The day has come. You are scheduled for the final interview for your dream job. You want to secure an offer but the competition is intense. You enter the interview with research-based methods setting you apart from all other candidates.

Here is your playbook:

• ·        Understand your goal in each of the four stages of the interview.
• ·        Prepare a strong opening and closing statement.
• ·        Understand the final hiring interview usually focuses on fit more than qualifications. Come prepared to talk about the culture and mission of the organization.
• ·        Attend to your body language and level of energy. Make great eye contact and smile frequently. Be aware that 55% of your impact in face-to-face communication (virtual or in person) is your body language.
• ·        Listen more than you talk focusing exclusively on your potential contributions, not your personal or professional needs.
• ·        Come prepared to ask two or three questions near the end of the interview designed to inform your powerful follow-up email. Ask questions focusing on the first six months on the job. Try to get quantifiable information about project targets, productivity goals and ways your role fits into their mission.
• ·        In your closing statement ask for the job, not in a pushy way but in a very professional manner like: "I would be honored to be selected for this opportunity."
• ·        Get the correct spelling of the hiring manager's name and email.
• ·        Leave the interview with high energy and appreciation for their time.

Now the interview is over but you are far from done. It's time to blow them away with your follow-up email. Draft a three or four paragraph min-proposal or business plan expressing, again, your interest in the position. Lay out an articulate explanation of your vision for your first six months on the job. Combine your accumulated expertise and knowledge with their goals. Put key actionable targets in bullet points to make it easy for them to read.

User your subject line in your email well. Put your first and last name, candidate for (enter the job title and employer). Help them see you in the job.

Finally, have someone else edit and proofread your email before you send it. It has to be impeccable. Put your ego aside and let someone help you close the deal.

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