Just as your arrival at the interview provides you with your first opportunity to make a good impression, your exit provides you with the chance to make a lasting one. What you do at this point may be what sticks in the interviewer's mind when it is time to decide who to hire. Make sure you end the interview on a positive note.

Do You Have any Questions?

At the end of the interview, the interviewer will usually ask you if you have any questions. “No” is not a good answer. This is your chance to become a proactive part of the job interview, so don't waste it. The purpose of the questions you ask is twofold. They should indicate your interest in the job. They should also help you learn as much as you can to help you make an informed decision if you are offered the job. You should come to the interview with a list of prepared questions to ask the interviewer.

You can ask the interviewer to clarify the job duties or explain the chain of command. You can also ask him for more information about something he mentioned during the interview. You will find a list of suggested questions you can ask in Chapter 14.

ask for the Job

Don't forget to ask for the job before you leave. Most people neglect to do this. They may not want to appear overly eager. However, the interviewer is not a mind reader. If you do not let him know you want the job, he may assume you have decided you don't want it.

You do not have to come out and say, “I want the job.” You can say instead, “Based on what we discussed today, I think I would be a perfect fit for this job. When can I expect to hear from you?” This statement not only expresses your interest in the job, but also gives you the opportunity to reiterate that you are qualified to fill the position.

Before you leave, do not forget to say goodbye to the interviewer. Tell him it was nice to meet with him. As you did when you first began, be ready to shake the interviewer's hand if he extends it.