The best way to end your job interview

The ending could make or break some candidates’ chances.

DEAR READERS: You’ve had what you think has been a great interview, and now it’s time to close the deal. What is the best way to end the interview? And even after you’ve summed up why you’re the right person for the job, should you still send a follow-up thank you?

It’s an important question, according to Cheryl Hyatt, a partner in executive search firm Hyatt-Fennell.

“The closing of an interview brings it all together and leaves your interviewers with their final picture of you,” Hyatt says. “Stumble at the end, and you may be passed over for a callback.”

The following tips can help prepare job seekers to wrap up interviews in a way that will leave a positive impression:

Offer a short recap. Hyatt says this involves connecting the dots between your experience and the position.” Interviews cover a lot of ground. You not only do your interviewers a favor by recapping the most salient points, but also do yourself a favor by leaving them with a clear case why you are the best fit for this position,” Hyatt explains.

Ask about the next steps in the process. This is a proactive way to end the interview and reiterates your interest in the position, according to Hardy Desai. founder and CEO of the digital marketing agency Supple. “ Ask if there’s anything else they need from you to help with their decision and inquire about a timeline for their decision,” Desai says. “If you don’t already have their direct contact information, ask for a business card or phone number and email address so you can follow up after that timeline lapses.”

Kathleen Furore.

While applicants sometimes fear being too forward about their interest in landing the job, Hyatt stresses that it is important to be direct.

“ Some candidates try to play hard to get and eschew letting an employer know how much they want a job. They fear ceding the upper hand in negotiations,” Hyatt says. “You don’t need to fawn or plead. Being clear that you are interested in a position demonstrates that you are forthright and ambitious. A simple, ‘I hope to hear from you soon. I think this could be a winning partnership,’ is plenty to convey your desire for a position.”

Leave on a personal note. That advice comes from David Ciccarelli, CEO of the vacation rental platform Lake, who says that approach will let you leave the interview on a memorable, warm note.

“Use the art of storytelling to connect yourself to the company. For example, you could say, ‘Thanks so much for meeting with me. This role would be a big win for me because I’ve loved using your products since I was 15,’ or ‘I’m excited to explore your employee resource groups tailored to my experiences,’ or ‘I’ve always wanted to work for a business that serves the community like yours does,’” Ciccarelli suggests. “Share those personal reasons that connect you deeply to the business.’

Send a follow-up thank-you. “A candidate should always write a thank-you note following the interview. It may not need to reiterate the full extent of a previous discussion — it may simply serve to express gratitude and affirm their desire for the position,” Hyatt says. “A handwritten note is always a nice touch, but only if time is on your side. If you sense that a decision is imminent, definitely send your note via email within 24 to 36 hours of your interview.”

A follow-up might just be what puts you over the top in the hiring decision.

“A quick follow-up and thank-you call or email goes a long way, especially when recruiters are wavering between a few viable candidate choices,” Desai concludes. “It certainly won’t harm your chances, but it could help them!”

(Kathleen Furore is a Chicago-based writer and editor who has covered personal finance and other business-related topics for a variety of trade and consumer publications. You can email her your career questions at [email protected].)

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