A job interview is a two-way discussion between a company representative and a candidate to determine if the applicant is a suitable fit for the role. Depending on the description of the job, interviews can vary in structure from a free-wheeling conversation to a predetermined questionnaire listed in a specific order. Whatever the structure of the interview, it is designed to understand applicant attributes that are specifically aligned with the job.
An interview is an initial peek into the company for job seekers. It is their moment to showcase their suitability for the job being applied for and highlight their knowledge, experience, and ability to add value to the position.
The Interview Process
How To Impressively End A Job Interview?
Importance Of Closing Statements
Conclusion
The Interview Process
An interview is by far one of the most effective ways to gauge a candidate’s suitability for a particular job. Hence, to effectively choose the best candidate, it is a multi-level process that examines various traits of a candidate through several processes. The interview process can include a preliminary in-person interview with HR, a second-tier interview with the hiring manager, and depending on the job position can also include a meeting with the stakeholders of the company. The interview process can also include a psychometric test that measures cognitive abilities, knowledge of the candidate, and a personality assessment.
The importance of how a candidate conducts themself and communicates with the interviewer during the interview can mean the difference between getting hired or rejected. However, how the candidate ends a particular interview can heavily affect the impression created in the mind of the interviewer.
Parnas Ghosh
How To Impressively End A Job Interview?
Most interviews end with a question from the interviewer – “Have you got any questions for us ?” Although seemingly innocuous, it is a valuable opportunity for the candidate to leave a lasting impression in the interviewer’s mind. This is the time to ask some relevant questions and dig deeper into the company’s performance and work culture.
Asking Relevant Questions
This is an impressive way to showcase active involvement during the entire interview as well as reaffirm interest in the job role. It also shows that the candidate has conducted in-depth research about the company and the industry as a whole. Some examples of effective questions are –
- How does the company stay ahead in the sales curve in comparison to competitors?
- Would the candidate be expected to work in other areas within the business in an effort to reach the end goal?
- What efforts does the company take to continually improve the work culture?
- What are the different available opportunities for professional growth and development?
Addressing Missing Experience
This is an affirmation to the hiring manager that the candidate acknowledges the gaps and is willing to work through the challenges and grow. This also showcases a solutions-based outlook which plays an important role in the hiring decision.
Reiterating Skill-Set
The closing statement of the interview could emphasize the candidate’s strongest skill set. The candidate can give a brief explanation of how the skill set can add value to the job, leaving a positive impact on the interviewing panel.
Emphasizing Personal Passion for the Job Position
Notwithstanding that the candidate covets the job, it is important to show commitment and passion for the position. This can be done by highlighting what is the best aspect of the job that the candidate enjoys. It can also be achieved by stressing the candidate’s contribution to the growth of the company.
Asking About the Next Steps
Clarity of communication along with to-the-point questions about the next steps in the application and interviewing process conveys interest in the role as well as the candidate’s confidence in their ability to excel in that position. Some ways to ask this question are –
- By when would the next steps in the hiring process be communicated?
- What is the time frame in which the position needs to be filled?
Asking if any Additional Information is Needed
This is another chance to demonstrate my skill set. Offering the interviewer a copy of the work portfolio showcases the candidate’s confidence in the relevancy of the job application. A few statements or questions to ask could be –
- Is there any other information required to check candidacy suitability?
- Is there a requirement for references and contact details?
- Would the panel like to check the work portfolio and case studies of previous clients? (if applicable)
Ashwini
Reaching a Polite Conclusion
This can be done in multiple ways. One is to offer a positive outlook for the company mentioning the value-add the candidate can offer to the problems currently being faced by the company. Another way is to also mention the specific plan for a particular problem. This showcases the candidate’s involvement, passion, and commitment. It also shows the interviewer that the candidate is job-ready.
Importance Of Closing Statements
Even though it is the tail end of the interview, its importance remains the same as the rest of the conversation. This is the part that creates a lasting impression and sustains it, making it one of the most important deciding factors.
Expresses and Reiterates Interest in the Job
The way a candidate closes an interview reveals their enthusiasm for the job. It might be to the candidate’s advantage to take the opportunity to once again highlight the key reasons why he or she is the right fit for the company and the position.
Highlights Skills & Qualifications
The candidate can give a couple of examples of how well his or her skills and experience can contribute to the company’s success. It is all about selling their suitability to the interviewer.
Answer Questions Clearly & Concisely
An interviewer may ask a follow-up question at the end of the interview. This could be to understand more about the previous job or the new skills learned by the candidate. The quality of the answer could pre-empt more questions while at the same time re-emphasizing the candidate’s suitability.
Conclusion
Concluding a job interview on a strong note is vital to increasing the chances of receiving a job offer. Closing statements in a job interview leave a lasting impression on the hiring manager and can separate a particular candidate from the other applicants.
