How to Conclude an Interview Impactfully

After reviewing thousands of interview feedback forms throughout my career, I've noticed a pattern: candidates who clearly articulate why they want the specific role and why they're an ideal fit before leaving the interview consistently receive higher ratings.   Many qualified professionals mistakenly assume: • Their enthusiasm for the role is self-evident • Their qualifications clearly align with the job requirements • The interviewer has connected all the dots between their experience and the position   However, leaving this crucial connection unstated can significantly impact hiring decisions.   The closing moments of an interview create a lasting impression.   Using this time to clearly summarize your interest and fit provides the interviewer with clarity that helps them advocate for you in subsequent hiring discussions.   Before concluding any interview, take a moment to explicitly state: • Your specific interest in this role and organization • How your experience directly addresses their key needs • Your enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute   This simple practice ensures nothing is left to interpretation about your interest or suitability - exactly what hiring managers need when comparing candidates.   What interview closing technique have you found most effective?   Check out my newsletter for more insights here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju    #executiverecruiter #eliterecruiter #jobmarket2025 #profoliosai #resume #jobstrategy #professionalcommunication #interviewstrategies #hiringprocess

Most candidates walk into interviews thinking, "I hope they like me." The ones who get hired walk in thinking, "How can I make myself the obvious choice?" Here’s how to become the obvious hire after an interview: 1️⃣ Tell impact stories, not just things you did. Anyone can list what they were responsible for. The candidates who stand out talk about outcomes. → What problem did you solve? → What results did you create? → How did the company/team get better because of you? 2️⃣ Mirror their needs back to them. Listen carefully when they talk about the role, the team, and the challenges. Then frame your answers around how you would help them win. → “Here’s how I tackled a similar project…” → “If I were in this role, here’s how I’d approach [specific challenge]…” You want them picturing you on their team before you even leave the room. 3️⃣ Surface and address doubts early. At the end of the conversation, ask: "Is there anything about my background or experience that gives you pause?" Most candidates are too afraid to ask. But great candidates welcome feedback - and close gaps before they turn into rejections. 4️⃣ Leave them with a memorable takeaway. Wrap up by summarizing what excites you most about the role - and what you bring to the table. Example: "What excites me most is helping [Company] [solve X problem or achieve Y goal]. Given my background in [relevant skills or experience], I’m confident I can start adding value right away." People remember energy. Confidence. Ownership. The truth is, hiring managers aren't just evaluating skills. They’re looking for a safe decision. Make it easy for them to feel like saying yes is the obvious move. You got this!

Your first and last impressions matter more than you think in an interview. This is because of biases. Let me explain. As humans, we are full of biases. Biases are how we make sense of the world. Two that are well-known are called primacy and recency bias. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬: People tend to remember the first thing they see or hear. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐛𝐢𝐚𝐬: We also remember the last thing vividly. That is why the way you start and end an interview is important. And if you use some strategy while in your interviews, you can turn these biases into an advantage. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐬 The initial impression sets the tone for the rest of the interview. A strong opening can build trust and interest, while a shaky one might take the rest of the conversation to recover, if you can at all. Here's how to make it work for you: 💡Ensure you have a prepared introduction (which can be part of the "Tell me about yourself" answer). This will be your elevator pitch. It should highlight who you are, what you bring to the table, and why you’re excited about this role. Practice it until it feels natural. 💡Your appearance communicates more than words ever could. Research the company culture and dress slightly above their standard to convey professionalism. 💡Engage the interviewer right away. Smile and greet your interviewer by name. It’s a small gesture, but it shows respect and warmth. 💡Be enthusiastic (but do not go overboard). Employers want to hire people who genuinely want to work for them. Let your interest in the role and the company shine through from the very beginning. 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐬 Your interviewer will remember the last thing they see or hear from you. That means the end of the interview is your final opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression. Here's how to make it work for you: 💡Talk about how you can solve their problems. Don’t leave the interview without reminding them why you’re the best fit for the role. You have discussed this all during the interview, but briefly highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments at the end. 💡Take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions. Ask insightful questions about their goals, challenges, or team culture. But not anything you should have learned from your initial research. Dig deeper into what is going on and how you can help. 💡Say thank you. A sincere thank-you goes a long way. Let them know you appreciate their time and are excited about the opportunity to contribute to their team. 💡Ask for the job. Tell them you want this. Something as simple as, “I’m excited about the opportunity and can’t wait to join the team,” can leave a strong impression. First impressions set the tone, and last impressions can seal the deal. Use this to your advantage. What other biases can you use to your advantage? ----- I am Shelley, a recruiter turned career coach. I help you find a job where you can thrive and not just survive.