How to End an Interview (Tips and Examples)

Job interviews are arguably the most nerve-wracking part of the job search process, but they’re also the most important. So when it comes time to end an interview, you want to make sure you leave on a good note.

In this blog, we’ll provide some tips on how to end an interview, plus examples of how to do it the right way. Let’s get started!

Tips on How to End an Interview

The way you end an interview can be just as important as the way you start it. If you end the interview poorly, for example, the interviewer could remember that for weeks afterward, and it could negatively affect your chances of getting the job. On the other hand, if you end the interview well, they’ll likely remember that fondly, and it could work in your favor when a decision is made.

But ending an interview the right way is easier said than done—you want to make a good impression, but how?

Let’s review what questions to ask at the end of your interview plus a few things you can do after.

Ask Questions About the Company

Asking questions about the company, its culture, background, or growth trajectory is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re interesting not only in the position, but the organization itself. It may also give you a chance to clarify anything that wasn’t clear during the interview. But make sure your questions are relevant and show that you’ve done your research on the company.

Ask More Job-Specific Questions

Finding time to ask your own questions during the interview can be tough, but this is why hiring managers usually give candidates the chance to inquire about any questions they have at the end. Take this opportunity to show more interest in the role by asking a few job-specific questions. You could ask things like:

• How do you define success for this position?
• Are there opportunities for advancement?
• Do you offer additional training and upskilling in this role?
• What would my expectations be during my first 30, 60, and 90 days in this position?
• How close is this role going to be to the core functions of what the company does, and would I be working on projects that are mission critical, or closer to revenue? (Our CEO suggests this one.)

Clarify Next Steps

If the interviewer doesn’t provide clarity about the next steps, be sure to ask what the hiring process will be like following your interview. When will you be contacted about scheduling another interview? When will the final hiring decision be made? These are the types of questions you can expect to ask during this step.

Thank the Interviewer for Their Time

Make sure to thank your interviewer for their time, regardless of whether you think the interview went well. It’s a small gesture, but it can go a long way in terms of making a good final impression.

Send a Thank-You Email

Always send a follow-up email within 24 hours of your interview thanking the hiring manager for their time and reiterating your interest in the position. Not only is it just the polite thing to do, but it opens up the door for more communication between you and your interviewer.

In your follow-up email, you can also remind the hiring manager of the skills that qualify you for the position. Doing so will help keep you at the top of their mind. Here’s an example:

“Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, Ms. Green. I really enjoyed learning more about the organization and the position. I feel like my skills in [x] and [x] make me a great fit here. I’m extremely interested in the opportunity and look forward to hearing from you soon.”

How Should You NOT End an Interview?

Of course, there are a few topics and questions you should avoid at the end of an interview. These include things like:

• Making negative comments about a former employer
• In-depth questions about their decision-making process
• Asking for information about other candidates
• And any other potentially sensitive topics or questions

Close Your Interview with Confidence

The end of an interview is a chance to say thank you, share any final thoughts about what was discussed, and ask if they have questions for you. While the final moments of your interview can be nerve-wracking, following these tips and examples can alleviate some of that stress and help you make a lasting impression.

Get your job search started by heading over to the Insight Global job board, where you will find thousands of openings.