Simple Closing Comments Create Job Offers

Interviewing is a selling opportunity. It's a relatively short time frame and you're in the spotlight. Even in so-called casual interviews, you're watched and evaluated very closely. You're compared to others and graded. Everything you do, everything you wear, and everything you say is magnified, and either helps or hurts you.

You can sell yourself into a job and receive an offer by using "closing comments." Closing comments are thoughts you drop into the conversation to "close the sale." Closing comments screen you into the position as opposed to screening you out. They say, in effect, "You should hire me. I belong here."

Interviewers want to know at least three things:

1) Can you do the job? (Do you have the technical skills and experience?)
2) Will you do the job? (Are you motivated to perform?) and
3) How do you fit into the corporate culture? (Is the personal chemistry good

To be successful, you need to win in all three areas. Let's discuss them separately.

Can you do the job? The company wants to know if you have the required technical skills and experience. They also want to know if you can take the ball and run with it. You want to show self confidence, rather than a lack of confidence. Don't lie, but don't be unnecessarily modest. You want to communicate "I can handle this with no sweat," not, "I could do it if you'd hold my hand every step of the way." Here are some good closing comments:

"The job fits my skills and experience."
"I have done similar tasks at (mention previous positions)."
"I wouldn't have any trouble with that."
"We did a very similar project at (company name)"
"I believe I will be able to contribution quickly."

Will you do the job? The company wants to know your level of motivation. Do you want the job? If so, how badly? (Remember that wanting it too badly can be interpreted as desperation.) Here are some closing comments:

"I could really see myself fitting in here."
"I think we'd work well together."
"I'd like the job."
"I'd love to take charge of this."
"I'd love to give it a try."
"I'd like to get started on it."

How do you fit into the corporate culture? The company wants to know if you'll like others and if they'll like you. You want to use phrases that say, in effect, "I like it here." For example:

"I’ve enjoyed meeting the people here."
"I like what you're doing."
"I like the direction you're taking."
"I like your management philosophy."
"I like what I've seen so far."
"From my perspective, it feels like a great fit."
"I like what I believe to be your management style, and I'd like to work for you."

Personally, I advise everyone to be sure that the potential employer knows that you are interested in the position before the interview ends.