This chapter covers the last few minutes of the interview and the day or two after it. It's the part that's easiest to give no thought to.
The basic idea is simple. You can prepare well, give clear answers and ask good questions, and still walk out with something unclear or unsaid. Maybe an answer came out differently than you intended. Maybe a relevant skill never came up. The fix costs a few minutes at the end of the conversation.
Before you finish, check for anything unclear
Before the interview wraps up, it's worth asking something like:
"Before we finish, is there anything from my answers that you'd like me to clarify or expand on?"
This is a lower-pressure version of demanding to know the panel's reservations. Asking directly for reservations works for some people, but many panels can't discuss their assessment during the interview or share a provisional view, so the question may not be answerable. The clarify-and-expand version gives you a chance to fix a misunderstanding or add something you didn't get to, and it's easy for the panel to answer either way.
If the answer points to something specific, you can respond briefly. If it was a misunderstanding, restate the point clearly: "I don't think I explained that well earlier, here's what I meant." If it's something you didn't cover, a compressed version: "we didn't get to it today, but I've done a fair amount of work in that area, quick version is..." Keep both short.
Not every panel will offer detail, and "we've covered what we need" is a perfectly normal answer.
Confirming interest and asking what's next
A short sequence in the closing minutes fits comfortably in under two minutes.
Check your understanding, if useful. "It sounds like you need someone strong in these areas, handling these responsibilities. Have I got that right?" This surfaces anything you've misread.
Say that you're interested, briefly and honestly. "I want to say plainly that I'm genuinely interested in this role." This makes your interest clear before the interview finishes, which is worth doing since it isn't always obvious otherwise.
Ask what happens next. "Could you give me an indication of the next stage and the expected timeframe?" How much a panel can tell you depends on the process and the department. APS processes can take time, because several assessment and approval steps may be involved, so knowing roughly what to expect makes the wait easier.
The follow-up note
A short thank-you note is optional rather than expected. APS processes differ, and unsolicited contact with individual panel members may not always be appropriate, so it's worth checking the advertisement or the contact officer's guidance if you're unsure about the right channel.
Where a note is appropriate, address it to the panel chair or the contact officer, keep it short, and send it reasonably promptly.
A short structure that works:
Hi [name], thanks for making time for me today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and the team.
[One or two sentences on why the conversation left you interested, tied to something specific from the discussion.]
I wanted to say plainly that I'm still very interested in the role.
That's enough. There's no need to replay the whole interview or list every point in your favour again. Don't send new evidence or claims unless the panel specifically asked for something.
What the ending doesn't need to be
It's tempting, once you've read enough interview advice, to think of the closing minutes as a technique to be executed. The most useful things you can do at the end are ordinary: check nothing important was left unclear, say honestly that you're interested if you are, and ask what happens next. None of it needs to be dressed up as a system.