So, you’ve made it through the interview. You answered their questions, showed off your skills, and maybe even had a good laugh with the interviewer. But before you walk out the door (or log off the Zoom call), there’s one last thing you need to do : master your interview close.

A strong finish can make all the difference. It’s your last chance to leave a positive impression, clarify anything you missed, and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

Here’s how to do it right.

1. Say Thank You (Like You Mean It)

This one’s simple but crucial. Always thank the interviewer for their time before you leave. It’s polite, professional, and shows that you appreciate the opportunity.

Example:

• “Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about the team and the role.”

Pro Tip: If multiple people interviewed you, thank each of them individually before heading out.

2. Ask About Next Steps

Don’t leave the interview guessing what happens next. Get clarity on the hiring process so you know when (and if) to follow up.

Example Questions:

• “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
• “When can I expect to hear back from you?”
• “Will there be any further interviews or assessments?”

Knowing the timeline helps you stay patient instead of anxiously refreshing your inbox every five minutes.

3. Address Any Concerns (Before You Walk Out the Door)

One bold (but effective) move is to ask if the interviewer has any concerns about your application. This gives you a chance to clear up any doubts before they make a final decision.

Example:

• “Before we wrap up, I just wanted to check—do you have any concerns about my experience or anything else that I could clarify?”

This shows confidence, professionalism, and a willingness to improve. If they do have concerns, you get the chance to address them immediately rather than leaving them unanswered.

4. Find Out Who to Contact for Follow-Ups

Even if they gave you a timeline, things can change. Always ask who you should reach out to if you have any questions.

Example:

• “If I think of any follow-up questions, who would be the best person to reach out to?”

This keeps communication open and ensures your follow-ups go to the right person.

5. Reaffirm Your Interest (Without Sounding Desperate)

If you really want the job, say so. Employers want to hire people who are genuinely excited about the role.

Example:

• “I just want to say again that I’m really excited about this opportunity. I think my skills in [XYZ] would be a great fit for your team, and I’d love the chance to contribute.”

This reinforces your enthusiasm and reminds them why you’re a strong candidate.

6. The Final Goodbye (With a Smile!)

Now, it’s time to exit gracefully. Stand up, shake hands (or wave if it’s virtual), and give a final, confident farewell.

Example:

• “Thanks again for your time—I really appreciate it. I look forward to hearing from you!”

Leave with a smile, good posture, and a positive attitude. First impressions matter, but so do last impressions.

Bonus Tip: Send a Follow-Up Email

A short, thoughtful thank-you email within 24 hours is always a good move. It keeps you top of mind and shows professionalism.

Example Email:

Subject: Thank You for Your Time

Hi [Interviewer’s Name],

I just wanted to send a quick thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the [Job Title] role. Our discussion about [specific topic you discussed] was especially interesting, and it reinforced my excitement about the opportunity.

Please let me know if you need any more information from me. I look forward to hearing about next steps!

Best regards,

Final Takeaways

1. Say thank you—a little appreciation goes a long way.
2. Ask about next steps so you know what to expect.
3. Address concerns upfront to eliminate doubts.
4. Find out who to contact if you have questions later.
5. Reaffirm your interest—let them know you want the job.
6. Follow up with a thank-you email to leave a lasting impression.

Mastering the interview close is just as important as nailing the first impression. Do it right, and you’ll boost your chances of landing the job.

Looking for more interview tips? Check out our latest career advice here.