Closing The Job Interview

That's about as aggressive as you can get at the close of
the interview. It may knock the interviewer for a loop, and
might appear to be overly aggressive, but some people think
of it as "closing the sale." And for some people it has
worked. For others this approach may not be comfortable, or
have a negative same effect.

Whether you are aggressive, passive and polite, or
somewhere in between, will depend on your personality, the
interview situation, and the job for which you are applying.

Closing Points

Regardless of your style or how you choose to close the
interview, there are some key points to keep in mind.

1. Leave your interviewer with the right picture of you.
(Think of at least five skills or traits you want
remembered after the interview.) Choose something
"concrete." When you answer with, "I have great
communication skills and I am a hard worker," you will not
stand out.

Example: "I have two skills that are distinctly different
but that define my personality. I am a very good pianist
and an excellent 'computer guy.' I'm known for my love of
keyboards."

2. Ask if there is anything else you can provide.
(References, background information, or samples?)

Example: "Is there any other information that I can provide
that would convince you that I am the right person for this
job?"

3. State your interest in the position. (Sound interested
and tell what added value you can bring to the job.)

Example: "From what you have been telling me about this
position, and from what I know about your company, I know
that I have the right mix of experience and education to
bring value to this position. Based on past experiences I
can "ramp up" quickly and be on board with projects within
the first few weeks."

4. Ask about the next step in the process. (Important for
you to know for follow up. Ask for the decision date, if
possible.)

Example: "I'm interested in knowing what the next step in
the process is and when you will be making a decision in
order to follow up."

5. Find out how to contact them. (If you don't hear back,
you will need to know who to contact and whether they will
accept calls to check the status.)

Example: "I'd like to stay in touch and follow up with you
in a week or two to see how the process is going and where
I stand. How do you prefer that I communicate with you ?
email or phone?"

Closing the sale is important, but your closing should be
tailored to the position; your personality and interviewing
style, and the interviewer. Keeping these things in mind
will help you determine which closing is appropriate for
you and the situation.

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Carole Martin, The #1 Interview Coach in America, is a
celebrated author, trainer, and mentor. Carole can give you
interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy of her
FREE 9-part "Interview Success Tips" report by visiting
Carole on the web at http://tinyurl.com/2kd3xm The
Interview Coach http://www.interviewcoach.com