Bravo! You have successfully answered all the questions in an interview, and you are feeling very confident about work well done. Well, it’s not over. One crucial step in an interview process is ending an interview.
How you make a dismissal is of utmost importance and many neglect this part of the interview which ends up depriving them of the position they worked so hard for.
Imagine having to prepare so hard for a technical interview, researching, organizing yourself, and acing all the questions the interviewer hurls, only to flop at the last minute of the interview. This is the saddest thing.
I bet you won’t forget the feeling of hurt in a hurry. The characteristic trait displayed at the last minutes of the interview tells a lot more about who you are as an individual. It comes to a question in the interviewer’s mind, “ Was this all deliberate or not.”
So, it’s best to remain calm and composed until the coast is thoroughly clear as not to warrant any reduction in credits.
Table of contents
What is Closing an Interview All About?
The closing of an interview is more or less the ending statements or remarks, actions and slight bodily characteristics that should be exhibited and maintained during the ending periods of an interview.
This is necessary because it’s the best period to seal a contract or relationship with the interviewer and this plays a big role in your success as a candidate.
Necessity Behind Ending an Interview Successfully
There have been so many questions about how to end an interview all over the place and as an individual who’s about to go for an interview, you wonder if the ending phase is that important. Yes! An Interview isn’t one-sided, it goes both ways.
The Interviewer kicks off the interview process, asking questions about the candidate’s skill-set, experience, why’s, and how’s of the profession. Along the way, that moment will arrive where the interviewer will reduce his pace of interrogation to round up the interview.
This period passes a lot of information to the interviewer’s head about the kind of person the candidate is. Whether inquisitive or just a puppet.
How to end an interview: Right Steps that Work
As stated above, ending an Interview seems like another journey on its own. One must know the right ways to end an interview to boost his or her chances of making it to the top picks for the job or internship.
Below are various steps you can take to end an interview properly.
#1. Outline your Intentions on the Position Again
It’s important that as a candidate, you state what your interests are concerning the position. A high level of engagement is very necessary to show the interviewer that you as a candidate are ready for the job.
Also say you think you’d be a good cultural fit for the company, which is a pressure point for employers, considering over 64% have filed complaints that there have been a misjudge about candidates’ fit or connection with the job or with their team.
Mention that you look forward to being part of the team.
#2. State Reasons you Deserve the Position
To end on a high note, restate your value proposition at the end of the interview. After all, you’re not the only person going after this job, so you want to put a giant spotlight on your talent.
In a few words, you must state your skill-set and capabilities and make known what achievements or projects you have planned
going forward.
It’s important you don’t present yourself as the one begging for a job but as an expert seeking a place to show his or her expertise.
Throughout the closing section of your interview, take every opportunity for going overboard, to remind your interviewer what you offer (your USP). Try to continuously bring the conversation back to your strongest points.
For instance…
“That’s great because earlier, that’s what I do pretty much every day, it’s my strong point.”
“I know what you mean when I was at …(Company’s name), we had 14 projects going on at once and it was my job to manage them all, so I’m used to the fast-paced life.”You want to remind them about what you’ve already mentioned throughout the process – so they’ll go away thinking about the good points.
Read Also: Short Notice Resignation Letter Samples | 2023
#3. Relay all Pending Questions about the Firm
Towards the end of an interview, the interviewer would most likely grant you the chance to take the mantle and relay your questions and suggestions. This is usually the rare opportunity to make it all worth it.
Take full advantage by asking good interview questions that will provide you with information you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Questions that would engage the interviewer and create a sense of discipleship. Some of these questions are:
- What do you expect me to accomplish in the first 90 days?
- Why is this position open?
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- Are there opportunities for additional training and education?
- How is performance measured in this role?
#4. Enquire about what Comes Next
It’s so funny that so many individuals forget to enquire about the next steps to take after the interview has been completed. It’s very important that you walk out not knowing what to do next. In addition, ask if there’s anything else you can provide, such as references or work samples.
Most important, find out the best method to follow up with the interviewer. e.g. By mail or through a client portal or a phone call. Several other questions you can ask are:
- When can I expect a decision?
- Will there be another session going forward?
- Would I be working with a team or alone? e.t.c.
This kind of information is vital for you as a candidate. You don’t want to be stuck around waiting, not knowing when or whether you’ll hear from them ever again. Ask if any extra credentials will be needed.
If your interviewer doesn’t request a sample of your work during the interview, It’s okay to ask if the interviewer would like to see a sample of your previous work or projects.
This could stir up another phase of conversation between you the candidate and the interviewer granting you more opportunity to tell more about your experiences and how you accomplished certain tasks in the field.
Your most recent project or other documentation or information showcasing your abilities and offering to share this information also portrays your interest in the job and the belief that you would be an excellent fit.
#5. Polish your Interviewing Skills
Of course, what you say during a job interview is equally important as what you say at the end. There is so much more involved in acing an interview than just answering a few questions effectively.
It boils down to character, composure and how reactive one is to face a problem. Having a good close during an interview will require as much effort as is required in the earlier stages of the interview.
#6. Show Appreciation
You would be surprised that most of the individuals who undergo interviews cannot offer a sense of appreciation to the interviewer for granting them an opportunity to be interviewed.
To set yourself apart, take your time to tour around the business place and acquaint yourself with the employees within the organization, get a few phone numbers and establish a sense of communication with the surrounding space.
You would be surprised that on employment, they will make recommendations for your admission because of the positive energy shared with the members of the organization.
Furthermore, to show the interviewer(s) you were engaged, mention specific things you discussed during the interview. The best way to do this is to write notes immediately after the interview so you don’t forget what you talked about.
A few ideas that could help in Ending an Interview
When bringing an interview to a close, a few ideas could help ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.
- Restate your interest and qualifications for the position.
- Do your research about the company before going to the interview so you can have as much suggestions and questions that could be relayed towards the end of the interview.
- Request for the business card of the interviewer
- Stay organized and professional throughout the entire interview, including when you end the interview and are leaving.
- Keep away distractions from your cellphone, turn it off if possible to avoid any form of interruption in during the interview.
- Be aware of your body language when closing the interview and ensure you are smiling and making eye contact.
Conclusion
Ending an Interview should not be taken lightly for any reason. It’s a very important part of the whole interview process, and it should be that part where the interviewer should get to understand a lot more about the candidate.
Always get yourself ready for this phase during the interview process and as clearly indicated, it is that aha moment where you take up the mantle of domination and make your points clearer, your plans and the unanswered questions in your head being made known to the interviewer.
With all stated, I hope you have gotten a clear rundown on effective steps to end an interview
successfully.
References
- indeed.com – How to end an interview
- candidate’s interview
- coburgbanks.co.uk – Tips for closing an interview
Recommendations
