Guide to What To Say at the End of an Interview as an Interviewer

As an interviewer, it’s important to know what to say at the end of the interview. You want to leave the candidate with a good impression, and you also want to make sure that you’ve collected all the information you need.

In this blog post, we will discuss what to say at the end of an interview as an interviewer and some tips for making the process go more smoothly.

How to End an Interview as the Interviewer

One of the most important things you can do as an interviewer is to successfully close the interview. This means thanking the candidate for their time, reiterating that you will be in touch, and confirming any next steps. You want to ensure that the candidate feels good about the interview and leaves a positive impression.

Here are some tips on how to end an interview as the interviewer:

1. Thank the candidate for their time

This is a given, but it’s always important to be polite and thankful, especially when the candidate has taken time out of their busy schedule to speak with you. A simple “thank you for coming in today” goes a long way.

2. Summarize what you’ve discussed

As the interviewer, it’s important to ensure that you and the candidate are on the same page. A quick summary of what was discussed will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings. It will also give the candidate a chance to correct any misconceptions.

3. Ask if there is anything else the candidate would like to discuss

This is an important question because it shows that you’re interested in hearing more from the candidate and values their input. It also gives them a chance to bring up any red flags or concerns they may have about the position or company. If everything goes well, this is also an opportunity for the candidate to sell themselves one last time before ending the interview.

4. Reiterate your interest in the candidate

Let the candidate know if you’re impressed with what you’ve heard so far! Reiterating your interest lets them know that they’re being considered for the role and gives them a boost of confidence going into future interviews.

5. Thank the candidate again and confirm any next steps

End the interview positively by thanking the candidate one last time. This is also a good opportunity to confirm any next steps in the process, such as scheduling a follow-up interview or extending an offer. If you don’t have anything else to add, simply say, “Thank you for your time today, we will be in touch soon.” and end the call.

Examples of what to say at the End of an Interview as an Interviewer

Thank the candidate for their time and let them know that you will be in touch soon. If the candidate is not selected, let them know as soon as possible.

Here are some examples of what to say at the end of an interview:

• “Thank you for your time today. We really appreciate it. I’ll be in touch soon with a decision.”
• “It was great to meet you. Thank you for coming in today.”
• “I appreciate the time you took to come in for this interview. Unfortunately, we have decided to go with another candidate.”
• “We enjoyed getting to know you and hope you have a great day.”
• “I enjoyed meeting with you and hearing about your experience.”
• Thank you for answering all of our questions.
• “You are a strong candidate, and we will keep you in mind.”
• “We have a few more candidates to interview, but we will be in touch soon.”

These are just a few examples of what you might say at the end of an interview. Be sure to tailor your words to fit the specific situation. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to end the interview positively.

What not to say at the end of an interview

When interviewing candidates for a job, there are certain things that you should not say at the end of the interview. First, avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as rude, condescending, or unprofessional. For example, avoid saying:

• “Thanks for your time, but we’ve decided to go with another candidate.”
• “We have a few more candidates to interview.”
• “You’re not quite what we’re looking for.”
• “We’ll be in touch.”
• “I’ll let you know.”
• “Thanks, bye.”

These phrases can come across as cold and impersonal. If you must deliver bad news, be sure to do so in a kind and professional way. Thank the candidate for their time and let them know that you will keep them in mind for future opportunities.

• Saying too much: At the end of the interview, avoid giving the candidate too much information. If you tell the candidate everything about the job and company, they may not feel the need to come back for a second interview. Be sure to save some information for later in the process.

Key Takeaways

In summary, when ending an interview, be sure to:

Related: Exit Interviews Questions to Help You Retain Top Talent

Good Questions to Ask at the End of an Interview as an Interviewer

As an interviewer, you always want to ensure you get the most out of your time with the candidate. Towards the end of the interview, it’s a good idea to ask questions that will help you gauge the candidate’s interest in the position and overall fit. Here are a few questions to get you started:

→ What are your thoughts on the role?

This is your chance to get feedback from the candidate on how they think they did in the interview. It’s also a good opportunity to find out their thoughts on the role and see if they have any questions about the position.

→ What are your career aspirations?

This question will help you get a sense of where the candidate sees themselves in the future and what their goals are. It can also give insight into how motivated they are to further their career.

→ What do you think of our company?

This is your chance to find out what the candidate thinks of your company. It’s important to know if they have a positive or negative opinion of your business, as this can impact their willingness to work for you.

→ What are your career aspirations?

This question will help you get a sense of where the candidate sees themselves in the future and what their goals are. It can also give insight into how motivated they are to further their career.

→ What salary are you looking for?

This is an important question to ask at the end of an interview, as it will give you an idea of what salary range the candidate is expecting. It’s also a good way to gauge their interest in the position and see if they’re truly considering working for you.

→ Would you be willing to relocate?

If you’re looking for a candidate willing to relocate, this is the question. It’s important to determine if the candidate is open to moving for the role, as it can impact their ability to start working for you.

→ How soon would you be able to start if we offered you the job?

