Job Interviews are tough, no doubt. But in my experience, I had a better chance of getting the job if I asked these 3 questions at the close of the interview. The more job interviews you go on, the better you get at it.
Let me say, we can prepare for hours on end. We can TRY to anticipate what questions will be asked, we question ourselves over wearing business casual over business formal. And we can become overwhelmed with the fear of not nailing the interview. And we can be overconfident too! My encouragement to you…
BE OPTIMISTIC no matter the outcome!
The Overthinking of What to Wear: Solved
Always dress for the job you want (think: “my future”) this one is definitely tried and true. Trust me, the CEO suited up in business formal during work hours before, I’m sure. They may just only suit up for meetings. Look sharp and well put together. Be confident and humble. Look at it this way, out of probably hundreds of resumes, they chose you to interview. Now, what a humbling thought.
During the Interview
During the job interview process, we can usually gauge our progress. For example, verbal and non-verbal interaction and facial expressions from all parties present. Be mindful of this.
I’m not saying be a robot, however, your body language and facial expressions are more important than you think. In fact, sometimes we can show too much excitement, confusion, disappointment, and frustration (yes it happens during an interview) just by what is NOT being asked or said, and our responses to a particular question.
You’re probably pretty confident about your verbal communication skills, nevertheless, it won’t hurt to practice your non-verbal skills too. Don’t forget to smile, but you can relax your face too. If you need to wear a Frownies patch the night before, give it a try.
Your Time to Shine
The close is going to be the make-or-break moment. By now you have answered all the questions with confident and ease. Conversation has been productive, and you are feeling pretty good about the experience. So here it comes, the interviewer says, “what questions do you have”? This is your LAST TIME to shine, give it all you got!
Standard (Short) Check List at Close
- Thank the interviewer: Don’t wait till the end. Thank them at this point in the interview, this gives you an opportunity to summarize what you’ve heard, and to recover with clarification and confidence answers you may have been weak in. Also, to gain clarity on specific topic of discussion.
- Take the time to ask if you can go over your notes: This too gives you an opportunity to gain better knowledge of the role. Taking notes during an interview is important, you can forget just about everything said, if you don’t. Relax its ok. They want you to take notes.
- Ask the interviewer timeline in filling the position: You need to know this; you may have other job interviews lined up and you don’t want to wait 2 or 3 weeks. Some companies take forever to make decisions, and most candidates just don’t have that kind of time.
- Please do not ask about work hours: Look, everyone wants work life balance, but if you want the job and want to have a fruitful future, there are going to be times when you will need to work longer hours. So, if you are at the close of an interview with your need for work life balance, your chances of getting the job just went down. (don’t listen to a 20’s-something on Tic Tok, listen to someone, well let’s just say not 20’s-something). Get the job first.
- Ask the interviewer about their experience with the company: This question will tell you whether you will be a good fit for the culture. Listen to the response carefully.
These are your standard close questions, and I am sure you have a few you like.
Listen, the close is your last chance to impress, use this time productively and strategically.
3 Questions to Ask at Close of an Interview
Personally, in all transparency I have gone on job interviews for jobs I didn’t want, and well didn’t give it my all. I am looking for a WOW experience during a job interview. You should too and expect nothing less. We all want to work for quality companies.
These are the 3 questions at close I ask when I really want the job, they have a 99.8% success rate, in my experience.
- “Share with me your ideal candidate and those qualities? (listen to responses). Follow-up with, “do you feel I fit the qualifications you’re looking for in this role? (a yes or no, closing the gap)
- “What I have heard today, I believe I would be a great fit for this role (briefly share why), and I would be remiss if I didn’t share, I want this position (ask for the job!) and would be a valuable part of your team. What other questions do you have, that I haven’t answered for you today? It’s important for me to make sure, I have showed you my best self. (you are being humble).
- “I have prepared for you a 30-60-90 Day Plan (5-10 bullets for each), for your review according to the job description. I want you to know, I am open and willing to share my information with you, that you may find helpful in the role. It was my pleasure to research the company and present this to you.” Would you like to briefly review this now, or can we decide on another time? (showing proactive nature and interest). And if you don’t get this position, it may open up an opportunity with the company in a different role.
Final Thoughts
These 3 questions to ask at the close of an interview, have helped me more times than not, because we should want everyone to succeed, and you got further than most, close the sale! Get the job! And sometimes when we give it our very best, and we don’t get the opportunity to go further, you still have made a lasting impression. There will be other opportunities meant just for you. I truly believe that what’s meant for you, will never pass you by! Best of luck!
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!'” Audrey Hepburn
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We’ll chat soon,
