In most cases, the decision on who to choose or select for a job position may not be done instantly this might be due to time constraint and sometimes because of the number of candidates that were interviewed. Each interviewer take records, candidates are scored based on pre-determined criteria and the impression that applicants leave behind; such impressions are vital in making the final decision.
In the preceding chapter, I did mention that it takes between six and seven seconds to determine whether or not you like a person especially when you are meeting such a person for the first time. So to succeed in a job interview your first and the last statement or remark matters.
We have considered what should be done before and during the interview, however, your closing statement should be top-notched, well articulated and channeled in such a way that it would keep you in the minds of the head-hunters.

HOW SHOULD I CLOSE AN INTERVIEW?

• Close the session like a professional salesman; after all, you are there to sell yourself as the most preferred candidate for the job. Do it in such a way that you will be remembered for good and given the job. Create a sense of urgency about the values that you will bring to the organization and your perceived interest in the organization without begging or being arrogant.

• Never leave the interview venue without getting a word as to the next stage in the employment process. Asked relevant and intelligent questions that will provide such a clue.
For example, “I will like to thank you for availing me this opportunity and would like to know, based on my experience and skills which we have discussed, how well do I fit into the profile of your ideal candidate for the position?”

• Ask for the opinion of the interviewer about your performance and if they have any concerns about your choice for the job. For example, you can say, Based on our discussions during this interview do you have any concerns about my fit for the job? The answer you received would enable you to smoothen all rough edges and give a statement of assurance that such concerns will be managed and corrected if given the opportunity.

• Re-state your interest in the job before leaving. A well-structured statement can create an unforgettable picture of you in the mind of the interviewer. For example, With what we have discussed and my understanding of the job responsibilities and your organization, I am more excited and positive that if given the opportunity I will deliver superior performances and exceeds your expectation.

• Finally asked how soon would a decision be made.
Kindly note that you may not necessarily ask all the above questions or in the order that they are stated, the most important thing is to gauge the atmosphere of the interview and know how to close in a way that it leaves a positive impression in the minds of the interviewers about you.
Once again I wish you success in your next interview.

Start reading from MASTERING JOB INTERVIEW SKILLS

Sharing is caring!

Leave a Reply