This is another important question to ask at the end of an interview, as it will give you an idea of the candidate’s availability. It’s also a good way to gauge their interest in the position and see if they’re truly considering working for you.

→ How interested are you in this position?

This is your chance to find out how interested the candidate is in the role. It’s important to know if they’re truly considering working for you, as this can impact their motivation and performance if they start work.

→ What do you think of our company so far?

This question allows the candidate to give feedback on your company. It’s a good way to get their honest opinion on what they think and give you some insight into their thought process.

→ What do you think are our biggest strengths and weaknesses?

This question allows the candidate to give their opinion on your company. It’s a good way to get honest feedback and see what they think of your business. It can also give you insight into how they would improve things if they were in charge.

→ Why are you looking for a new job?

In some cases, the answer to this question can be telling. It’s a good way to determine if the candidate is looking for a new job because they’re unhappy with their current situation or simply exploring their options.

→ What do you think sets us apart from other companies in our industry?

This is your chance to determine what the candidate thinks of your company. It’s important to know if they have a positive or negative opinion of your business, as this can impact their willingness to work for you.

→ How would you describe your ideal job?

By asking this question, you can get an idea of what the candidate is looking for in a role. It can also give you insight into their thought process and what they consider important in a job.

→ What can you tell us about your experience working with teams?

This question allows the candidate to talk about their experience working with teams. It’s a good way to gauge their teamwork skills and see if they fit your company’s culture well.

→ What are your strengths and weaknesses?

When asking this question, it’s important to listen for qualities that match the job description. It’s also a good way to understand the candidate’s self-awareness and see if they can accurately assess their skills.

→ What are your thoughts on our company’s direction?

This question allows the candidate to give their opinion on your company. It’s a good way to get honest feedback and see what they think of your business. It can also give you insight into how they would improve things if they were in charge.

Related: Questions To Ask a New Employee

How to Make the Interview Process Smoother for Everyone Involved

The interview process can be tough for everyone involved. For the interviewee, it can be nerve-wracking to sell yourself to a stranger. And for the interviewer, getting a read on a person can be difficult when you only have a limited amount of time to talk to them. However, there are some things that both parties can do to make the process go more smoothly.

Here are some tips for making the interview process smoother: 

For the Interviewee: 

• Prepare, prepare, prepare. The better prepared you are for the interview, the more confident you will be able to sell yourself to the interviewer. Be sure to do your research on the company and the role that you’re applying for. Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a list of questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview.

• Dress for success. First impressions are important, so be sure to dress for success. This means dressing in professional clothing that is appropriate for the role that you’re applying for. Avoid wearing anything too revealing or flashy.

• Arrive early. Arriving early shows that you’re punctual and eager to get started. It also allows you to take a few deep breaths and calm your nerves before the interview begins.

• Be aware of your body language. Your body language says a lot about you, so be aware of it during the interview. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and avoid fidgeting. These are all signs of confidence that will score you points with the interviewer.

• Listen more than you speak. It’s important to let the interviewer do most of the talking. This allows them to better understand who you are and how well you would fit into the role. However, don’t be afraid to pipe up when you have something valuable to say.

• Ask questions. Asking questions shows that you’re interested in the role and the company. It also gives you a chance to get more information about the job and make sure it’s a good fit for you.

• Follow up. Be sure to follow up with the interviewer after the interview is over. This shows that you’re interested in the role and eager to hear back from them.

Related: What To Say at An Interview

For the Interviewer: 

• Prepare ahead of time. The better prepared you are for the interview, the more smoothly it will go. Be sure to review the candidate’s resume and application ahead of time to know what to expect. Additionally, preparing a list of questions in advance is a good idea.

• Create a welcoming environment. The interviewee is likely to be nervous, so it’s important to create a welcoming environment. This means being friendly and approachable from the start. Additionally, try to put the candidate at ease by making small talk before diving into the questions.

• Ask open-ended questions. Asking open-ended questions will encourage the interviewee to elaborate on their answers. This will give you a better sense of who they are and how they would fit into the role. Avoid yes or no questions whenever possible.

• Be aware of your body language. Your body language can influence the interviewee, so be aware of it. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and avoid crossing your arms. These are all signs of attentiveness and interest that will put the interviewee at ease.

• Listen more than you speak. It’s important to let the interviewee do most of the talking. This allows you to better understand who they are and how well they would fit into the role. However, don’t be afraid to pipe up when you have something valuable to say.

• Take notes. Taking notes during the interview will help you remember what the candidate said later. It also shows that you’re interested in what they have to say.

• Thank the interviewee. Be sure to thank the interviewee for their time once the interview ends. This shows that you appreciate their effort and look forward to hearing back from them.

Related: Interview Questions About Management Style

Conclusion

The end of an interview can be just as important as the beginning. First impressions matter and you want to leave the interviewer with a good feeling about you. By following these tips, you can ensure that you end your next interview on a strong note.

Do you have any other tips for how to end an interview? Share them with us in the comments below!

FAQ