Job Interview Ending

The Art of Wrapping Up

Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but how you conclude them can make all the difference. The importance of a strong job interview ending cannot be overstated. While first impressions set the tone, last impressions linger and often play a pivotal role in the interviewer’s decision-making process.

Why the Job Interview Ending Matters

Lasting impressions form the cornerstone of what interviewers remember. The psychology behind this lies in the recency effect of decision-making: people typically remember the most recent events or items more clearly than those that occurred earlier. Therefore, how you end your interview could be the memory that sticks with the interviewer when it comes time to evaluate candidates.

Components of an Effective Interview Conclusion

An effective interview conclusion primarily revolves around three fundamental components:

Summarising Your Fit for the Role

After a comprehensive discussion about your skills, experiences, and the role in question, it’s crucial to circle back and provide a succinct summary. Highlight key aspects of your background that directly align with the job’s requirements. For example, “As we discussed, my three years of experience in digital marketing and my expertise in SEO optimisation directly align with the responsibilities of the Marketing Manager role you’ve described.”

Reiterating Your Enthusiasm for the Position

Beyond qualifications, employers look for candidates genuinely interested in the role and company. Take a moment to express your excitement. This could be framed as, “I’m deeply passionate about innovative marketing strategies, and the prospect of contributing to the company’s growth excites me. The projects you’ve mentioned resonate with my professional aspirations, and I’d be thrilled to be a part of such a dynamic team.”

Addressing Any Concerns or Gaps

It’s possible that throughout the interview, the interviewer identified or hinted at certain gaps or concerns regarding your qualifications. Instead of shying away, address them head-on in your concluding statement. By proactively offering explanations or counterpoints, you demonstrate both self-awareness and a willingness to learn and adapt. For instance, “I understand there may be concerns about my lack of experience in print media. However, I’m currently undergoing a certification course on the same and have always been a quick learner, quickly bridging knowledge gaps when necessary.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Navigating the conclusion of an interview requires a keen understanding of both the spoken and unspoken rules of engagement. While each interview is unique, several pitfalls consistently plague candidates, potentially undermining an otherwise strong performance. Let’s delve into some of these common missteps and understand why they can be detrimental.

Overconfidence

Confidence is undeniably an attractive trait. It communicates to interviewers that you believe in your abilities and can handle the responsibilities of the role. However, there’s a thin line between confidence and overconfidence. While the former is about recognising your worth, the latter can come across as arrogance or dismissiveness. Overconfident candidates may inadvertently give the impression that they feel superior to the role, the team, or even the interviewer. This can be off-putting, casting shadows on your fit with the company culture. It’s essential to showcase your achievements without diminishing the value of others or the challenges of the role.

Forgetting to Ask About Next Steps

Wrapping up an interview without discussing the next steps can leave both parties in a state of limbo. By not inquiring about what comes next, you might unintentionally convey a lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm for the position. Moreover, understanding the hiring timeline can provide clarity and peace of mind as you await feedback. It’s a simple yet impactful way to show your keenness and to manage your own expectations post-interview.

Building a Genuine Connection

The closing moments of your interview are your final opportunity to form a bond with your interviewer. Authenticity is crucial; people can sense genuineness. It’s a balancing act between maintaining professionalism and showcasing genuine interest in the role and the company.

Timing is Everything

Knowing when to wrap up the conversation is vital. Be attuned to the interviewer’s cues and avoid rushing through your concluding remarks. The job interview ending should be as smooth and graceful as your introduction.

Questions to Ask Before Job Interview Ending

As you wrap up your interview, posing thoughtful questions can demonstrate your genuine interest in the role, the team, and the company at large. Asking the right questions can also provide you with valuable insights, helping you gauge if the position aligns with your career aspirations and values. Here are some impactful questions to consider:

Team Dynamics and Role Integration

• “Can you describe the team I’ll be working with and how this role integrates with the team’s objectives?”
• “How does the company foster collaboration between different departments or teams?”

Performance Evaluation and Growth

• “What does success look like for this role in the first six months or the first year?”
• “How is performance typically measured and reviewed here?”

Company Culture and Values

• “Could you describe the company’s culture and core values?”
• “How does the company ensure these values are integrated into daily operations and long-term objectives?”

Professional Development

• “Are there opportunities for professional growth and training within the organisation?”
• “How does the company support employees in their career progression and skill development?”

