Interview Skills - How to Exit an Interview Without Letting Yourself Down

The end of an interview is often the time when a lotmumbling about how you didn't think the interview went
of job applicants let themselves down. As thethat well. As the interviewer stands to see you out of
interview starts to wind down, candidates often makethe room, you will need to stand up tall, and confidently
the mistake of thinking the hard work is over and theypresent your hand to shake that of the interviewer. At
begin to relax. As they relax, they can sometimes,the same time your ending comment should be
accidentally, say something that puts doubt in thesomething along the lines of, "thank you for taking the
employer's mind regarding their suitability. In addition, astime to see me, it has been a pleasure to meet you, I
candidates 'switch off' from interview mode, their bodylook forward to hearing from you again". This way you
language can be very telling and may suggest to thehave demonstrated that you are grateful for the
interviewer that they are not the right person for theopportunity to speak to them, and you are also letting
job. Such actions can destroy all the hard work youthem know that you are keen to hear from them
have put in to getting the entrance and the middle ofagain and hopefully soon!
your interview right.Walk out of the room with confidence and be aware
So, how should you exit an interview?that the people you may come across as you leave
The last stage of the interview will generally be whenthe room and indeed the building, may all have an
the interviewer asks you if you have any questions.influence on the interviewer's decision. For example, the
Always ensure that you have something relevant toreceptionist or security staff may be asked how you
ask at this point. Once this questioning session hascame across to them; therefore friendly smiles to
finished the interviewer will probably give youother members of staff certainly won't do any harm
information about how you will be notified of the resultand indeed could help your cause.
of your interview. Whilst listening to this information,You need to remain confident and focused right to the
take the time to remind yourself that you are still beingvery last moment. Remember, at whichever point you
judged; you therefore still have to be confident and stillthink the interview is over... add another 5 minutes
have to talk clearly and with considered responses. Dowhere you remain in 'interview mode'... just to be
not display any negative body language or startcertain!