Closing the Interview

You just spent an hour being grilled on your work experience and qualifications. You are drained, exhausted and all eyes once again turn to you as you are asked, “Any Questions”? Are you prepared to go that last mile and really show how capable and qualified you are for the position?

Ending an interview is an essential piece to the decision-making process and who becomes the selected candidate. Preparation to closing the meeting is equally important as answering the interviewers’ questions short, precise, and complete. Interviewers expect applicants to come equipped with pad and paper as well as a list of prepared questions. Three well thought out questions are recommended. Be armed with more in case a question has already been answered earlier in the interview process.  

At the end of the meeting, interviewers are starting to think about what is next on their agenda or what they will have for lunch. Questions that pique interest and engage discussion relating to the interviewers, organization or culture retain the focus on the interviewee. Inquiries about benefits and perks are best left to the Recruiters or Human Resources. 

Doing homework is essential to effectively closing the interview. Well prepared questions challenge the interviewers and demonstrate that time was spent researching and preparing. This can include investigating the company’s website or speaking to current employees. The goal is to make a positive, memorable, and long-lasting impression on the interviewers to be remembered long after the interview is completed. 

Looking at LinkedIn profiles of the interviewers is a powerful way to learn about the people you are meeting and to create customized questions. Applicants can sway the interviewers by seeking to understand the leadership and the organization at a deeper level. Remember, people love to talk about themselves.

Examples of good closing questions includes:

• What keeps you working at the company?
• What are the organizations long and short-term goals?
• I noticed on LinkedIn that you have been promoted several times. Can you tell me more about your journey and how you got to your current position?
• What are the 2 to 3 priorities or challenges your department/organization will be faced with in the next 12 to 24 months?
• What traits/skills are you looking for in the person that will be selected for this position?
• Is there anything else you would like to know about me regarding being a fit for this position that did not come up in the interview?

Always end the interview with a very brief synopsis as to why you are the best candidate for the organization and how with your qualifications you can help achieve the company goals. Make your closing specific to facts that were discussed during the conversation.  

Lastly, be clear in a professional manner how interested you are in working for the organization. Interviewers want to see your confidence and always, always end the interview thanking them for their time.

Written by Ruth Miller, CRC Advisor