Heres How to End an Interview Successfully

Heres How to End an Interview Successfully Heres How to End an Interview Successfully Mike sat in the living room and told Axl about an interview he had when he was in his early 20s. It was at a roofing company and Mike was so sure he was going to get the job he left the interview, got into his car and started whipping cookies right in the company parking lot. When he was done he looked up and saw the company owners- who had just interviewed him- looking out a window, watching him, in disgust. Needless to say, Mike Heck didnt get that job because of the antics he pulled after leaving the interview. The lesson here? After you kill it in a job interview, dont screw things up by making careless mistakes as you head out the door.  That last impression is just as important as the first impression. How to End an Interview Successfully I once interviewed a candidate who did a great job in the interview, but then as he was walking out the door was heard answering his cell phone loudly and talking very inappropriately, says  Cindy Edwards, president of To Find Your Fit,  a career development coaching company. Edwards assists job seekers- from recent college grads to executive level- with interview preparation services, including mock interviews. Most job seekers prepare for pre-interview interactions- greeting front desk staff, shaking hands and making eye contact with people they meet, and displaying their best professional image. But its just as important to follow those interactions post-interview, to finish the interview strong. Continue greeting people as appropriate when walking out the door, says Edwards. Be professional and friendly when making small talk all the way out the building. After all, post-interview is still another opportunity to sell yourself as the right person for the job, says Marisa Vrona, client engagement manager for Wunderland Group, a Chicago-based digital, marketing, and creative talent search firm. If the interviewer walks you out, asks questions about the environment, or comment on what you like about the atmosphere, says Vrona. Companies take pride in their culture, and are looking for someone who will be happy to work in their workplace day in and out. Casual conversation, or noticing things within the office will be remembered, says Vrona, such as, I love that painting, where/when did your company acquire it? or “Cool kitchen!  Is that an unlimited supply of cereal I see? Many job seekers also fail when wrapping up the interview. They get cold feet, or are too shy or intimidated to ask important follow-up questions. But don’t be afraid to be direct, says Vrona. Tell your interviewer that you are interested in the job, reiterating why you would be a great fit by recapping your strengths and specific skills that fit the job. Then, be proactive by asking what the next steps will be to ensure you understand the timeline, says Vrona. Before ending an interview candidates should find out this information, says Edwards: When the interviewers are making their decision Who will contact them with a hiring decision And make sure to get contact information of everyone in the interview to send follow-up thank-you notes. Remember, nonverbal cues are just as important post-interview as they are pre-interview. Ensure that you have a firm handshake, a large smile, and make eye contact when saying goodbye. And no matter how tempted one is, keep the cell phone put away once you leave the room. Dont text or get distracted by checking social media accounts. Dont kill it in the interview, only to blow it post-interview by becoming careless and letting your guard down. Its important to maintain a positive physical demeanor until youre in your car and driving away, says Edwards. People are watching. Mike Heck learned that- the hard way. Readers, what are your tips for how to end an interview? Share below!