How to End an Interview With 8 Practical Strategies

Updated 17 March 2023

Ending a job interview positively helps create a favourable impression on the hiring manager regarding your candidacy. Preparing for how to end your interview allows you to close the meeting confidently. Knowing what different responses are suitable to use at the end of an interview helps you choose a closing method with which you feel comfortable. In this article, we discuss eight ways to conclude your meeting, provide examples of each and explain why focusing on how to end an interview matters.

How to end an interview: 8 approaches

There are different approaches for you to consider when thinking about how to end an interview well. Some involve asking questions to find out more information, while others are simple statements to leave with the hiring manager. Consider preparing a few different options that allow you to choose once you're through the interview. Here are eight interview closing options for you to review:

1. Prepare questions about the workplace

Interviewers often conclude by asking if you have questions. Even if they don't, this is an opportunity for you to find out more about the workplace and the position. Thoughtful questions show that you researched the workplace and you've been paying attention throughout the interview. The additional information you gain helps you decide whether to take the job if the employer offers it to you. Consider asking questions such as:

'How would you describe the workplace culture?'
'Is there anything you might change about this workplace and why?'
'How does the organisation measure and track work performance?'

2. Find out why the job is open

Understanding why the position is available gives you context to consider when deciding whether to take the job. If it's a new position the organisation created to meet a need, there's no performance history for you to gauge your work against. Find out how the business measures performance. If the previous person was an outstanding contributor in their role, the expectations of you are likely to be high. Ask what that individual did to ensure their success.

If the previous team member left because of poor performance, consider asking why things didn't work out. Some possible reasons include lack of experience, career changes, low engagement or pursuit of opportunities better suited to them elsewhere. Asking this question gives you additional insight into the potential workplace environment and shows the hiring manager you're serious about meeting their expectations. Some examples of how to frame this question include:

'Can I ask why the position is available?'
'Is this an existing position? If so, how can I meet or exceed my predecessor's performance in the role?'
'The job listing mentions you're urgently hiring for this role, and I thrive under challenging situations. If you hired me, is it likely to be high pressure from day one?'

3. Confirm your interest in the job

Closing your interview by reminding the interviewer what excites you about the opportunity often ends things on a positive note. Focus on why the culture appeals to you or how you see yourself being a suitable fit. Another aspect to highlight is how your values align with the employer's. Discuss what part of the job excites your curiosity and interest.

'After speaking to you, I'm very excited by the possibility of working here.'
'I love that sustainability is a core value of this company. Being able to work with people who care about the same things I do is so appealing to me.'
'This position allows me to do everything I trained for while studying. That's an opportunity I won't take lightly.'

Related: Guide to Company Culture

4. Remind them of your qualifications

Throughout the closing stages of your interview, seek opportunities to remind the interviewer what you offer the employer. Reiterate your strongest points, mention how you might apply them to the job and highlight the positive contribution you're ready to make to a team. Consider the following closing statements:

'From what I've heard today, this position seems to be a great fit for my abilities and training. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the sales managers and train them on using the latest software, helping them meet and exceed their sales targets.'
'My background, although unconventional, seems to suit this role. While my experience in accounting lends itself to event budgeting, my working experience in an interior design studio gives me a creative eye that transfers perfectly to event decor.'

5. Find out if the employer needs information from you

Ask the interviewer if they need other information from you. This provides an additional opportunity to show your skills. Bring an extra copy of your resume and portfolio if it relates to the position. Consider asking questions such as:

'If you need any other information, I have a copy of my portfolio for you, including some of my work for previous clients.'
'Here's a list of my references. They're all people I've worked with and under over the past decade and are happy to discuss my performance, weaknesses and strengths with you.'
'I can email any other details you need.'

6. Address the interviewer's doubts

When you don't necessarily meet all the interviewer's criteria, use the end of the interview to address any doubts. Consider covering any lack of experience, hesitations over your technical aptitude or any other area where the recruiter showed concern. Some example responses include:

'I may not have the exact working experience you're looking for yet, but I'm a fast learner and love new challenges. I look forward to learning from and growing with an experienced team.'
'While spreadsheets are still new to me, I've signed up for a short course and aim to complete it before commencing work.'
'While I find the creative side of copy-writing more challenging, I excel at business writing and feel my skills in that area can be of use to you in creating proposals.'

7. Find out what happens next

Finding out the next steps in the interview process helps you clarify any actions they expect you to take. Their response often gives you a timeline to guide your follow-up if you haven't had a response. Consider asking:

'Is there anything else you need from me? I'm happy to provide anything that can help you make your decision.'
'May I contact you if I haven't had a response? Would next week work for you?'
'I appreciate you taking the time to interview me today. Can you let me know what you decide, or should I phone next week to check?'

8. Thank your interviewers

Taking the time to send thank you emails to your interviewers shows your professionalism and makes a favourable impression on the hiring team. Aim to send yours within 24 hours following the interview. Consider thanking them for the opportunity to learn more about the workplace and the position. Your thank-you email offers another opportunity to confirm your excitement about the job.

A hiring team who finds you pleasant to interview and courteous afterwards is likely to gain the impression that you're an easy-to-work-with person with a positive attitude and an appreciative nature. Some examples include:

'I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today and the opportunity to apply for this fantastic position.'
'Thank you for your consideration for the open sales manager position. I appreciate you sharing such fascinating market insights into the current trends in shoe sales and look forward to the possibility of working with you.'
'I enjoyed my interview with you and hope that the hiring team approves of my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.'

Why is ending an interview well important?

Hiring managers typically score each candidate straight after their interview, while the session is still fresh in their minds. Your last words influence how they perceive you. If your meeting goes smoothly, this establishes or reaffirms your suitability as a potential candidate. If you aren't able to answer some questions or lack experience, your closing statement helps you progress to the next stage by showing the employer your potential and commitment to learning.