How to Answer Final Interview Questions and Get That Job Offer

Are you looking for a new job? A new organization to join in and make a difference? Got the “new start” spirit that comes with the new year? You’re not alone!

The first quarter of the year, particularly January to February, is known as the peak season for job hunting. As job seekers pursue a fresh start at the start of the year, they’re also looking for practical tips on how to secure job offers.

One of the most daunting parts of job seeking is the final interview. Usually done by senior managers and executives, answering final questions can be frightening. Why? Because while initial interviews are more technical in nature and often discuss experiences, the final round of interviews is usually the “make-it-or-break-it” round in the hiring process.

The good news though is that it doesn’t have to be!

We’ve asked our Talent Acquisition team, who are in close collaboration with hiring managers, for their tips on how to answer final questions and get that job offer.

8 Tips on How to Answer Final Questions in Your Interview

✅ Be Consistent

Some interview questions have already been asked during earlier interviews in the same way or some variation, according to our Talent Acquisition Manager for Specialized Verticals Friedreich Soriano.

Be consistent with your answers to establish credibility and honesty. “From the first interview, you need to be clear to yourself on what your aspirations and motivations are, and what you can contribute,” says Friedrich.

✅ Align Your Competencies and Traits with the Role

Friedrich also shared that during the last interview, it’s crucial to align your skills with the requirements of the job and your character traits to the company’s culture.

For instance, if the role requires a skill in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), then you must have this skill first. Knowing which skills you must have is made possible by the next point.

Align your skills to the requirements of the job and your character traits to the company’s culture. -Friedreich Soriano, Penbrothers Talent Acquisition Manager for Specialized Verticals

✅ Know the Job Description by Heart

Thoroughly understand the job description, so you’ll know what to highlight during the interview, advises Executive Talent Acquisition Specialist Crisele Manuel.

This is also a way for you to understand the expectations of the company and how you will be measured for success.

✅ Research the Company and the Interviewers

Crisele says, “Research the company and the interviewers if there is available information. Believe me, it will work if you know a bit about them, so you can establish common ground.”

Getting to know the company and the interviewers also helps in building confidence and camaraderie. It would be like talking to an acquaintance where the atmosphere is light!

✅ Practice Answering the Most Common Questions

One last tip from Crisele is about practice. She recommends asking a family or friend to act as the interviewer and ask the most common interview questions like “Why do you want this job?” and “What are your career goals?”

This way, you come prepared with thoughts already coherent in your head and confident that you are suitable for the role for which you are applying.

✅ Highlight Your Achievements

Emphasize your achievements relevant to the role. Jola Borja, our Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist, shares this practical tip for nailing that final leg of interview.

When you’ve understood the job requirements, you can line up your accomplishments from previous roles that are helpful for interviewers to gauge your potential to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

Related article: On Career Shifts and Success: A Young Leader’s Take

✅ Stay Calm

Jola also shares one of the most important tips for job seekers: stay calm during the interview.

This means balancing enthusiasm, nerves, and confidence. Too much enthusiasm will come off as unprofessional and being nonchalant will make you appear aloof and uninterested. “Calmness demonstrates poise, instills confidence, and promotes the clear-headedness necessary for thinking on your feet,” according to Beth Braccio Hering of FlexJobs.

✅ Be Prepared to Answer “Do You Have Any Questions for Me?”

During final interviews, hiring managers usually ask if you have any questions for them. While this is often construed to be a simple formality, it’s actually helpful for you to have some thoughtful questions to ask.

To answer this question, start off by wrapping up the conversation with the last point and express your interest in the role. Then you can proceed to your questions, but make sure that they’re not easily answerable via the company’s website or social media pages.

“Tailor your questions to demonstrate your enthusiasm about the role and the company while gaining valuable insights to help you make an informed decision if an offer is extended. The best questions to ask are focused and open-ended,” shares Wecruitr CEO Jack Kelly on Forbes.

Here are some good examples of questions to ask the hiring manager:

• Is there any additional information you need to help you decide on my candidacy?
• How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
• Could you provide any success stories or examples of employees in this or a similar role and how they’ve progressed within the organization?

The best questions to ask [during a job interview] are focused and open-ended. -Jack Kelly

Final Thoughts

Job hunting can be nerve-wracking for most, but when you come well-prepared, it can be a rewarding experience.

Final interviews are at the tail end of the hiring process, so it’s important to get it right. Remember, the best way out of an interview is to get through it; and we hope that these tips will help in doing just that and land you your dream job!

Ready to explore a new job this year? We can help you land your next role!