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The Interview
Step 5: Ending the Interview
How do you leave a lasting impression?
The interviewer is responsible for drawing the interview to a close. However, if the position interests you, at the end of the interview it is essential for you to:
- Restate your interest
- Summarize the fit
- Ask about the next step
Restate your interest
Example: Before we end, I just wanted to say that I’m very interested in this position …
Summarize the fit
Example 1: … and, I truly believe that I have the skills, experience and interest in making a positive contribution to XYZ Company and that XYZ Company is a company that I would like to work for.
Example 2: … and, I’m certain that with my background and experience in _______, _______, and ________, I could bring a lot to XYZ Company.
Example 3: … and, I know that the skills and strengths that I bring and what XYZ Company has to offer make this a good fit.
Ask about the next step
Example 1: So, could you tell me what the next step is? Will you call me, is their anything else I can provide you…?
Example 2: Could you tell me what the next step is and when you expect to make a final decision?
What would you like to say?
Remember that FIRM handshake!
Have You Checked Your List Twice?
With a partner, practice an abbreviated interview. One person will be the potential employer and the other person will be the candidate. It is assumed that the candidate arrived on-time and is appropriately dressed.
Interviewer:
- Ask role-play questions below
- Using your partners checklist (next page), place a "X" where the action was completed
Interviewee:
- Review the checklist before beginning
- Answer behaviorally-based questions using three-part format
- Highlight two accomplishments on resume
- Ask questions
- End interview with three steps
Interview Questions For Role play
Welcome interviewee with an introduction and handshake.
- "I’d like to begin by asking you to tell me a little bit about yourself." (60-90 Second Intro)
- "Tell me about a time when you handled a difficult situation with a co-worker"
- "Can you describe one of your strengths and one of your weaknesses."
- "Do you have any questions for me?"
"Well, that concludes our interview. Thank you for coming."
Interview Checklist
First Impression
_____Had firm handshake
_____Demonstrated good eye contact
_____Mirrored posture of interviewer
Answering Questions
_____Was prepared to present 60-90-Second Intro
_____Was prepared to answer 2 behavioral questions
Formulating Questions
_____Was prepared to ask questions
_____Talked about skills and accomplishments that were not addressed during the interview
Ending Interview
_____Restated interest at end of interview
_____Summarized fit
_____Asked about next step
_____Had firm handshake
Other Considerations
What kind of interview is it?
Screening Interview |
Usually an HR representative or outside agency interviews over the telephone or at their office for the purpose of narrowing down the number of candidates using a predetermined set of questions and a structured interview. |
Panel or Team Interview |
Many companies rely upon teams to perform assignments and meet goals. Each member of a panel may have unique background and skills and ask questions specific to those interests. Respond to each question asked using their names to help you remember each person. Most interviews of this type are structured interviews. |
Decision-Maker Interview |
An interview with the person who makes the final decision, usually the boss of the position. During this typically unstructured interview, this person wants to know whether you would be an asset to the team and someone s/he would want to work with. |
Should You Write A Thank You Letter?
YES!!!!
WHY?????
- It can make a favorable impression.
- It gets closure regarding the next step.
- It can expand on a subject discussed during a previous conversation.
- It can clarify a point or misunderstanding.
- It can restate your interest.
TIPS
- Send thank you letters shortly after your interview.
- Thank you letters may be handwritten, but they must be legible.
- Reinforce the skills or accomplishments you felt were the most important to meeting the needs of the position, the decision-maker and the company.
- Use white space and bullets to make your letter easy to read and get your points across quickly.
- If you interview with a Human Resources individual and a hiring manager, send letters to both. Do not send the same letter.
- If you interview with three or more people, only send letters to the decision-makers and the Human Resources professionals.
- DO NOT mention what you need, what you want, or "what’s in it for you." Companies hire you because of "what’s in it for them."
What About References?
What do you know about references?
1. |
True |
False |
You should use your relatives as references. |
2. |
True |
False |
After you decide whom you will use as references, go to the people on your list and ask them if you can use their names as references. |
3. |
True |
False |
You should make a list of two or three people you want to use as references. |
4. |
True |
False |
You should take your references with you on a job interview. |
5. |
True |
False |
Immediately after the interview, call the people whose names you have used and tell them:
|
Answers:
1. False – Never use relatives as references. Your list could include former supervisors, clergy, local businessmen and friends who have known you for a long time. Include the person’s name, address, phone number and relationship.
2. True – If they say yes, tell them that you will call or email them when you use their names. Provide each of them with a copy of your resume.
3. False – Before any interviews, make a list of six or seven people you want to use as references, including your relationship with them. During the interview, when you’re asked for references, use the list and pick the names that you think will do you the most good.
4. True - Take your references with you on the job interview and provide them as needed.
5. False – Everything is true EXCEPT you do not need to tell your reference how much money the position pays.
Key Point: A potential employer asking for references is a major "buy" signal, an indication of strong interest since the only point to checking references is to confirm a decision to make an offer.
The Data Sheet
Every company has its own application for employment form. Although the forms may look different, they ask for the same basic information. Applications also ask questions not covered on a resume, which makes a data sheet a helpful tool.
The way you fill out the application form is important in making a good first impression. In fact, it can be almost as important as what you say in an interview.
- Fill out a data sheet BEFORE you go to the interview, and take it with you to the interview. Use the data sheet to prepare an application form at the company.
- Include names of former supervisors, locations etc., that may be absent from your resume.
- Use numbers for the date: 10/11/01 instead of October 11, 2001
- Name: Read directions carefully. Many applications ask for your last name first, then your first name and middle initial.
- Telephone Number: Always include your area code.
- Address: Always include your zip code.
- Positions Applied for: Do not be afraid to mention more than one.
- Rate of Pay Expected: Write in one of these phrases: going rate, standard rate, or negotiable, to be discussed during interview.
- Are there any other experiences, skills or qualifications you feel would fit our organization? This is your chance to impress a potential employee with special skills that could be used in a number of ways, such as drive forklift, weld in all positions, word processing, etc.
- List previous positions with the most recent position listed first. If they ask why you left your job, do not use the term "layoff." Layoff implies a possibility of recall rights which could cause you a problem. You may want to use the following: plant closed, company moved operations.
- Personal References: Be sure to list name, title, company, address and daytime telephone numbers for references. Always get permission before using someone as a reference.
Action Plan
What do you need to do to prepare for your first interview?
Are you fully prepared and confident to answer the question, "So, tell me about yourself." If not, what action steps will you take to be prepared and feel confident?
Do you understand how to successfully answer behaviorally-based questions? Do you understand what the interviewer is looking for in your responses? Have you practiced responding to the questions in these focus group materials? What action steps can you take to be better prepared?
Do you know what is on your resume? Can you speak about it without looking at it? Do you know what highlights you want covered in an interview? What action steps can you take to become more familiar with the contents of your resume?
Do you have questions prepared to take with you to an interview? What action steps can you take to prepare yourself for asking questions during an interview?
Do you know how to effectively end an interview? What action steps can you take to be prepared to effectively end an interview?
What other steps can you take to prepare for a successful interview that will prepare you to interview with confidence? Do you have your reference list completed? Do you have a Data Sheet ready to take with you?
You are ready! Go for it!
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Copyright 2004, Ann Malloy. All rights reserved. E-mail: domolloy@juno.com.
Permission to print granted.
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