The Conclusion

At the end of the interview, you will be given the opportunity (and expected) to ask some questions.

It is important to have prepared some questions beforehand, as your questions will tell the interviewer a lot about your attitude and your desire to understand the organisation’s expectations. Some questions you might want to ask include:

• What is the organisation's communication style (e.g. meetings, memos, etc)?
• What would a typical day in this position be like for me?
• What have been some of the interesting challenges and opportunities your organisation has faced recently?
• What opportunities are there for personal/professional development?

Of course, some of your pre-planned questions will have been answered incidentally during the interview, while other questions might have come to mind during the process. Remember that two or three questions are usually sufficient.

When asking questions in an interview, you should focus on questions that demonstrate your interest in, and knowledge of, the organisation. Consider bringing a notepad and pen to take notes; this will show that you have come prepared and are taking the opportunity to ask questions seriously.

Don't ask about salary in an interview. Wait until you have been offered the position before seeking to negotiate the terms and conditions of employment. Do, however, ask about the next stage in the selection process and/or when they expect to make their decision.

The conclusion of the interview usually lasts about five minutes. End the interview on a positive note by smiling, thanking the interviewer for their time and shaking their hand. Remain enthusiastic and polite - and remember that the interview isn't over until you walk out the door!

Activity
Write down three questions that you might ask of an interviewer in the closing phase of an interview. Type your questions and store them in your presentation folder.