Challenges and Opportunities

• “What challenges has the team faced recently, and how did they overcome them?”
• “Are there upcoming projects or initiatives that the person in this role would be involved in?”

Company’s Future and Vision

• “Where do you see the company in the next five years?”
• “What are the company’s top priorities for the upcoming year?”

Feedback and Open Communication

• “How does the company encourage open communication and feedback between employees and management?”
• “Are there formal feedback mechanisms in place, or is it more of an ongoing, informal process?”

Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

• “How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?”
• “With the evolving nature of work, especially given remote working trends, how has the company adapted?”

The Art of the Follow-Up

After the interview, send a thank-you note expressing gratitude for the opportunity. Gauge the appropriate time to seek feedback or updates if you haven’t heard back within the expected timeframe.

Body Language: The Unsaid Goodbye

Body language can be as eloquent as words, especially in high-stakes scenarios like job interviews. In the final moments of an interview, your non-verbal cues can convey confidence, respect, and genuine interest, further solidifying the impression you’ve worked hard to build throughout the conversation.

Eye Contact

Maintaining steady eye contact during your goodbye signifies confidence and sincerity. It shows that you are engaged, attentive, and genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have had the interview. However, it’s essential to strike a balance: unbroken, intense staring can be off-putting. Aim for natural, intermittent eye contact that communicates assurance without coming off as aggressive or overly dominant.

The Right Handshake: Firm Yet Friendly

The handshake, a universal sign of goodwill and professionalism, is especially poignant at the end of an interview. A good handshake can encapsulate your enthusiasm and confidence. It should be firm, indicating self-assurance, but not overpowering. Similarly, a limp handshake can suggest a lack of confidence or indifference. Ensure your grip is solid, your hand is dry, and the shake is brief yet meaningful. Couple it with a sincere smile and the aforementioned eye contact, and you have a powerful trifecta of non-verbal communication that can leave a lasting, positive impression.

Verbal Cues for a Graceful Exit

A well-crafted verbal goodbye is the final touch to an impactful interview performance. It’s your chance to leave the interviewer with a clear sense of your professionalism and enthusiasm for the role.

Signalling the Wrap-up Without Rushing

Closing the interview shouldn’t feel abrupt. Instead, a graceful conclusion flows naturally from the conversation. Begin by acknowledging the time or any insights shared during the interview. A phrase like, “I’m conscious of the time, and I appreciate all the information you’ve shared today,” offers a gentle nudge that you’re winding down without seeming hurried.

Words and Phrases That Show Gratitude and Eagerness

The way you express your gratitude can leave a lasting impression. Opt for genuine, heartfelt phrases that reflect both your appreciation and eagerness for the role. Consider using statements such as:

• “Thank you for providing a deeper understanding of the role. It reinforced my enthusiasm for joining your team.”
• “I’m grateful for the time you’ve taken today, and I’m even more excited about the possibility of contributing to this company.”
• “This discussion has been enlightening, and I genuinely hope we can continue it as part of the team.”

Handling Difficult or Awkward Job interview Endings

Not all interviews go as planned. Should you encounter unexpected questions or unresolved issues, maintain your composure and professionalism. Your reaction to challenging situations can be just as revealing as your answers.

Post-Interview Reflections

After the interview meeting, take time to analyse your performance. Reflect on what went well and areas for improvement, ensuring you learn from each experience.

Digital Interviews: A Different Ballgame

Online interviews come with unique challenges, from ensuring a stable internet connection to positioning your camera correctly. Make use of technology to leave a lasting impression, perhaps by sharing a digital portfolio or sending a follow-up email with pertinent links.

Conclusion

A well-concluded job interview can significantly boost your chances of landing the job. As you progress in your career, continuously adapt and refine your interview techniques, ensuring you always put your best foot forward. If you want to feel more confident with job interviews, reach out to Emma at Workspeak Consulting to find out more about our interview coaching service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I avoid saying at the end of an interview?

It’s best to avoid overly personal details or comments that might come off as desperate.

How soon should I follow up after the interview?

Typically, if you haven’t heard back within a week or the specified timeframe, it’s okay to touch base.

Is it okay to ask for feedback right after the interview?

It’s more appropriate to wait until after a decision has been made.

How can I salvage an interview that didn’t go well towards the end?

A thoughtful follow-up email addressing any concerns can sometimes help.

Should I always send a thank you note? How soon after the interview?

Yes, it’s a gesture of professionalism. Ideally, send it within 24 hours post-interview.