4 X how to end a conversation
This always happens when I’m interviewing possible interns. My gut always tells me immediately whether someone will be good or not at first glance. If they’re not a match, I’ll know right away, and if they are, I’ll give them a good twelve minutes. But then there is always that god damn cup of tea which is still to hot to sip on right in front of the interviewee. So hence the question (and answer): how do you end a conversation?
1. think ahead
Indicate how much time you have for a meeting. When people think they’ve got an hour to meet with you, they’ll take their time but when it’s a ‘quickie’ then they’ll get straight to the point. Tell them you’ve got about half an hour, or fifteen minutes. Then the other person will keep the length of the convo in mind. Even if there is an entire mug full of Earl Grey tea that needs to be finished.
2. my cup of tea
Experience has taught me that setting a pot of tea is a time consuming activity. Make sure the kettle has been heated so all you have to do is pour a glass when your appointment has arrived instead of waiting for it to heat up. Nespresso might even be quicker. Grab smaller mugs too, then they’ll be done quicker. As soon as your cup is empty, it’s the perfect time to leave.
3. anything else planned?
When you want to terminate a meeting, ask the other person what else they have planned for the day. It’s a subtle way of indicating that you are swamped and don’t have time for small talk. It will make you look compliant when in fact you’re trying to leave as quick as you can.
4. De botte bijl
And then there are always special cases where none of the above work. I recently had someone come by for an internship interview who kept saying: “Sooo hey, how cool is this, a white office. Niihiiice. If I had my own company, I would decorate it the exact same way. Niihiiice. So umm, what is Amayzine?” If this ever happens, I would ignore being subtle and say, “I’m going to shake your hand and leave it at that.”
There’s the door, don’t let it hit on your way out. Next.
