If you're a job seeker this graduation season, you've probably gotten a lot of suggestions on how to make the job search as successful as possible. Chances are the first piece of advice you get is how to complete a compelling application, followed by how to prepare for the job interview. You make sure to manage your jitters, dress the part and conduct yourself in a manner that helps you land the position. But one piece of advice that's often missing is tips for ending a job interview on an high note.

If you're an entry-level applicant, worried about what's on the line before an upcoming job interview, it's only natural to feel some stress. Eva Chan, career expert at Resume Genius, says preparation is your biggest ally against stress. In the face of interview anxiety, she recommends making yourself feel as prepared as possible.

"The era of social media offers a unique opportunity to understand a company inside and out," she notes, suggesting that you do a deep dive into the company's online presence, including social media and professional platforms like LinkedIn. "Get to know your interviewer's background and interests, as well. This level of preparation does more than just provide talking points; it'll empower you with the confidence that comes from being well-informed."

During the job interview, it's important to remember that you need to do more than just passively answer the interviewer's questions and present your qualifications. Don't forget that you're also interviewing the company to decide if it's a good option for you just as much as they're assessing you.

This mindset can empower you from the beginning to the end of the interview. Instead of just answering questions, make sure you're actively asking them. Recruiters are impressed with candidates who show genuine interest in the position by asking thoughtful questions because it demonstrates an applicant's interest. Chan says these questions could relate to company culture, team dynamics, success metrics for the role or current challenges the company is facing.

Have you ever had that sinking feeling at the end of a conversation when it feels like words are left hanging in the air? When that happens, you can feel the tension, as if there's a comma instead of a period at the end of a sentence.

In the 2025 job market, paying attention to how you finish the interview is like putting a period at the end of a sentence. You don't want the recruiter to forget you, so it's essential to let them know why they should hire you. The end of an interview is your last chance to leave a lasting impression. Think of ending the interview as putting a period at the end of a sentence that ties up the conversation.

An effective closing statement is a positive and brief summary of your most compelling skills and experiences that demonstrate what you have to offer the employer, along with your genuine desire to be part of the company's team. Most interviewers expect your closing words to underscore your interest in the position and ways your skills and expertise align with the position and the company's goals.

I spoke with Kara Ayers, senior vice president of global talent acquisition at Xplor Technologies, who shared five tips on how to finish your job interview on a high note.

1. End on an upbeat. Ayers emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude by thanking the interviewer for her/his time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and company. She stresses that you clearly state your excitement about the position and company culture and how it aligns with both your personal and career skills, competencies and goals. End with confidence, use a positive tone and a quick summary of why you're a strong fit and the impact you believe you could make.

2. Ask thoughtful questions. Ayers advises that you show curiosity and ask about the team, culture and future company goals. Then match your responses to how they align to your personal and professional goals and values. At the end, she says to remember to ask about timeline and what to expect after the interview.

3. Add in something the interviewer doesn't ask about. Ayers suggests that you have something in your back pocket (an experience, achievement or relevance to the role/culture of the company) to share at the end. She gives the example of saying something like, "Before we wrap up, there's one more thing I would love to share that is relevant or important for you to know about me."

She mentions she also likes to ask, "Is there anything that I didn't explain clearly about my experience that you have questions about?" or "Is there anything that concerns you about my fit for this role?" Ayers explains that this allows you to follow up and ensure you're not walking away with any gaps in understanding. "If it is a lack of experience, you could always follow up with examples of how you have learned new skills quickly," she adds.

4. Close the interview by sharing your interests and qualifications. You suggests saying something like, "I'm even more excited about this role after our conversation," then explain why. "Reinforce how your experience aligns to the role and do it with energy," she recommends. "Include 'I can't wait to start to contribute and make a meaningful impact to 'x' organization. Always leave with, 'I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate any feedback, regardless of the decision/outcome," she advises.

5. Follow up after the interview. "Always send a thank-you note after to the interviewer or team, handwritten, email, LinkedIn message or any other medium," Ayers says. "If you forgot to mention something during the interview that is relevant, include it. It's easy to forget about accomplishments or even if you feel you didn't answer a question the best, follow up with, 'I don't feel I addressed your question about x, I wanted to follow back up on that to clarify.'"

Chan suggests that job seekers remember the interview is an opportunity for both job applicants and companies to assess compatibility. Her advice is that you, "Approach the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation, where both parties explore the potential of a mutually beneficial relationship." When you shift your mindset from being solely evaluated to also evaluating the potential employer, it can help in diminishing your anxiety, transforming the conversation into one of mutual exploration and ending the job interview on a high note.