Completing the Interview

The interview will come to a close when the interviewer has all the information he/she needs. This will usually be signaled to you by asking if you have any additional questions. If you do, ask them. If not, try not to prolong the session.

At the first interview, you should not ask questions about salary, bonuses, company benefits packages, etc. That topic will come up in subsequent interviews. Don't be the one to initiate those questions.

At the conclusion of the interview, summarize your strengths and make sure you express your interest in the positions. You are the salesperson. Don't rely on your application, resume or file to do your selling for you. Be modest about your accomplishments, while getting your points across.

Don't leave without knowing what the next step will be. Ask for the job. If you don't ask, it may be interpreted as a lack of interest. Your goal should be to obtain a job offer or a follow-up interview.

Be sure to thank the interviewer for his/her time.

After the Interview

After the interview stop and reflect on whether you really want the job.

Send a thank you note. In most cases an email thank you note is sufficient. This allows you to thank the interviewer for his/her time, recap your strengths for the position and again express your interest in the job.

The employment interview is your opportunity to sell your experience, skills and knowledge to the interviewer. The more confident, interested and prepared you are, the more opportunities you will create.