Most candidates leave the room quite quickly when they interviewer says, “So, thanks for coming.” But you’re not going to do that right? Right!?During the final moments of an interview you have opportunity to make a lasting impression and to increase your chances of being selected for the next round. Sounds interesting, hey?!

This is referred to as ‘taking control’ of the end of your interview, although no one will feel that you have taken control. You are simply going to begin talking and taking care of some important business before you leave the room. This impact can be powerful!

The easiest way to begin your “power closing” is to initiate the handshake and to make good eye contact again while you thank them by name and let them know how much you appreciate being interviewed and how much you enjoyed getting to know them better. (Confident relationship-building)

Then, be sure to use your “statement of interest” as described in one of my recent blogs as follows, “Interest is one of the greatest things that significantly attracts recruiters to keep meeting and talking with a candidate, and is often an integral piece in the criteria for the employment offer.” This expression of interest is specifically about the company and is not about the position. Telling the interviewer why you want to be part of the company addresses the core need of the employer to identify people that truly want to work for the company during the last phases of selection.

There a couple of other items that can help you in your quest to get an offer. Finding out the next step in the process is one of those. This inquiry is reserved for your final moments before exiting the interview room, not to be mistaken for questions to ask the employer when asked, “Do you have any questions for us.” Various firms are having social gatherings as well as other interviews which could include; a wine & cheese mingle, a group cooking class, a group interview an onsite four hour interview where you will meet an Human Resources staff member, a Senior Accountant (likely your future supervisor), a partner and even some of the team you may be joining. Knowing what is next is critical for helping you be prepared and also helps to manage stress.

Once you know the process you can decide if it warrants a request to follow up with the interviewer (if agreed upon) which means you will need their contact information. You may, or may not, already have a business card depending on whether the interviewer participated in the networking events and if you were able to connect with them there. If not, be sure to get it before exiting.

This kind of closing provides for a solid “last impression” and provides you with the information and possible other results that you would not have had if you just said thanks and walked out the door…as so many do!

Good luck!