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Original poster

Would this be a good way to end an interview? Or not?

30 replies

maggiethemagpie · 04/06/2017 16:25

I have an interview tomorrow for a job I really want. It is a 3 stage process and I've come through stages 1 (interview) and 2 (tests) well.

The final stage is with the boss and his boss, and I know they've seen some good candidates so I think it will be a close run thing and probably depend on who they like the most or think will fit in best as we can probably all do the job or else wouldn't have made it to final stage.

I have some intelligent questions up my sleeve for the bit at the end when they ask if you have any questions, but was thinking of summarising the reasons why they should hire me at the end.

Eg saying 'I would just like to summarise what I can bring to the role, I have x and y experience and a passion for z ' etc. Nothing too long just a little summary.

Or do you think that that sounds too pushy and it looks like I am doing their job for them, as surely they'll be weighing up the pros and cons of each candidate themselves?

I want to show what i can offer but without pushing it - should I just trust in the interview process and the questions they ask, or be a bit more 'sales'y (NB it is not a sales job at all - a business advisory role)

OP posts:
MrsEricBana · 04/06/2017 16:28

I don't think it's a bad idea so prepare for it but don't do it if it feels wrong at the time as could be a bit pushy.

AnnieAnoniMouse · 04/06/2017 16:30

That would rub me up the wrong way. I'd be smiling, but thinking I'll decide what I feel you bring. Or not. Hmm

You don't need to 'summarise'. They're interviewing you, they can & will take what they need from your answers.

Still, it's not as bad as I thought you might be going to suggest 😂

Just be (the best version of) yourself.
Good luck 💐

WipsGlitter · 04/06/2017 16:31

What are your "intelligent" questions?

MikeUniformMike · 04/06/2017 16:33

suggest you skip the words " 'I would just like to summarise what I can bring to the role,"

Redcliff · 04/06/2017 16:41

I wouldn't - it could easily put them off. Sounds like you could use some of that information if they ask you why you want the job. Good luck!

ImperialBlether · 04/06/2017 16:42

I think it would sound as though you were assuming they couldn't do that for themselves.

2014newme · 04/06/2017 16:44

I wouldn't. They should be able to work that out. Keen us fine, pushy can even be fine, patronising is not fine.
I have recruited thousands of people.

WillowWeeping · 04/06/2017 16:47

I wouldn't use the words "can I summarise..." but I think it's fine to say you've really enjoyed meeting them, feel you'd be a good fit and give one or two specific examples of what you can bring.

Also every question you answer should reference how the skill you're talking about lends itself to the role.

EssentialHummus · 04/06/2017 16:48

I wouldn't, but if the interview has gone well and you are asked if you have any questions a good final question (IMO) is, "Do you have any doubts about my suitability for this position, that I can clarify for you?"

Just be prepared to answer it.

Original poster
maggiethemagpie · 04/06/2017 17:03

OK.. I thought it may be a bit pushy hence asking!

As I thought, I'll just answer the questions they ask me and let them do the summarising themselves when I've left the room.

All the feedback I've had so far has been good, so I think I have a fair chance of getting the job although if it turns out someone else is a better fit for them so be it , que sera sera.

OP posts:
Viewofhedges · 04/06/2017 17:08

How about something more along the lines of " I just want to say thank you for asking me to interview, I do hope I'm successful, as I'd really love to work here and think I'd fit in well with the team. It was good to meet you all." All smiles and firm handshakes. Good luck!

Twinklyfaerieglade · 04/06/2017 17:09

Careful with the questions you ask at the end. They never get you appointed but can throw shade on your performance.
It does depend on the role and the industry but I have to say I never ask them these days. Some years ago I noticed "clever" questions often made interviewers uncomfortable and t's and c's questions make you seem a bit jobsworth.

justmetwice · 04/06/2017 17:15

For my recent job interview, which i got, I asked 'what is the biggest concern you have regarding my suitability for this role at this point?' I got the job, and told by some of my interviewers that that really impressed.

Original poster
maggiethemagpie · 04/06/2017 17:20

I'm not sure if I'd feel comfortable asking that - glad it worked for you though!
The questions I had up my sleeve at the end were related to aspects of how I'd do the job, and I'm not asking them to sound clever but am genuinely interested in the answer.

Eg part of my role is to upskill managers, so I'd be asking about what their development needs are and what to focus on as priority.

Stuff that if I got the job I'd be asking about in my first week anyway.

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Magpie24 · 04/06/2017 17:23

I probably wouldn't offer that summary but if an opportunity to use the summary comes up during the interview then you should go for it.

