How to End an Interview (With Steps and Useful Tips)

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated 1 November 2022

Published 3 January 2022

The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts equipped with Indeed's data and insights to deliver useful tips to help guide your career journey.

Every interview may differ based on many factors, but how you end the session can contribute to the outcome of an interview. Different situations during the interview may require different approaches, and how you end an interview can be as important as the rest of the session. Knowing how to end an interview in the right way can help you make a positive impression on the interviewers. In this article, we discuss how to end an interview using some of the best techniques and explore some helpful tips to do so.

How to end an interview

Knowing how to end an interview can help you prepare better for your next one. Here are the 11 things you may do to increase your chances of impressing the hiring manager while ending an interview:

1. Talk about your experience and qualifications

Your CV might contain most of the useful information about your work experience and qualifications. In case you have additional experience or relevant qualifications that you haven't included in your CV, you can share them with the panel before the interview ends. This can help you demonstrate any useful experience to the panel that may apply to the job. Also, take the chance to talk about your skills and how you can use them to help the company achieve its goals.

2. Emphasise why you'd like to fill the position

You can talk about why you would like to work in the role for which you're interviewing. It can show how dedicated and serious you're about the job and the company while also increasing your possibilities of getting the job. State all the reasons for the company to hire you. You may also discuss how the session has proved that you're the fit candidate because of your interests.

3. Request to know what's next after the interview

Before leaving the interview session, enquire about the next step, which can help clarify matters and prevent confusion on what to expect. During the process, you may get to know whether there are more candidates to come in after you. You can also get an estimate of the time frame you're likely to get a response from the team if they decide to hire you.

4. Summarise why you are the right candidate to fill the position

Another way to end your interview can be to summarise for the interviewing panel why you're the right candidate for the position. First, summarise your capabilities and qualifications in a way that adheres to the requirements of the job. Then, talk about yourself and how you can help lead the company in the right direction.

5. Request that they hire you

In some industries and companies, being bold can be helpful because potential employers may look for confidence during interviews. If you feel confident this is the right role for you, you might end the interview by reassuring them you're a good fit and asking for the job directly. Remember that no matter the answer you get back, be positive and maintain a genuine smile during the interaction.

Many interviewers cannot offer a job immediately because they need to speak with other team members and complete the interview process before making a decision. Be prepared to follow up this question with another answer, in case they say they can not offer you a position today. For example, you might ask when they expect to have an answer or when they expect to finish interviewing other candidates. You may also offer if there's anything that you could do to help increase your chances of earning the role.

6. Enquire about the position and the company

Even though you might have done prior research about the company and the position you applied for, it's best to ask for clarifications. The hiring manager may give you a chance at the end of the session to ask questions. You can take that opportunity to ask questions about the position you're applying for, as it may help you decide how much interest you have in the role. You can also ask about the company's expectations from you during the first months.

7. Ask about the company culture

At the end of an interview, consider asking the interviewer about their company's culture and the challenges that may come with holding the position you intend to fill. You may ask them what they like or dislike about the company. Doing this can help you create a good impression with your interviewers and enable you to learn much more about the company.

8. End the interview in style

If you have little to say at the end of the interview, you can take a different approach. Appreciate the interviewer for their time and for allowing you to show your interest. Let them know the interview session's impact on you and how your experience can add to the company's growth and achievements. Also, remember to let the interview know that you would look forward to hearing from them.

9. Ask if the panel expects more details from you

Asking this question can provide you with additional time to expound on your skills and professionalism. At this point in the interview, you can produce copies of your references or CV. Alternatively, you can take this time to ask the interviewer if they've something they'd like you to explain further. Providing the interviewer with a copy of your portfolio can also help explain more about you.

10. Express your willingness to accept the job immediately

If possible, let the panel know you can join the company immediately. Take your last minutes before the interview session ends and show the approach you may take to add value to the company. These are simple tactics you can learn after doing thorough research about the company and its history. If you're being interviewed for a leadership position, elaborate on how your leadership can help bring all the employees on board and achieve your goals.

11. Follow up and draft a thank-you message to the employer

You can send a thank-you message after the interview to appreciate the panel for giving you a chance with them. Mention the special things you saw on each interviewer and do this before the day ends so that the message is timely. If you intend to write an appreciation message after the interview, note down various occurrences that stood out, then use them as your guide. Don't forget to do follow-up emails. Doing follow-ups after attending an interview can let you know whether you got the job. That is applicable when the company takes a long time to respond.

Tips to consider when ending an interview

Here are some additional tips you may consider to end an interview the right way:

Be aware of your body language

Your body language can tell a lot about you. Your interviewer might notice your body gestures before you leave. Also, be aware of your facial expressions. Avoid moving your hands too much or fidgeting with them. Try to maintain a positive demeanour throughout the session. Maintain the right amount of eye contact with all the members present in the room.

Request for the hiring manager's contact card

If you believe you're the right candidate for the job, don't shy away from asking for the interviewer's contact card. It can help you send an appreciation message after the interview and also do a follow-up. It may help show the employer that you're committed to offer your services to the company.

Remain calm

You may come across some tough questions during the interview. Try to remain calm in such situations, and dictate your answers clearly. Politely ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you don't understand it. This can sometimes demonstrate your ability to remain calm under pressure, and that you can handle such situations well.

Walk out with confidence

Once the interview ends, thank the interviewer or the panel for their time and walk out with a smile on your face. Try to display a positive attitude and confidence regardless of how the session went. It can help give the interviewer a positive impression of you.