Closing the Job Interview - part I
by: Carole Martin
"When do I start?"
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.
- 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."
- 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?"
Stay tuned for part two.