In terms of questions, if the interviewer/s have been at the company for a number of years I usually like to ask them what has kept them at the company for so long and maybe a bit about their journey to current role. People always like to talk about themselves!

JustHereForThePooStories · 04/06/2017 17:27

I interview a lot an often have candidates do something similar at the end but they word it better, usually along the line of-

"I'd just like to reiterate my interest in this role and hope I've demonstrated the X/Y/Z skills that you're looking for".

AlternativeTentacle · 04/06/2017 17:28

I have three questions I always use and have always got the job with them.

1 - what are the qualities you are looking for in the person to fill this role? this gives them a chance to go off piste with the questions, and pick up with you on what they are looking for over and above what they have been able to share and you can then respond with how good you are or how you enjoy that type of work.
2 - is there anything else you want to know about me? - then they have free reign to ask whatever they want which again, outside of the obligatory questions they can reflect on you and you alone.
3 - that sounds like just the sort of role I am looking for, what are the next steps? This then gives them a chance to let you know what is going to happen next and makes you sound keen to progress. This may have already been covered though so don't ask it if you already know.

These were taught to me by a fantastic recruitment consultant and I live by them. They have served me well since I started using them.

pinkandwhite26 · 04/06/2017 17:40

I think a better way to present it would be to ask them if they have any reservations about your capability for the role from what they have seen or worded to a similar effect?

pinkandwhite26 · 04/06/2017 17:41

Ah I see this has already been suggested! I don't think asking this question is any less ballsy than summarising yourself tbh

DoubleHelix79 · 04/06/2017 17:52

Just my take on your questions (I've interviewed a fair few people over the years):

The answer to the first question is usually implicit in the preceding interview - a good. Interviewer will explore your capabilities by asking specific questions (e.g. have you been in a situation where you've had to...). Instead of asking your question the way you've written it, I would pick up on some if the characteristics that they've asked you about, tell them (briefly) that you've got those covered, and maybe add one or two others that you think are important for the role. I prefer this approach because it shows that 1) you've listened to them, 2) reinforces your key messages and 3) you've thought in advance about the role and what is needed to be successful in it.

I admit I'm also not a huge fan of the 'is there anything else you want to ask me' question. In my opinion it doesn't add much - if they want to ask you anything they don't need your permission - and wastes time that you could spend asking intelligent questions yourself.

Personally I like to hear questions that relate to the role and show that someone has prepared and is passionate about the job. But go with what you're comfortable, you know yourself and you industry best.
Good luck!

Original poster
maggiethemagpie · 04/06/2017 18:49

Thank you everyone.

Can I ask those who interview regularly, what are you looking for at second stage that is different to first stage? Is it true that it's more about fit and how someone would approach the role?

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peukpokicuzo · 04/06/2017 18:57

There was one interview I did which I felt was completely perfect for me. I ended the interview (when they asked if I had any questions) with:
"Thank you - all the questions I did have were answered by the conversations we have had today, so my only remaining question is that do any of you have any doubts that I am the perfect candidate for this job because if you have any reservations I would like the opportunity to address them now"

I got the job, but more because this was a demonstration of chutzpah which I think appealed to the temperament of the slightly maverick HoD who was to become my boss. It would probably be a terrible line for some interview panels.

Chewiecat · 04/06/2017 19:09

Hi

I interview people regularly and surprisingly no one has ever done this before. I would be pleasantly surprised if someone did do it though it wouldn't really swing the interview one way or the other.

Generally, I will have a feel for whether the person is right for the role within the first 10 minutes. Then have to suffer through the rest of the hours interview due to HR form / box ticking exercise Grin

1st interviews are usually competencies/skills based - can you do the job? 2nds are more for fit - can I work with you? Although most of them are a blend of both

daisychain01 · 04/06/2017 19:19

I do hope you get the role maggie. I know you've been looking for a new opportunity for a while, so just give it your best shot. You sound like you're prepared for all eventualities Smile

All the best!

Original poster
maggiethemagpie · 04/06/2017 19:21

Thanks Chewiecat - Is there anything I can do to demonstrate good 'fit' at 2nd stage or is it really down to the luck of my personality / work style vs theirs?
The first interview went SWIMMINGLY i really gelled with the person who'd be my manager and I don't think I've ever had such great rapport/chemistry in an interview situation before (and I've had a lot of interviews) so it's looking good, but I'm aware there could be another 2 people this evening thinking just like me that they also did really well at first stage.

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