Taylor Maurer Senior management partner with Heavy Civil Resource Consultants back with another 2-MT tip of the week and adding to our interview preparation and strategy sessions. You can find our entire interview strategy series on our website at hcrc.us.
Alright, today we discuss interview first impressions. Let’s dig in…
Closing an interview effectively is crucial to leaving a lasting impression on the hiring manager or team. It’s your chance to demonstrate your interest in the job and showcase how your skills and experience align with the position. Here are four essential points to consider when closing your interview:
- Clearly Express Your Interest: Nearing the end of the interview, make it a point to voice your enthusiasm for the job directly to the hiring manager or team. Let them know that you are genuinely interested in the opportunity and eager to contribute to the company’s success even if it was stated earlier in the interview.
- Share Why You’re Interested: Take this opportunity to use your active listening skills and reiterate the highlights of what you learned about the company and why you want to work for the company and in the specific role. For example, you can mention the prospect of taking on more responsibility, larger projects, a diversified scope of work, different clients, or the opportunity for career advancement. Cultural fit and any value propositions of the company or position should be addressed. Additionally, if there are any personal benefits that appeal to you, such as a shorter commute or less travel, mention them as well.
- Connect Your Career to the Role: Explain how your previous experiences and accomplishments have prepared you for this position. Emphasize the skills and expertise that align with the job description and any additional insights you gained during the interview process regarding the company’s specific requirements. Highlighting your ability to hit the ground running and contribute immediately without requiring extensive training can greatly impress the hiring team. This is a great opportunity to express or reiterate ways that you have made money, saved money, and solved problems in the past directly impacting net profit and revenue growth. This is a great time to also mention any continuing professional development you are involved in.
- Determine the Next Steps: It’s essential to clarify the next steps in the hiring process before concluding the interview. If you feel that you need another interview or more time to make a decision if an offer is extended, politely express your interest in continuing the conversation. Check your calendar to see if you can schedule another meeting right away. If immediate scheduling isn’t possible, ask about the timeline for the next steps and when you can expect to hear back. Having a clear understanding of the process and timeline will help you plan your follow-up appropriately.
Remember, closing an interview is your chance to leave a positive and memorable impression. By effectively conveying your interest, showcasing your qualifications, and seeking clarity on the next steps, you increase your chances of progressing further in the hiring process.
