Closing the Interview

After an interview, too many salespeople end up with a reverse of “buyer’s remorse.” They second guess themselves and lament “If I only said…I forgot to mention….” By concluding the interview on a positive note and asking the right questions, you can eliminate post-interview regrets that tend to plague most candidates.

If you feel the interview went well and you would like to advance your chances to receiving another interview or invite an offer of sales employment, you may want to say the following at the close of the interview:

“After hearing your description of the company’s product/services, the [sales position’s title] position and its responsibilities, I know I possess the qualities that you are seeking in the [title] position, specifically [relate one key personal quality/attribute]. Based on our conversation and my qualifications, are there any issues/concerns that you have that lead to believe otherwise?

Maintain the attitude nothing ventured, nothing lost. After all you are in sales—you have the right to be assertive. This is a great closing question because it opens the door for the interview to ask questions or seek clarification.

©Sales Resource Centre. Canadian Professional Sales Association, 2002.