Give the applicant a chance to ask questions before ending the interview. A candidate who has questions about the job or company is displaying an interest in ensuring that the job is right for her. It's a two-way street; both you and the candidate want the match to be a good fit. You are looking for a new employee who wants to come on board and stay for the long haul. Applicants are seeking a job that they will find rewarding in a positive environment.

Your candidates will appreciate it if you let them know what the next step will be. You may want to narrow the selection down to two or three applicants then do a follow-up interview with each one, or have a manager that works with you conduct a second round of interviews. You don't have to interview your top choices a second time, but some business owners find it helpful at the end if there is more than one likely candidate. As with the first round of interviews, ask each person the same questions and take notes for your files.

It is always a pleasant surprise when an applicant follows up with a handwritten note thanking you for the interview. This is a display of gracious social skills and a continued interest in securing the job. If you receive such a note, clip it to the person's application. Some people may ask you if they can call to follow up in a few days to see if a decision has been made. Once you have opened your door to invite someone for an interview, she deserves this courtesy.