How to Close Your Interview and Leave a Lasting Positive Impression

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.

Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

---

Everyday Is Saturday: Help for the Suddenly Unemployed

I recently was "unhired" by my former employer. Unhired is... Read More

American Idol Syndrome

I like Simon, one of three judges on... Read More

So You want to be a Bodyguard?

Then let me start by helping out. The politically correct... Read More

Interview Presentation Skills: Dealing With Your Nerves

Sooner or later, the interview invitation is going to say... Read More

Finding Employees For Insurance Industry Jobs

Finding the right employee for any job opening can be... Read More

Kill the Hype

She was waiting for me when I returned from a... Read More

Death By Workers Compensation

Excerpt of Death By Workers' Compensation"The Bleeding Rose"In this Excerpt... Read More

How To Find Your Dream Job

Here's the bottom line: many people work in jobs that... Read More

Is Your Job Search Guided by the Controller or the Controllee?

I'll define what I mean by these terms. "The Controller"... Read More

Inside Sales Jobs: A Job Worth Seeking?

Are you interested in inside sales as a career? Inside... Read More

Resume Software ? The Hidden Pitfalls

Disadvantages of Resume SoftwareFormat A large majority of software requires... Read More

Networking Masterclass - Part 2 Practicing Altruism

Practicing Altruism The 'Golden Rule' occurred in the Greek and... Read More

You Are Not Entitled to a Job!

Résumé TipsSome basics about job hunting...First of all, nobody owes... Read More

Five Facts You Must Know When Changing Careers

Too often in life, we fail. We fail not because... Read More

21st Century Career Success

When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More

What Exactly Online Recruitment Agencies Do?

Any online recruitment agency can help you to submit for... Read More

From The WorkWise Collection: Job Hunting in the New Economy

To succeed in today's global marketplace, companies must hire the... Read More

The Ripple Effect of Fear

Unemployment carries a lot of emotional baggage for most of... Read More

What is Absolutely the Best Day to go on a Job Interview?

First of all, to fully understand and appreciate the answer,... Read More

Cross Cultural Interviews

At this moment in time, the increase in cross border... Read More

Is Job Loss Making You Sick?

Job loss affects most of us like any other loss... Read More

2 Job-Search Success Stories

Here are two success stories from my readers who found... Read More

Defining Success Your Way!

In my career advising practice, I often find that my... Read More

Job Hunting Tips: Accepting Judgment

Applying for work is stressful, no matter the circumstances. Even... Read More

Protect Your Business by Performing a Background Check

The success of a business endeavor involves a concerted efforts... Read More