Closing the Interview

Final Impressions

Some general guidelines to follow at the end of the interview:

  • Be sure to enquire about the next interview stage
  • If the interviewer offers you the position and if you feel that the interviewer has answered your questions to your complete satisfaction, and you are truly interested in the position, accept the job offer on the spot as this will secure you the position and you will no longer be competing with others.
  • If you wish for some time to think it over, be courteous and tactful in asking for the time. Set a definite date when you can provide an answer.
  • If he does not offer the position but you are truly interested you should ask something along the lines of “I am very interested in being part of your team, what is the nest step”. However do not be too discouraged if no offer is made. It may be that he wants to discuss with his colleagues or interview other candidates before reaching a final decision.
  • If you get the impression that the interview is not going well and that you have already been rejected, don’t let your discouragement show. Once in a while an interviewer who is genuinely interested in your possibilities may seem to discourage you in order to test your reaction.
  • Ensure the interviewer knows how to contact you when they conclude the next step.
  • THANK the interviewer for their time and shake their hand firmly at the end

All these points are there to give you the final chance of leaving a lasting impression. It may be just what gets you over the final hurdle.

After the Interview

  • Immediately after the interview jot down all your thoughts and important information that was uncovered during the interview. It is amazing how much one forgets and this may help you if you are called for a second interview.
  • Call your consultant to inform then about how it went, and if you have any queries that may need to be addressed. They are there to help you so use their expertise.
  • If you are sincerely interested it may be a good idea to write a formal letter/email to the interviewer expressing your interest. This shows you to be enthusiastic and proactive and may secure you that role.

Counter Offer

A counter offer is an offer from your current employer to rival the new offer you have received. Statistics prove, (currently 85%) most often people who accept a counter offer leave their current employer within 6-12 months anyway.

There are numerous factors to consider when receiving a counter offer. It is beneficial for you to consider these factors when contemplating a counter offer:

  • Is the offer what you really want? Has anything within the company actually changed, and will you have the same standing within the company? The real reason you wanted to leave the company may not have been addressed.
  • How would the acceptance of the counter offer affect your standing with your would-be employers at the new organization? If you accept the counter offer it is likely that the new company will not look at employing you in the future when you decide to eventually leave.
  • Although a counter offer is often flattering, there may be other reasons that the company wants to keep you other than personal reasons. Remember that re-placing an employee can be very expensive, they may not have time to recruit or they may want you to finish the project you are currently working on and losing staff may reflect badly on your boss.
  • You should question why they are only offering you what you deserve now, rather than before your resignation. Don’t be naïve – look at where the money for the pay rise is coming from – is it your next pay rise being paid early?
  • More than likely your employer will actively start seeking for prospective candidates to replace you even if you accept the counter offer and you may have burnt your bridges elsewhere which will make it more difficult to secure other employment.
  • Your employer now knows that you are unhappy after the initial resignation. It is highly possible that if you accept the counter offer your loyalty will always be in question – when promotions come around your employer will remember who was loyal and who wasn’t. When the going gets tough for the company, it is also possible that you may be at the top of the list for lay-off.
  • Co-workers are also aware of company dealings, and when it is found that you were going to leave the company, the relationship you have shared with your peers will no longer be the same.