The End of the Interview Can Be the Beginning of a New Opportunity
Virtually every seasoned job hunter has had the unpleasant
experience of an interview that goes awry in its last moments. Seemingly
without warning, things can suddenly drift off course, ending in awkward
silences, nervous smiles, and stammered goodbyes -- and leaving you uncertain
of your prospects with the company.
If this scenario sounds all too familiar, you're not alone.
Even the most experienced job seekers often fall into the trap of thinking that
the best way to end a successful interview is to just go with the flow and let
things unfold naturally. Unfortunately, interviews, like many other types of
social interactions, can quickly unravel if left to their own devices.
A Good Last Impression That Lasts
Everyone in the market for a job has heard about the
importance of making a good first impression. But HR experts today are
reminding job seekers that the last impression you make can be equally, if not
more, significant. According to Bill Gaul, HR specialist and CEO of career
counseling service The Destiny Group, the end of the interview will likely
provide the image of you that remains with the hiring manager as she considers
your potential fit with the company.
Think of the last moments of the interview as the final
summation of an essay, the rousing conclusion of a stump speech, or the grand
finale of your one-man or one-woman show. It's your last chance to make a
strong impression and influence the hiring manager's perception. In the space
of just a few brief moments, you'll shape the image of you that the interviewer
will take forward into the decision-making process.
If the interview has gone well, this is your chance to build
on that momentum and go out on a high note. Even if you've stumbled a bit, a
good closing can do wonders to improve the interviewer's lasting impression of
you.
Developing a Concise Summary of Your Strengths
So, what's the secret to a successful interview closing
technique? Preparation, preparation, and more preparation. Try to think of
those awkward moments that can arise as an interview draws to an end as an
opportunity for you to step in and demonstrate your poise and professionalism
with a strong closing statement.
As soon as you sense that the interview is drawing to a
conclusion, you can interject your closing statement. An effective closing must
both reiterate your interest in the position and your desire to move forward
with the company, while also expressing gratitude for the interviewer's
hospitality and the opportunity to discuss the job in person.
The challenge, though, is striking just the right balance.
You have to deliver a planned closing statement without sounding forced or
unnatural. You have to carefully match your closing words and behavior to the
position in question without dragging down the pace of the interaction. And
perhaps most importantly, you have to clearly express confident interest in the
position without sounding aggressive or cocky, a mistake that could hurt your
chances of landing the job.
A Sample Script to Get You Started
Unsure what form your closing statement should take? Use
these examples as the basic building blocks for your own version.
- Start
with a brief summary of the main reasons why you are interested in the
position. Example: "After talking to you today, I'm even more
convinced that this position would represent the kind of challenge I'm
looking for. I want to expand my supervisory skills in a guest-oriented
environment, and based on what you've said, this position would let me do
just that."
- Remind
the interviewer of the two or three unique capabilities you would bring to
the team. Example: "I think my communication skills and proven track
record of handling sensitive customer service issues effectively would
allow me to excel in the role of the guest care liaison."
- Initiate
the decision-making process by asking about the next step and establishing
a point of contact. Example: "What is the timeline going to be for
selecting a candidate?" or, "When can I expect to hear from
you?"
- Thank
the interviewer, her assistants, and administrative support staff for
their time and hospitality. Example "Thanks very much for taking the
time to meet with me today. I really appreciate the opportunity" or,
"Thanks so much for scheduling my interview with Ms. Jones. It was
great to meet all of you."
This basic template can easily be customized to apply to
each job, hiring manager, and interview you encounter in your job search. Use
this approach to ensure that the interviewer's last impression of you is a good
one, and you'll significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job.