How to Close an Interview

Have you ever walked out of a job interview asking yourself, “Did I get the job?” You probably did everything right. You shook the hiring manager’s hand, you thanked him or her for their time, and you remembered to ask for a business card. Great work! But, were you confident that you got the job? Did you know what to expect when you walked out of the interview? Or did you spend the elevator ride contemplating your odds of hearing back from your interviewer?

There has been a long-standing debate on whether or not you should “close the sale” at the end of the interview. Our answer is YES and there are a few simple steps and thought-provoking questions that will help you discover where you rank among the other candidates and the next steps in the hiring process.

1. Towards the conclusion of the interview, the hiring manager will most likely ask you if you have any questions. Consider asking one of the following:

“Based on my background and the skills and experience we discussed, how well do I fit the profile of your ideal candidate for this role?”

“Given what we’ve discussed during this interview, do you have any concerns about my fit for this position?”

This is your chance to sell yourself. It gives you an opening to address any silent concerns your interviewer had before you walk out the door.

2. After you have addressed any concerns, you are in a great position to determine where the interviewer is in the hiring process by asking the following: Hint – it’s a pretty obvious one.

“What are your next steps in the hiring process?”

His or her response will uncover if they have more candidates to interview and/or prepare you to meet with another interviewer. Many companies require background checks, drug testing, or skills assessments. Asking this question will uncover any additional steps you will need to prepare for.

3. Finally, reiterate your interest and “close”.

“Based on my research on (company name) and what we’ve discussed, I would really like to be a part of this team. How quickly do you anticipate making a decision?”

“This discussion has made me even more excited about the opportunity and I would love to be the person you hire. Is there anything else you need from me before you make a decision?”

Both closings let the hiring manager know that you believe you’re a good fit, that you’re serious about the position, and give a positive final impression.

Closing the interview will give you the best idea of where you stand and what to expect, instead of wondering how you did and what they thought of you. It is beneficial to have an idea of the hiring manager’s timeline so you can make yourself available for additional interviews, schedule a follow-up, or just avoid the anxiety that can come from wondering when you will have an answer. Choose the most appropriate closing questions based on your interview situation. Be sure to shake hands, thank the interviewer, and ask for a business card – But you already knew that.