After the Interview
After the interview questions and answers are over – closing points:
Regardless of your interview style or how you choose to close the interview, there are some key points to keep in mind when practicing for the interview and closing the interview. After the Interview you will need to take time to reflect on these points and write down changes you would make during any future interviews.
“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.”
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 such as resume, 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 from researching the 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 After the Interview. 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 after the interview. (If you don’t hear back, you will need to know who to contact and whether they will accept calls to check the status after the interview process is complete.)
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?”
This way you will know if you should follow up with a thank you letter after the interview (you can find several sample thank you letters on interviewquestions.com) or with a phone call. (You will also find great tips on phone interview etiquette on our site.)
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.
After the Interview preparedness offers after the interview closing techniques typically used as well as interview questions and answers.