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Career Counselor: This episode of Capella University's Extreme Makeover: Interview edition
is focused on how to close an interview. Here is the before version of our interview candidate,
Melody's, approach to closing an interview:
Interviewer: Well, Melody, that was my last question today. Do you have any questions
as we wrap up?
Melody: Ah, No, I don't think I have any questions. I think you pretty much covered it, Thanks.
Interviewer: No questions?
Melody: [shaking head no]
Interviewer: Okay. Alright, well, thanks for coming in. [phone ringing]
Melody: Actually, this is my friend. I got to get this. Thanks so much.
Interviewer: Okay.
Melody: [answers phone] Hi Erin, yeah I think the interview went really well.
Career Counselor: This was an example of how not to close an interview. By not asking questions,
Melody gave the impression that she isn't interested in the job, thereby making the
employer much less likely to seriously consider her for the job. Additionally, she missed
out on summarizing her strengths and abilities. And, by neglecting to ask about next steps,
Melody left the interview without knowing when she can expect to hear back about the
position and what their timeframe is. Melody also neglected to thank the interviewer for
her time or to shake her hand, both of which are considered common professional courtesies.
Nor did she ask for the interviewer's business card, which would make it easier for her to
loop back and be in touch about next steps and timeframe. Finally, she took a personal
call before the interview was truly over, reinforcing the impression that she doesn't
know how to behave professionally and she's not interested in the job. Let's deconstruct
this a bit: The invitation to ask questions near the end of an interview is a valuable
opportunity for you to ask about key issues that may not have come up earlier. Asking
questions also demonstrates your level of interest and engagement, as well as shows
that you've done your research about the organization. The conclusion of an interview is also an
opportunity for you to make a final sales pitch, a closing statement, to the interviewer
– to summarize a few of your key skills that align with the needs of the organization.
Take the opportunity, at the close of an interview, to impress upon the interviewer one last time
why you are a good fit for the role. And staying focused on the interview and thanking the
interviewer for their time are simply good manners. Failure to thank them, taking a personal
call, or exhibiting other unprofessional behavior is a guaranteed way to eliminate yourself
from contention for the job. Other things to consider include: confirming the next steps
in their process, getting the interviewer's contact information so that you can loop back
and follow up in another week or two, thanking the interviewer, and shaking hands as you
leave the organization. Let's see how Melody has improved the closing of the interview
after she was given these tips.
Interviewer: Well Melody, that was my last question today. Do you have any questions
for me, as we wrap up?
Melody: Yes, I do have a few. Thanks for the opportunity. How would someone in this position
be evaluated?
Interviewer: Oh, that's a great question. In our department, we do a quarterly review
and an annual review based on your goals and ...
Interviewer: Do you have any other questions for me Melody?
Melody: Yes, thanks Sharon, just one final question. Can you tell me what the next step
in the hiring process is?
Interviewer: Sure. We plan to interview one additional candidate this week, and make a
final decision by the end of the week. So by early next week, I'll be in touch.
Melody: Oh, good! That sounds great. Thanks so much for sharing all that information with
me today too, I really appreciate it. And after this interview and learning more about
the position, I'm even more excited. And I think that, with my team management skills
and communication skills, I'll make a great contribution to your team.
Interviewer: Oh that's wonderful, glad to hear it. It was very nice meeting you.
Melody: It was nice meeting you as well. Before I go, can I have one of your business cards,
so I can follow up with you should I have any questions over the next week?
Interviewer: Oh, sure. Here you go.
Melody: Great, thanks so much. Again, It was really nice meeting you.
Interviewer: Oh, you're welcome. It was nice meeting you too.
Melody: Thanks ...
Career Counselor: This was a great example of how to effectively close an interview.
Melody asked insightful questions, and ended by asking about next steps. She also made
sure to remind the interviewer of a few of her strongest skills, and explain again how
they make her a good fit for the position. And finally, she thanked the interviewer for
her time, shook her hand, and acted professionally throughout the duration of the interview.
All of these things helped cement the impression that she is a strong candidate who is very
interested in the job. The Capella University Career Center hopes this tip makes a difference
in your next interview. Stay tuned for more tips and good luck!