Most of you reading this know that I am #opentowork after an illness. This is my fifth (or so) post sharing the challenges, lessons in positivity, and best practices that I have discovered along the way. In today’s article, I will offer some specific end-of-interview questions that will ensure candidates are remembered in the best possible light.

I think this is a common story. The end of a solid interview approaches. You did your research, built rapport, told appropriate stories, and demonstrated knowledge of the organization. All lights look green. But then, the interviewer asks, “So. What other questions can I answer before we wrap up?” And… you got nothing.

This question seems a natural one to ask, but it is waaay problematic (recruiters, please take note), because there is no obvious correct response. This is the conversation’s denouement, and the candidate wants it to be stellar, but the meat of the interview has already happened. There is not time to bring up a new topic, and if the interviewer has done a good job, the next steps are already known. So, slightly trapped, lowly candidates stumble forward with a perfunctory question about corporate culture or even worse, something like, “no, I think I am good.” Did the lights in here just get dimmer?

With respect to corporate culture questions, let me say simply, this is not the time. Your job in an interview – especially during the early stages – is to convince this decision maker that you kick ass and should be introduced to the next decision maker. The last 30 seconds of an interview is not the time to start a conversation about pajama pants as a business casual alternative, your appreciation of afternoon naps, or the importance of dog kibble in the break room! What you value in culture and what the company offers is a longer discussion and needs to be withheld until an offer is close. Besides, a picture will take shape as you meet and get to know the different managers along the way.

But “Nope” is not a winning strategy either. It’s the baseball equivalent to striking out shopping. It’s a fastball down the middle, and you aren’t even swinging! This is your chance to turn the tables, impress, and end the interview strongly. Be prepared. Swing the bat. Come on, swing the bat!

Having put a lot of thought into this, I have come up with two interesting and successful reponses. The first will take an already great interview to the next level but should be avoided if the tenor is unclear. The second one – well the second one is just money. Many times they can be used together.

Question number one is “how did I do?” Yup, it’s that easy. This is a winner for a couple of reasons. Assuming you already know the answer is “great!” (again, don’t ask it if you are not sure) the interviewer will likely toss you an attaboy (yay!), BUT (and here is where the hidden gems lie) they may also point out pink flags that, in your enthusiasm, you missed. Here is an example. One interviewer recently told me that she paused when I said it is important to understand the situation before pressing for change. She didn’t disagree – just paused. That is valuable nuance and showed me that the company culture embraced moving fast over excessive caution. I adjusted and emphasized my comfort with risk taking in the interviews that followed. Super useful.

The second reason I love this question is it displays vulnerability in a confident way. If you have been reading my posts, you know I preach vulnerability as power – and this one puts you out there at the end of the limb proudly unafraid of falling. People are attracted to confidence.

Question number two is simply “what did you like?” or put less succinctly, “What answer did I provide today that you think will resonate with the people with whom I speak next?”

Awkward number of prepositions aside, this is a great question. So great in fact, that the recruiter may stop the discussion to tell you – that is such a great question! It encourages them to replay the interview in their head and identify their favorite things. Then they put your best ideas into their own words – cementing them as the interview closes. It’s also likely the thought to be shared with the first person who asks, “say, how did that candidate interview go today?”

And there you are. Now you are always prepared for that dreaded final question.  Experiment, make them your own, deliver them with a smile in your voice, and signal you are prepared for an honest answer. Finally, stay frickin’ positive and remember that you are awesome. Looking for a job is your job. It’s kind of a shitty job, but it pays well if you remember that time is money. Invest that time in yourself and your family. Get healthy. Read more books. Do your chores. Love your kids. And remember that displaying vulnerability encourages people to invest in you.

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