Always close the interview! Most interviewers will end with, “Thanks for coming in. We’re meeting with a few additional candidates, but we’ll let you know.” Here’s your opportunity to stand out and leave a positive and memorable impression. Be sincere and enthusiastic! Let the interviewer know how excited you are about the opportunity, briefly highlight how your experience matches the job requirements, that you can start immediately, and would gladly accept if offered the position. Never forget to dress professionally, have good eye-contact, and thank everyone for their time.
It's an oldie but a goodie....I think the old school Thank You note or email (depending on if the interview is virtual or in person) continues to go a long way with managers. Write the message in advance so that following the interview you can hit send or drop the letter in the mail right away! Another tip is to research the manager/interviewer beforehand on LinkedIn. Have some facts and talking points tucked away about their work history with the company as well. Go ahead and send them a LinkedIn request as well!
Oftentimes companies are interviewing many candidates for the same role. It is important to leave a positive closing statement! At the end of the interview before you leave, summarize why you qualify for the position and the value that you can bring to the team. Reiterate your interest in the company, specifically the particular role and always ask for next steps! Ending an interview with strong communication skills helps to set you apart from the others!
Tip- at the end of the interview if you feel like you could have answered a question differently, provided a different example, or skipped a question all together this is your time to address this before closing out the interview. Leave everything on the table and be proud for how you represented yourself!
Be super confident & ask for the job! Express your confidence in your ability to excel in the role and contribute to the company's success. Share specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your capabilities and relevant skills. If you have looked up the interviewer on LinkedIn or have gathered information about them during the interview, try to find a common interest or background. ALSO ask about next steps: Inquire about the next steps in the hiring process and express your interest in moving forward. This shows proactive engagement and keenness for the role. Ask for the job! "When would you like me to start?"
Never leave the end of an interview without asking for feedback. Not only will this give you an idea of where you stand; it demonstrates your confidence, without being cocky or assumptive. It shows you are serious about your career and possess a level of maturity that distinguishes you from other applicants you're competing with for the role. You want to leave the interviewer with the impression that you're coachable and committed to learning new skills. It's your last chance to provide anything additional you may have overlooked sharing earlier and/or an opportunity to offer clarification on something that may have been unclear to the interviewer. I am a big believer in not leaving any stone unturned and if you don't ask, you won't know. If you want to leave the interview coming from a position of strength, be genuine in your request for feedback and receive it gracefully. In my experience, it can only improve your candidacy as well as set you up for success in the future.
The biggest suggestion I have on leaving a lasting impression at the end of a job interview is displaying excellent soft skills. Shaking a firm hand, using good eye contact, exchange pleasantries and showing gratitude can go a very long way. Building rapport and thanking the interviewer for their time is something I would highly recommend. I would also ask what the next steps are in the interview process and communicate a strong desire to join the organization if the role and organization line up with your career aspirations.
Taking a moment after an interview to acknowledge their time goes a long way. Everyone wants to feel valued and appreciated. A sentence or two showcasing your gratitude gives them a glimpse of what it would be like working alongside you. No one has ever been called too gracious.
Recap the interview thanking them for their time. Express your interest in the role and company and asking if there are any additional questions about your background that they might have to help make their decision about your candidacy. This will allow for one more opportunity to showcase your skillset, experience and flush out any concerns they might have, or clarification needed on any discussion points during the meeting.