Course: CMM 128 Interviewing Practices

Reading Assignment

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Closing the Interview
In addition to the notes below, read Chapter 4: Structuring the Interview, section on Closings from the textbook.

There are four possible parts to the closing of an interview:

- Signal the end
- Summarize the interview
- Facilitate future contact
- Build rapport

Signaling the end

The end of the interview may be indicated with statements such as, "I see we're out of time," or "That's all the questions I have."

Avoid a false closing.  This can frustrate an interviewee (The E) because he or she expected the interview to end and it did not.  False closings can occur in several ways as the table below discusses.

Type of false closing | Example | What to do instead
Asking about a new topic | "That's all the questions I have about your online 'curse.'  Thank you very much.  By the way, do you think you would have done it again if you had the chance?" | Ask your new topic before the closing.  For example, ask, "If you had to do over again, would you?"  Follow-up on this question and then state, "That's all the questions I have about your online course.  Thank you very much......"
Using a clearinghouse question | "That's all the questions I have about your online course.  Thank you very much for all the information you've given me.  What else should I know?" | Clearinghouse questions should be asked before you signal the end.  For example, ask, "What else should I know about this story?"  Follow-up on this question and then state, "That's all the questions I have about your online course.  You've been very helpful.  Thank you very much......"
Nonverbal | Standing up, looking at your watch, gathering your materials, or offering a handshake all suggest the end of the interview. | Don't start leave-taking behaviors until you are actually finished.
Summaries | "I see we're out of time.  Thank you very much.  So the Butler did it, in the pantry, with the wrench, right?  Oh, that's not right?  Then what did happen?" | A summary may be a legitimate part of the closing but do not give one unless you are sure that you have the facts straight.  If you aren't sure, put the summary before the closing.  For example, "So the Butler did it, in the pantry, with the wrench, right?  Oh, what did I get wrong then?  I see, so it was the Butler, in the pantry, with the wench, using a pipe.  Thank you.  Now I've got it.  I see we're out of time.  Thank you very much...."

Summarize the Interview

A summary (also called a mirror question) can be a nice way to cap an interview because it points out the areas of agreement or understanding between the two parties.  Be careful, however, about it becoming a false closing.

Facilitate Future Contact

Sometimes an interviewer will need to contact the E again and this future contact can be arranged in the closing.  Even if the R does not expect to contact the E again, the possibility can be left open with a phrase like "see you later."  In situations where the need for future contact is more possible or it is desirable to encourage it, the two parties might exchange business cards, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or good times to reach each other.

The R might say something like this: "If I have any more questions, could I call you?  What's your phone number?  What is a good time to reach you? Thank you.  If you want to get ahold of me, here is my business card with my phone number and e-mail address.  Feel free to call anytime."

Create Rapport

Because you or some other interviewer may need to contact the E in the future, you want to end on a good note so the E is willing to engage in that future communication.  Do not rush the closing.  This is a common mistake students make, especially in the persuasive interviews.  The student is so glad to be almost done with the interview that he or she simply says, "That's all the questions I have.  Thanks.  Bye."  Much more time needs to be spending on the rapport.