What is the recommended outcome of the interview's closing phase?

• A. A signed performance contract.
• B. A verbal summary with no specific actions.
• C. A general discussion of future trends.
• D. Specific and mutually agreed-upon development plans.

Answer: (D)

The closing phase should lock in a concrete, mutually agreed development plan that maps out specific actions, timelines, and the support needed for performance improvement. This ensures both parties leave the interview with clear expectations and accountability, turning feedback into actionable steps rather than vague notes. A well-crafted development plan is typically SMART—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—and assigns ownership, required resources, and milestone dates, with a plan for follow-up to review progress.

The other options don’t fit as well because a verbal summary with no actions lacks accountability; a general discussion of future trends misses the individual’s concrete steps for growth; and a signed performance contract implies formal obligations beyond a development plan and isn’t usually the immediate, collaborative outcome of the closing phase.