| "When do I start?" | | | | the sales department, the more aggressive approach |
| That's about as aggressive as you can get at the | | | | might work best. If they are looking for someone who |
| close of the interview. It may knock the interviewer for | | | | is more subdued, perhaps for an accountant position, |
| a loop, and might appear to be overly aggressive, but | | | | the low-key style may be more suited. The middle of |
| some people think of it as "closing the sale." And, for | | | | the road approach - with confidence might be a good |
| some people it has worked. For others this approach | | | | general response for almost any position. |
| may not be comfortable, or have the same effect. | | | | Closing Points |
| Whether you are aggressive, passive and polite, or | | | | Regardless of your style or how you choose to close |
| somewhere in between, will depend on your | | | | the interview, there are some key points to keep in |
| personality, the interview situation, and the job for | | | | mind. |
| which you are applying. | | | | 1. Leave your interviewer with the right picture of you. |
| Different strokes for Different Folks | | | | (Think of at least five skills or traits you want |
| - A confident, aggressive approach - "Well, I'm sold. | | | | remembered after the interview.) |
| When would you like me to start?". This closing might | | | | 2. Ask if there is anything else you can provide. |
| impress some interviewers but could very well put off | | | | (References, background information, or samples?) |
| others. It will be important to "read" your interviewer as | | | | 3. State your interest in the position. (Don't be overly |
| to what style to use in closing. | | | | anxious, but interested and you can bring added value |
| - Qualified and low key - "Are there any doubts you | | | | to the job.) |
| have that I can do this job?" | | | | 4. Ask about the next step in the process. (Important |
| An ok closing - not too aggressive, but confident. The | | | | for you to know for follow up. Ask for the decision |
| closing should match the personality of the interviewer | | | | date, if possible.) |
| and the type of position. | | | | 5. Find out how to contact them. (If you don't hear |
| - A solid closing with confidence - "Is there any | | | | back, you will need to know who to contact and |
| additional information I can provide to show you that I | | | | whether they will accept calls to check the status.) |
| am the best person for this job? I know I am | | | | Closing the sale is important, but your closing should be |
| convinced that I am the one." Also ask when they will | | | | tailored to the position; your personality and interviewing |
| be making a decision. | | | | style, and the interviewer. Keeping these things in mind |
| The style and the decision | | | | will help you determine which closing is appropriate for |
| Decisions will be based primarily on the position and the | | | | you and the situation. |
| personality sought. If they are looking for someone in | | | | |