Leaving the interviewer with the right picture is a vital step toward securing a job offer. That means being able to handle the questions in the last 5 minutes of the interview with a skilled, planned approach.

Search the internet and you’ll find mixed advice about how to close an interview. We asked a group of employers for the typical questions they ask and what they expect in a good answer.

If offered, will you take the job?

The consistent recommendation is to be enthusiastic and positive. You can go away and reflect later on whether you want the opportunity but above all, be enthusiastic in the meeting. Even if you think you don't want the job, keep your options open at this stage. Employers are looking to judge your level of commitment – if they put an offer out to you and you don’t accept it looks bad on their part.
Do you think you have performed well enough to progress?

A tough question popular with the employers we asked. The suggestion is to use the opportunity to put right any answers you struggled with or feel didn't quite communicate clearly enough. Secondly, this is also your chance to highlight any key points you wanted to get across you have not yet managed to do so. Finally, a useful tip (from the Sales Director of PR Newswire) is to demonstrate your confidence in finishing your answer by asking the interviewer what they think.

Is there anything we haven’t covered in the interview you would like to tell me?

The respondents said they were looking for a summary sales pitch, not just the extra bits. First of all, answer the question directly and pick out any points you have yet managed to get across that are vital to the job. Secondly, re-state the key reasons why the employer should hire you and say you hope these points came across clearly and match what they are looking for. Be succinct!

Having been through the interview, what are your thoughts on working here?

Positivity, enthusiasm and a real interest in the company will do you no harm here. It is also a good opportunity to state you are confident you could perform the role well, given what you have just discussed. Show you have listened and ask a question about something the interviewer covered earlier.

What questions do you have for me?

All surveyed employers emphasised this. Decisions are often made on the quality of your questions. A good trick is to continually ask questions throughout the interview rather than waiting to be asked. Good questions come from good research and preparation - interviewers know this. So don't offer bland questions such as what are the hours, how many employees do you have or where are your other offices. Research hard and come up with interesting, relevant questions. Focus on the job and company itself rather than the benefits it brings you.

When thinking about the closing techniques you may wish to employ at interview, focus on making sure the interviewer knows you are suited for the job, enthusiastic and highly likely to accept should they make the offer.

You have to earn the right to ask to progress; don’t fall into the trap of thinking the conclusion of an interview doesn’t count.

Best of luck,

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