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You survived the majority of the interview and it’s nearing its end. The interviewer has explained what the job entails, the salary, benefits and opportunities within the company. He’s taken a deep breath and said, “OK…so that’s it. That’s what I have. Do you have any questions?” He’s explained everything in detail, but you need to have a question ready, says A. Harrison Barnes, career coach and Hound.com founder. If for no other reason, that final question eases into the end of the interview than a choppy, “No…no questions here”. You want to ease into the obligatory “Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.” Try this, says the Hound.com founder:

Interviewer: OK. So, I think I’ve covered everything…let’s see…we’ve covered the hours, the qualifications I’m looking for and the job duties. So…do you have any final questions for me?

You: Yes, actually I do. You mentioned you’re currently running ABC Software. I recently completed a course through the junior college and I’m familiar with the very latest version. Did you say the company was working with version 6?

Interviewer: Yes, I know it’s the release that came out a few months ago. Is that the one you’re referring to?

You: Yes, it’s the one with the new and updated tracking capabilities.

You’ve instantly reminded the interviewer that you don’t have to be trained on the company’s computer programs and that you’re up to date with the latest versions…and, most importantly, says A. Harrison Barnes, it’s the closing line that you’re leaving him with. At this point, the interview can come to a close:

Interviewer: That’s great to know. We really weren’t looking forward to the training curve. Your knowledge of it will actually lift a burden off of our accounting department.

You: I hope I get the opportunity to put those skills to use. I really appreciate your time and if there’s anything else I can provide as you make your decision, please just let me know. I’m more than happy to do whatever I can.

At this point, you’re both probably standing; you shake hands and you’ve just taken what is sometimes the awkward last few minutes of an interview and made them into the most important and most memorable aspect of his time spent with you. You walk out the door, he puts a big star in the top corner of your resume that’s still on his desk and he calls in his secretary to bring your resume to the personnel department.

Whatever your “final question” is, ideally, you’ll have one at the ready. Whether it’s poised as a reminder of your strong skills outlined above or if he has his degree on his office wall and you find that in common, your goal is to finish strong. Believe it or not, says the Hound.com founder, the ability to make that happen has earned as many job offerings as anything else. Employers want those employees who are confident and who can assert themselves. You need to be the one to make that happen.

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