Knowing how to
successfully close 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, upbeat 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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