It is important to close the job interview with understanding, enthusiasm, and desire. Revealing your spark can make a difference between being rejected or accepted for the job.

Interviewers normally initiate the close by standing, shaking hands, and thanking you for coming to the interview. They may express some variation of “Glad you could come by today. We have several other candidates to interview. We’ll be in touch.”

In response, most interviewees shake hands, thank the interviewer, leave, and hope for the best. Don't do this! Such behavior almost ensures that you will not be called back for another interview or offered the job.

It's critical that you use this time to close the interview to your advantage.

Indeed, hope and waiting are not good job search strategies! At this stage, you should summarize the interview in terms of your interests, strengths, and goals. Briefly restate your qualifications and continuing interest in working with the employer.

For example, an accountant might summarize as follows:

“I'm really glad I had the chance to talk with you. I know, with what I learned when I reorganized the accounting department at XYZ Corporation, I could increase your profits, too.”