Why the Last 2 Minutes Matter More Than You Think

Here's something most candidates don't realize: panelists interview 15-20 people daily during PI season. By evening, faces blur together. But you know what they remember? The opening and the closing. It's called the primacy-recency effect - and smart candidates use it to their advantage.

After coaching students through hundreds of IIM interviews, I've noticed a pattern. Candidates who close strongly get remembered as "that confident one" or "the one with great clarity." Candidates who fumble at the end? They become "the nervous one" - even if the rest of their interview was solid. Your closing is your final impression, and final impressions stick.

Handling "Any Questions For Us?"

This is NOT a formality. It's a test. Saying "No, Sir, I have no questions" tells the panel you're either not curious or not prepared. Both are red flags for a future manager.

But here's the trap - asking generic questions like "What's the placement scenario?" or "How's the campus life?" shows you haven't done basic research. These answers are on the website. You're wasting their time.

Instead, ask questions that demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity about the program. Something like: "I read that IIM-A has recently introduced more experiential learning modules. How has that changed the classroom dynamic for students?" Or: "Given the shift toward AI in business, how is the curriculum evolving to prepare students for this change?" These questions show you've researched AND you're thinking about your education seriously.

Prepare 3 thoughtful questions before every interview. Use 1-2 based on how the conversation flows. And if they've already answered your prepared questions during the interview? Say exactly that: "I had wanted to ask about X, but you've already covered that thoroughly. Thank you." This shows you were listening actively.

Handling "Anything Else You'd Like to Add?"

This is your 60-second commercial. Most candidates waste it with "No, Sir, I think we covered everything." Wrong answer. This is your chance to leave ONE memorable impression.

Use what I call the 3-part closing formula: Gratitude + Key Strength + Forward Vision.

Here's how it sounds: "Thank you for this conversation - I genuinely enjoyed discussing [specific topic from the interview]. If I could leave you with one thought, it's that my 3 years of building a team from scratch taught me that leadership isn't about having answers, it's about asking the right questions. I'm excited about bringing that mindset to [IIM name] and learning from both faculty and peers who challenge my thinking."

Notice what this does - it thanks them genuinely (not generically), reinforces your key strength with a specific reference, and shows enthusiasm for the program. All in 45 seconds.

The Physical Closing (Don't Ignore This)

Your words matter, but so does your body language in those final moments. When they indicate the interview is over, don't rush to leave like you're escaping. Stand up calmly. Push your chair back gently. Make eye contact with EACH panelist (not just the one who spoke most). Smile genuinely. Say "Thank you" clearly - not mumbled. Then walk out with the same confidence you walked in with.

I've seen candidates nail 25 minutes of brilliant answers and then scramble out awkwardly, knocking chairs, forgetting to thank panelists. That clumsy exit becomes the lasting memory. Don't let that be you.

Your Preparation Action Plan

Write down 5 thoughtful questions about each IIM you're interviewing at. Research their unique programs, recent initiatives, faculty research. Pick questions that show genuine curiosity, not just "impressive" questions.

Then practice your closing statement 10 times. Out loud. Time it - keep it under 60 seconds. Make it sound natural, not rehearsed. The goal is confident and genuine, not scripted and robotic.

Close strong, and you won't just be another candidate. You'll be the one they remember when making final decisions.

You've got this. Happy Learning! 🙂