- By Chris Castelino, Certified Resume Writer

The Elegant Exit:

Here are some tips and strategies for handling closing questions in a job interview:

Research the company and role:

Familiarize yourself with the job description, key skills, and qualifications required. This knowledge will help you frame meaningful and relevant questions

Take notes during the interview:

Jot down key points, concerns, or challenges mentioned by the interviewer to tailor your closing questions based on the information gathered.

Reflect on the interview process:

Consider the topics discussed during the interview and address any concerns or challenges that may have arisen.

Be genuine and show curiosity:

Authenticity goes a long way in establishing rapport with the interviewer. Ask questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the role.

Focus on growth and impact:

Frame questions that highlight your commitment to personal and professional growth, as well as your desire to make a positive impact within the company.

Make the interviewer envision you in the role:

Craft your closing questions in a way that helps the interviewer visualize you as a successful member of the team.

Types of Closing Questions:

• Role-specific questions
• Company culture questions
• Personal development and growth questions
• Future plans and vision questions

Strong Closing Questions and Answers:

Q: Why should we hire you?

A: I believe my skills and experience in [relevant areas] make me a strong fit for this role. Additionally, my passion for [specific aspect of the job or industry] and my dedication to [company values] align with your organization's goals. I'm confident that I can contribute to the team's success and help drive [specific project or initiative] forward.

 Q: Do you have any questions for us?

A: Yes, I do. If I were to start in this position next week, what would be the most important project or task I'd be expected to tackle first? This would help me better understand the immediate priorities and how I can contribute effectively from day one. 

Q: If we had to pick a reason to NOT hire you, what would you say it could be?

A: While it's difficult to pinpoint a specific reason not to hire me since I certainly think you should hire me (a little bit of humour here), I recognize that I may not have direct experience in [specific aspect of the job]. However, I'm confident in my ability to learn quickly and adapt, and I believe my background in [related area] demonstrates my capacity to excel in this role.

Avoid Overselling Yourself during the closing stages of the Interview

It's essential to maintain the same level of authenticity and natural demeanour throughout the interview, including the closing part. Sometimes, candidates may panic and feel the need to oversell themselves towards the end or show too much overconfidence or eagerness, which could make the interviewer feel awkward. 

This sudden change in behaviour can negatively impact the great impression you've made so far. Instead, stay true to yourself, and continue answering questions thoughtfully and sincerely, without the urge to oversell your skills or experience. 

By maintaining a consistent, genuine presence and character, the interviewer will feel confident in their assessment of your fit for the team and the role.

At Maple Road, we offer a range of comprehensive career services to help our clients achieve their professional goals. Our expert CPHR-certified Recruiters and CPRW-certified Writers specialize create professional, ATS-optimized tailored resumes, impactful cover letters, and engaging LinkedIn profiles from the ground up, that significantly increase the chances of getting hired and standing out from other candidates.

In addition, our one-on-one Job Interview training, Career Insights and Job Search Guidance will further prepare you to navigate the job market with confidence. Let our qualified professionals help you take the first step towards your dream job and achieve success in your career journey!