5 Ways to Close the Interview & Be Remembered

Why the Close Matters

The job interview is your chance to make a lasting impression on a potential employer.

While your qualifications and experience are important, the way you close the interview can be just as crucial in determining whether or not you get the job.

The 5 Essential Closing Strategies

1. Express Your Enthusiasm

At the end of the interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for the position and the company.

Let the interviewer know that you are excited about the opportunity and that you believe you would be a great fit for the role.

#### How to Do It Effectively:

Weak closing: "Thanks for your time today."

Strong closing: "Thank you so much for this conversation. I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity. Based on what we've discussed today, I believe my experience in [specific skill] aligns perfectly with your needs for [specific project/goal], and I'd love the chance to contribute to your team."

#### Why It Works:

• Shows genuine interest beyond just getting "a job"
• Demonstrates you were listening and engaged
• Reminds them of your key qualifications
• Leaves them with a positive, memorable impression

2. Recap Your Qualifications

Before the interview ends, take a moment to recap your qualifications and how they align with the job requirements.

This helps reinforce your strengths and reminds the interviewer why you are the best candidate for the job.

#### The Recap Formula:

1. Reference 2-3 specific requirements from the job 2. Connect each to a concrete example from your experience 3. Emphasize the value you'll bring

Example: "Before we wrap up, I want to reiterate how well my background matches what you're looking for. You mentioned needing someone with [requirement 1]—in my last role, I [specific achievement]. You also need [requirement 2], which I demonstrated by [specific example]. I'm confident I can bring this same level of impact to your team."

#### Why It Works:

• Reinforces your fit for the role
• Addresses any doubts they might have
• Provides a clear mental summary for them to remember
• Shows strong communication skills

3. Ask About Next Steps

Asking about next steps shows that you are interested in moving forward in the interview process.

It also gives you a better understanding of the timeline and what to expect in the coming weeks.

#### What to Ask:

• "What are the next steps in your interview process?"
• "When should I expect to hear back from you?"
• "Is there anything else you need from me to make your decision?"
• "Are there any concerns about my fit for this role that I can address?"

#### Why It Works:

• Demonstrates confidence and interest
• Provides clarity on the timeline
• Opens the door to address any reservations
• Shows you're organized and forward-thinking
• Helps you plan your follow-up

4. Provide References

Offering to provide references shows that you are confident in your abilities and that you have a strong professional network.

Make sure to have a list of references prepared before the interview so that you can provide them on the spot if asked.

#### How to Offer References:

Proactive approach: "I have references available who can speak to my [specific skill/quality discussed in interview]. Would you like me to send those to you?"

Prepared approach:

• Have 3-5 references ready
• Include their name, title, relationship to you, and contact info
• Give your references a heads-up that they might be contacted
• Brief them on the role and what skills to emphasize

#### Why It Works:

• Shows confidence in your work and relationships
• Demonstrates preparedness
• Provides social proof of your abilities
• Moves the process forward

5. Send a Thank You Note

Sending a thank you note after the interview is a simple but effective way to make a lasting impression.

It shows that you are grateful for the opportunity and that you are professional and courteous.

#### The Perfect Thank You Note:

Send within 24 hours and include:

1. Gratitude: Thank them for their time 2. Specific reference: Mention something specific you discussed 3. Value reinforcement: Reiterate your fit for the role 4. Enthusiasm: Express continued interest 5. Next steps: Reference the timeline discussed

Template:

Subject: Thank You - [Your Name] - [Position Title]

Dear [Interviewer Name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Position Title] role at [Company Name].

I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed], and it reinforced my enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to [specific project/goal/team].

Based on our discussion, I'm confident that my experience in [key qualification] would allow me to make an immediate impact, particularly in [specific area discussed].

I look forward to hearing about the next steps in your process. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.

Best regards, [Your Name]

#### Why It Works:

• Only 1 in 4 candidates send thank you notes
• Keeps you top of mind
• Demonstrates professionalism
• Provides another opportunity to reinforce your fit
• Shows attention to detail

Additional Closing Tips

Body Language Matters

In the final moments:

• Maintain eye contact
• Smile genuinely
• Offer a firm handshake (if in person)
• Stand up straight with confident posture
• Gather your materials calmly (don't rush)

Leave Something Behind

Consider:

• A portfolio or work samples
• Your business card
• A one-page "leave behind" summarizing your qualifications
• Contact information for your references

The Confident Exit

As you leave:

• Thank everyone you encounter
• Stay professional until you're completely off-site
• Don't check your phone or let your guard down in the elevator
• Remember that everyone you interact with could influence the decision

Common Closing Mistakes to Avoid

Being Too Passive

Don't say: "Well, I guess I'll wait to hear from you."

Instead say: "I'm very interested in this role. What are the next steps?"

Apologizing

Don't say: "Sorry if I talked too much" or "I hope I answered your questions okay."

Instead: End on a confident note expressing enthusiasm and fit.

Forgetting to Close Strong

Don't let the interview fizzle out. Take control of the final moments to leave a lasting positive impression.

Being Presumptuous

Don't say: "So when do I start?" or "I'll see you on Monday."

Instead: Express interest while respecting their process.

Timing Your Close

The closing should happen when:

• They ask "Do you have any questions?"
• They start wrapping up
• You sense the interview is nearing its end
• You've covered all the key topics

What If They're Rushed?

If they seem pressed for time:

• Keep your close brief but still hit the key points
• Send a more detailed thank you email
• Focus on enthusiasm and asking about next steps
• Respect their time while still making your interest clear

Multiple Interviewers

When closing with a panel:

• Make eye contact with each person
• Thank everyone by name if possible
• Address the group as a whole for your final statement
• Send individual thank you emails to each interviewer

Virtual Interview Closes

For video interviews:

• Stay on camera until they hang up
• Smile and wave as the call ends
• Send your thank you email even more promptly
• Reference the virtual format in your note (e.g., "Thank you for taking the time to meet virtually...")

> 💡 Key Takeaway: The way you close the interview can be just as important as the interview itself. By expressing your enthusiasm, recapping your qualifications, asking about next steps, providing references, and sending a thank you note, you can leave a lasting impression that sets you apart from other candidates.

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