How do you end the interview on a positive note and leave a lasting impression on a difficult interviewer? (2024)

Key takeaways from this article

• Ask for feedback:

  A clever move is to ask for feedback at the interview's close. It conveys confidence, a willingness to learn, and may provide insights for future interviews. Inquire if there's anything you could clarify or expand upon.

• Express appreciation:

  Begin your interview wrap-up by expressing genuine thanks. Highlight a specific aspect of the interview you enjoyed or learned from to show enthusiasm and create a personal connection with the interviewer.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

• Anurag Mishra Financial Analyst | RAMJAS' 26/27 | CFA…
• Jeff Rothman Career Coach | Unlock Your Career…

• Anurag Mishra Financial Analyst | RAMJAS' 26/27 | CFA L1 Candidate | B.Com (Hons) | MUSIC | NISM | SAP FICO | SQL | FREELANCER | Reliance Foundation Scholar

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  If the interview is tough, you don't know the answer, then confuse the interviewer. This will create a long- lasting impact .

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• (edited)

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  Who doesn't like to be thanked appreciated and acknowledged. Thank the interviewer thoroughly by acknowledging the fact that it was wonderful and insightful experience during interview Further ask relevant questions at the end of interview. Make the interviewer realize that you have not only read about the role and org but also did some research about the interviewer as well by going through their profile on linkedin.Be solution oriented rather than just problem oriented individual while making any interaction with the interviewer in all behavioral and technical aspects.

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  Here’s are few steps that you can take:1) Thank the interviewer – Express gratitude for their time and interest.2) Show courtesy – Demonstrates respect and appreciation.3) Mention something specific – Refer to a question, topic, or project discussed during the interview.4) Highlight your enthusiasm – Reaffirm your interest in the role.

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• Heather Lipman Securing High-Hanging Fruit. Recruiting Partner 🎯 Headhunter 🧠 Mental Health 🧬 Pharmaceuticals. C-Suite; Psychiatrist, PMHNP, Therapist (SUD & MH); HCP Marketing, Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Psych Drug Account Reps

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  For panel interviews.Do your best to remember or prompt a unique talking point for each person. You should thank every person individually, never a group email.

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  Thank the interviewer for their time and express sincere enthusiasm for the job. Your statement of interest should be informed by the time the interviewers have spent with you -- show that you were paying attention and comment on something specific that makes you the perfect candidate. Send thank you notes asap, and be sure to thank the person that scheduled your interviews, even if you didn't meet with them. That person could be surprisingly influential in the process.

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  See Also

  Mastering the Art of Job Interview Conclusions: A Comprehensive GuideHow to Close An Interview | Aaron Wallis Sales RecruitmentWhat's Your Greatest Weakness? How To Answer This In A Sales Interview - SalesForce SearchCareer Opportunities | Hcareers

• Heather Lipman Securing High-Hanging Fruit. Recruiting Partner 🎯 Headhunter 🧠 Mental Health 🧬 Pharmaceuticals. C-Suite; Psychiatrist, PMHNP, Therapist (SUD & MH); HCP Marketing, Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Psych Drug Account Reps

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  An effective interviewer lays out the problem. An effective interviewee markets his/her candidacy as the solution. If you can speak to that, nothing is more powerful.

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• Inuta Sert Career Coach │ Former Executive Recruiter │ Interview Preparation │ Job Search Strategy │ Empowering mid-senior-level managers to get the right job!

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  It might depend on the culture but I wouldn’t finish interview with a sales pitch. It’s done. It’s over. Nothing that you say or do will change recruiter’s mind. Rather use the time to ask questions, make sure it’s the right place for you.

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  Seize the closing moments of the interview to reiterate your value proposition. Summarize key strengths and achievements, aligning them with the employer's needs. Utilize the STAR method for impactful examples, reinforcing why you are the ideal candidate for the role.

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• Heather Lipman Securing High-Hanging Fruit. Recruiting Partner 🎯 Headhunter 🧠 Mental Health 🧬 Pharmaceuticals. C-Suite; Psychiatrist, PMHNP, Therapist (SUD & MH); HCP Marketing, Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Psych Drug Account Reps

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  I've heard people suggest asking the interviewer to identify any objections to your candidacy. I don't recommend this. It doesn't seem smart to ask someone to remember why they doubt you're the best fit. You're hoping your response to their concern will put it to rest but what if it doesn't? Often times, we don't know enough yet to be convinced our objection handling ideas, make sense.

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  As the interview concludes, express your enthusiasm for the role and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. This not only shows your interest but also provides valuable insights. Ask about timelines, priorities, and potential challenges, addressing any concerns and displaying your proactive approach to the opportunity.

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• Inuta Sert Career Coach │ Former Executive Recruiter │ Interview Preparation │ Job Search Strategy │ Empowering mid-senior-level managers to get the right job!

