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180 THE END OF THE INTERVIEW

a day, I would like to know if there are any more questions you have for
me or perhaps any concerns about my candidacy.”

3. Inquire about a date for the hiring decision. Sometimes it is only
a matter of days, other times it may be weeks. Either way, you want to
know so you can follow up appropriately. So ask, “By what date do you
expect to make a decision?”

4. Ask interviewers for their contact information, should you need
to reach them. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to meet
with me today. This informative interview answered many of my ques-
tions. Should I need additional information, would you rather I contact
you via e-mail or phone?”

With the above four strategies in place, you gain an edge over the
other interviewees. To increase your chances of selection even further,
there are interview blunders to avoid.

Some Closing Mistakes

Unfortunately, after all the hard work job seekers put into their search,
including their résumés and cover letters, the networking, and the in-
terview questions, many candidates make a wrong move at the very end
that costs them the job. The following three common mistakes are easy
to avoid when you know what to look for.

, Mistake 1. Saying no before the job is offered. An occasion may arise
during the interview when you decide that you do not want the job.
Regardless of the reason (e.g., salary, personality incompatibility, no
room for growth), refrain from turning down a position before it is of-
fered. The reason is twofold: (1) the intention of the interview is to re-
ceive a job offer. When you turn down a position prematurely, you will
never know if your interview skills are up to par; and (2) interview set-
tings are emotional situations, prone to quick and often inaccurate reac-
tions. Your dissatisfaction with the job may be with the interview itself
and not with the responsibilities of the position. Do not say no to a po-
sition before you have had the time to consider its suitability for you.

American Management Association
www.amanet.org