Media Release

Closing the Interview

 

Grey_Consulting Guides Candidates on how to close the deal

You have an outstanding CV coupled with all the right skills, qualifications, and experience. The problem is, once you have secured the interview, you cannot seem to close the deal. Why not? What is going wrong? Grey_Consulting, South Africa’s leader in accounting, finance, audit and risk assurance recruitment explains why good candidates do not always make the cut.

 

Lack of Research

 

Too often, candidates forget to do background research on the organisation. Or if they do, it is limited to what the organisation does and the products it sells. However, to really impress an interviewer, you should include in your research things like the company’s financial position and needs. If you can justify, with specific examples, as to why and how you can add value to the company, you will be seen as an asset. In addition, financial positions are usually very requirement-specific so make sure you understand the role you are applying for. “Reaching the interview stage means that the interviewer has taken an interest in your CV, so leverage off this” says Managing Executive of Grey_Consulting, Carroll-Anne Pollock. “The interview is a perfect platform to sell yourself, and in order to do that, you need to do thorough research.”

 

Inability to sell yourself

 

Leaving the interviewer with a good impression is fundamental to closing the deal. Employers have particular requirements that need to be met by their staff compliment and if you have reached the interview stage, you need to sell yourself in such a way that the potential employer is able to see how you will fulfill those specific requirements. Pollock says, “You, as a candidate, need to differentiate yourself from the other candidates by highlighting your core skills.” Pollock explains that core skills differ from expected skill in the sense that core skills define one’s personality and expected skills are the common skills that are required to do a job. Highlighting distinct core skills will leave the interviewer with a good impression of who you really and if you are a good culture fit.

 

Lack of prepared questions

 

In an interview it is essential to ask pertinent, relevant questions about the organisation and the position that you are applying for. Many candidates forget to research possible questions that they can ask the interviewer. Asking questions portrays your willingness and interest to learn and participate. Questions relating to the company culture and philosophy are a good starting point. Although asking questions shows initiative, be careful not to offend anyone in the process, including previous employers.

 

Overconfidence

 

It is important to remember that it is absolutely acceptable to underline your accomplishments in a positive light to the interviewer. However, overselling yourself may give the interviewer the impression that you are overconfident and in some cases even a little arrogant. Pollock suggests that you should also allow others to deliver your accolades for you. This will give you higher credibility, especially if you have reliable, trustworthy references that will vouch for you.

 

Lack of technical skills

 

Closing the deal will also depend on whether or not you possess the technical skills that the position requires. Pollock suggests, “It is in your best interest to brush up on in-depth technical skills, if the position requires it. Some interviewers will require you to do assessments on these skills and if you are prepared, chances are you will score higher.”
Lack of interest
Sometimes when candidates walk away from an interview they leave the interviewer guessing whether or not they really wanted the job. In order to close the deal, you need to clearly state your interest in the position. Pollock says, “Showing enthusiasm and appreciation for the position will indicate your desire and eagerness to be a part of the organisation.”

 

No closing argument

 

When the interview is coming to an end, it is beneficial for you to close with a final pitch. Sum up the discussion by reiterating what your strengths and qualifications are. Thank the interviewer for his / her time. Pollock also suggests that you follow-up with a professional hand-written note, email or telephone call two days after the interview.
It can be easy to get discouraged if you do not land the job. However, it is important to remember that the company is interviewing you because you may potentially be exactly who they are looking for. If you possess the skills and talent that they require and if you can bring something new to the table in addition to solving certain problems for them, you will be considered a top candidate. They just want you to convince them that hiring you would be the best possible option. In order to do that, you must always be prepared!

 

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About Grey_Consulting

 

Having successfully sourced, selected and placed thousands of professional Financial and Risk management Candidates over the past 26 years, Grey_Consulting has earned its reputation as a leader in specialist Accounting, Financial and Risk Assurance recruitment. Technological advancements together with the inception of globalisation in the last two decades has seen their Clients' Staffing needs change and evolve and with them, their specialist Talent Solutions. However two things have never faltered; their commitment to offering superior service to both Clients and Candidates alike and their promise to build relationships based on ethical principles, trust, quality and excellence.

Their experience and expertise in Accounting, Financial and Risk Assurance recruitment, across all industry sectors, combined with the ability to attract Top Talent means that Grey_Consulting is able to provide Clients’ with a world class workforce whilst simultaneously placing qualified professionals with world class companies.