By Michael R. Neece, CEO Interview Mastery
The closing phase of the interview takes up the last 5 minutes and it’s where you gather feedback
to understand what perceptions the interviewer has of you. You ask two closing questions at the
end of every interview.
The first question:
“What strengths do you feel I bring to this position?”
Using the word “feel” in the question makes it an opinion asking question and that is exactly
what you want, their opinion of your strengths. You have just invested 45 minutes with this
interviewer ( a stranger) and it is unreasonable to believe they have an accurate assessment of
your background. When they are done responding to your first question, you can agree with them
and add any additional strengths you wish to emphasize.
The second question and the most important question:
“What concerns do you have about my background?”
This question uncovers hidden concerns. It is the undisclosed concerns that can derail your
candidacy. If you know about a concern you can address it while you are there face-to-face. As
soon as you conclude that interview, their opinion of you is cast in stone and any seeds of
concern will grow into weeds. Concerns grow over time but positive impressions remain the
same. It’s imperative that you uncover any concerns before you leave the interview.
When the interviewer expresses a concern do not jump all over it and try to make it go away.
Listen carefully. After they tell you about one concern ask if they have any other concerns. They
are telling you what their opinion is of you and areas where they need more information.
If you only ask one closing question, make sure to ask question number two; “What concerns do
you have about my background?”
The closing is your chance to gather essential feedback and accelerate the process forward. You
have invested time, money and energy to travel to and interview with this company. It is their
professional obligation to give you feedback, but you have to ask for it.