your own. The average candidate replies no, and that’s the end. However, the best candidates see this as the opportunity that it is. Asking your own questions gives you the chance to reinforce your candidacy and remove any shreds of doubt in the interviewers mind.

Now there is an art to asking your own questions, but there are also some rules. You want to keep the focus positive and focus on ways in which you can contribute to the company, rather than what you can get. Avoid asking about salary and benefits at this point. You will have all the time in the world to focus on that when they make you an offer. Now is the time to make sure that offer actually comes.

Is there anything else you would like to know about me?

This is a hugely important question. Listen carefully to the response. The answer you get could be priceless because it directs you to areas where you may need to reinforce what you have to offer.

Questions about you in the role

Ask the interviewer presumptive questions based upon what you will be doing when you are in the job, for example :

“what would my first major project be?

“What are the key challenges our department will face over the next two years?”

These questions make the interviewer picture you in the role, which is very powerful psychologically. They also enable you to then pick up on the interviewer’s response to explain why you would be able to fit neatly into the team and the role.

For more on asking your own questions – click here Offer your references

Whether or not the interviewer takes them at this point, references ooze professionalism and, give you extra credibility.

TELL THE INTERVIEWER YOU WANT THE JOB

Did you know we are more likely to be attracted to someone who we know is attracted to us? Similarly, when it comes to interviews, people make offers to people who will accept them. If there are two equal candidates, the one that asks is the one that gets it. Let them know you feel positive about the position and the company after what you have seen. They will be pleased that you buy into them, and this will encourage them to buy into you.

Finally, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, tell them you have enjoyed what you have heard and ask when you can expect to hear from them.

Now you know about ending the interview its time move on and think about your job interview follow up.

Find out about job interview thank you letters

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