·         Talk about what you have to bring to the position one more time. Think of at least five skills or traits you want remembered after the interview. Be specific and give examples. Anyone can say the right thing -- when you can prove that you possess the skills they are looking for, you will stand out from the crowd. Example: “You are looking for someone who is able to come in and negotiate money-saving contracts. As I hope I have proven during the interview, I am that person! I have experience negotiating contracts at all levels, in public industry and private. Just last month, I saved my company over $250K by renegotiating the terms of our IT Services contract. I analyzed the specific terms and found some services we were paying for but not fully utilizing. By minimizing some excess I was able to generate significant savings. I am ready to come in here and find ways to save money right away. ”

 

·         Ask if there is anything else you can provide. Examples include references, transcripts, background information, and samples. Example: "Is there any other information I can provide that would convince you that I am the right person for this job?" In addition, if there is anything you were not able to mention during the interview that you feel would help sell you for the position, by all means, mention it now. You can refer to your resume, if something is listed in it that was not covered during the interview, or show examples from a portfolio you brought along.

 

·         Reiterate your interest in the position. Sound interested and tell the interviewer what added value you can bring to the job. Example: "From what you have been telling me about this position, and from what I know about your company, I can assure you that I have the right mix of experience and education to bring value to this position. Based on my past experience with…, I know I can quickly learn the ropes and be on board with projects within the first few weeks."

 

·         Ask about the next step in the process. It's important for you to know the next step for follow-up. Example: "I'm interested in knowing what the next step in the process will be. When do you anticipate making a decision regarding this position?"

 

·         Find out how to contact the interviewer. It is helpful to find out during the interview who to contact for follow-up and whether the employer will accept calls to check the status. Example: "I'd like to stay in touch and follow up with you in a week or two to see how the process is going and where I stand. How do you prefer that I communicate with you – by email or phone?" Another good way to get the right contact information (for follow-up and thank yous), is to ask for each interviewer’s business card. That way you will be sure to spell everything correctly as well.

Closing the sale is important; be sure to tailor it to the position, your personality and interviewing style, and the interviewer. End on a positive note (one last sales pitch) -- with them picturing you as the best candidate for the job!

Jessica Coffey, MEd, CPRW, CFRWC
MVPSource Director of Client Services

Jessica Coffey has over 15 years of experience providing interview coaching and career management strategies to all levels of government and private sector employees. She serves as lead Interview Coach and Trainer for The Resume Place, where she helped create a formal job interview coaching service. In addition, she wrote the interview chapter of Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Prior to that, Jessica created and managed three successful mock interview programs. As a Contract Career Counselor at the IRS, she developed an interview prep guide for transitioning employees and led numerous career management workshops.

Jessica's ability to quickly assess and determine key areas of improvement for interview clients has helped them, time and again, perform more confidently and successfully during the interview process.

Jessica’s clients have this to say about her work:

“Thank you for the wonderful mock interview. Your advice is invaluable and helped me to see what else I had to take care before the interview.”

“I must say I was truly impressed in the manner in which Jessica conducted the interview. She is truly a professional! She made me feel at ease and really put me through the ropes. It was great! Jessica pointed out my strong points as well as some weak areas that could use some polishing up. With her help, I am sure I will do well … I feel more confident and better prepared this time if I get a call for the interview.”

“I have to thank you again because almost all the ?s I was asked I had a prepared example for.  Thank you so much!”

 

Jessica has been a Contributing Writer and Editor to The Student's Federal Career Guide; Federal Resume Guidebook, 3rd Ed.; Ten Steps to a Federal Job; and Resumes for Dummies.