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  I wouldn’t spend time on asking how mant other people are interviewed, it brings you nothing. Rather ask about the role, manager, company’s culture. Show that you are looking for the right fit for your strenghts and talents.

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• Allison Peck⚡️ I help ambitious professionals get noticed by standing out in creative ways | Program Manager | TedX | Author | LinkedIn Learning Instructor

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  Incorporating video into your thank-you strategy is a fantastic way to stand out in a competitive job market. By sending a personalized video message, you can create a memorable experience for the interviewer and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. One tip I've found effective is to keep the video concise and focused, highlighting key points from the interview and expressing gratitude for the opportunity. This not only shows your professionalism but also allows you to showcase your personality and communication style in a more dynamic way.

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• Heather Lipman Securing High-Hanging Fruit. Recruiting Partner 🎯 Headhunter 🧠 Mental Health 🧬 Pharmaceuticals. C-Suite; Psychiatrist, PMHNP, Therapist (SUD & MH); HCP Marketing, Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Psych Drug Account Reps

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  If you haven't heard anything you can use this: "Hi Hiring Person, I'm writing to reiterate strong interest in the XXXX role we discussed last week. I'm ready to start on Monday. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to assist in your decision-making process."

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• Inuta Sert Career Coach │ Former Executive Recruiter │ Interview Preparation │ Job Search Strategy │ Empowering mid-senior-level managers to get the right job!

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  A hand written card as a thank you note? That would freak me out as a recruiter in 2024. Seriously, when sending an email, refer to something you talked about during the meeting. Show that you listened. Show your motivation.

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• • Report contribution
  As the interview concludes, express your enthusiasm for the role and inquire about the next steps in the hiring process. This not only shows your interest but also provides valuable insights. Ask about timelines, priorities, and potential challenges, addressing any concerns and displaying your proactive approach to the opportunity.

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  Definitely take advantage of the opportunity to follow up with a thank you note. Include a detail about the interview that you found helpful and reiterate your interest and confidence that you can meet the need of the company. Keep it short and sweet!I would also avoid emailing immediately after the interview has ended as this timing is a little awkward and can come across as insincere or desperate.

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• Heather Lipman Securing High-Hanging Fruit. Recruiting Partner 🎯 Headhunter 🧠 Mental Health 🧬 Pharmaceuticals. C-Suite; Psychiatrist, PMHNP, Therapist (SUD & MH); HCP Marketing, Medical Science Liaison (MSL), Psych Drug Account Reps

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  Feel free to ask for feedback but don't get angry if you don't receive any. There are more reasons than characters allowed in this text box why you didn't get the job. Thank them, and move on. You might run into them in the future...

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• Jeff Rothman Career Coach | Unlock Your Career Potential | Empowering Professionals to Find Purpose and Master Job Transitions at Mid-Career and Beyond

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  I totally agree, Heather. It's the interviewer's prerogative whether or not to provide feedback. Getting angry or not reacting positively will only diminish your candidacy.

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  While rejection can be disheartening, view it as a stepping stone for growth. Express gratitude, seek feedback, and maintain professionalism. Use the experience as a chance to enhance your skills, stay connected with the employer for potential future opportunities, and continue pursuing your career goals. Embrace the journey, learning, and resilience that rejection brings, turning it into a positive force for your professional development.

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• Jeff Rothman Career Coach | Unlock Your Career Potential | Empowering Professionals to Find Purpose and Master Job Transitions at Mid-Career and Beyond

  (edited)

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  One of the best ways to end an interview is to ask for feedback. It’s your last best chance to bring up something you forgot to mention and address anything that may have been misunderstood. By the time you've left the room, the interviewer has mostly decided if you’re a fit for the role. Your thank-you note or other follow-up will have much less impact. It’ll also show a high level of self-confidence and show you’re open to learning how to improve, both of which will help distinguish you from other candidates. It may also enable you to gain insight that could benefit you in future interviews. So, as your interview is wrapping up, I recommend asking: Is there anything I haven’t fully addressed or that I can clarify or expand on?

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• CA Archit Agarwal Founder @ Thinking Bridge | Chartered Accountant | Ex-Deloitte | LinkedIn Top Voice | Practically Trained 40000+ Learners | On A Mission To Make India Industry Ready

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  Non-verbal cues like smiling and maintaining eye contact are pivotal in job interviews. A confident smile radiates positivity and approachability, signaling your enthusiasm and amiability. Eye contact, meanwhile, underscores your confidence and sincerity, reinforcing the honesty of your verbal communication. These subtle yet impactful gestures work together to leave a memorable and favorable impression on the interviewer, especially crucial in smoothing over any rough edges from a challenging interview.

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