By Carlo Coumoutsos, Managing Partner at Landing Point
Reaching the final round of an interview process is a major accomplishment. By the time candidates make it to this stage, they’ve already proven their qualifications, built rapport with members of the team, and demonstrated they could be a strong fit for the role. Because of that, many people begin to think of the final round as a formality — something closer to a handshake than a true interview.
That mindset can be a costly mistake.
While the final round often feels more conversational, it is one of the most important moments in the hiring process. For many companies, this is the stage where leadership or senior decision-makers meet the candidate for the first time. It may also be the last opportunity for the firm to evaluate whether they’re ready to move forward with an offer.
In this video, Carlo Coumoutsos, Managing Partner at Landing Point, shares an important reminder for candidates preparing for a final-round interview and explains why approaching it with the same preparation and professionalism as you did in earlier interview rounds can make all the difference.
[Carlo Coumoutsos, Managing Partner at Landing Point, explains the biggest mistake candidates make during final-round interviews and how to approach the last stage of the hiring process.]
Key Takeaways
- A final-round interview is still an interview, not just a formality.
- Candidates should prepare for the final round just as thoroughly as earlier interviews.
- Treat the meeting as an opportunity to reinforce your value and professionalism.
- Finishing the process strong ensures you walk away without any regrets.
Many candidates hear phrases like “It’s just a handshake” or “Don’t worry about the final round, it’s just a formality.” While this advice may be meant to calm some nerves, it can lead candidates to lower their guard at the most critical point in the process.
Candidates should approach this meeting with the same level of professionalism and preparation as any earlier interview. Understanding the company, being ready to discuss your experience clearly, and showing enthusiasm for the role all help reinforce the strong impression you’ve built throughout the process.
At the same time, the final round is an opportunity to show authenticity and confidence. Leaders want to see the version of you that they anticipate hiring — someone who is prepared, thoughtful, and excited about the opportunity ahead.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: finish the process strong. When candidates treat the final round as a meaningful conversation with their potential future employer, they position themselves to walk away from the process knowing they gave their best effort.
If you’re currently exploring new opportunities and want expert guidance through the hiring process, reach out to connect with us.
Transcript
Carlo Coumoutsos:
“It’s only a handshake. It’s just a formality, don’t worry about it.” These are things candidates hear before their final interview, and it’s advice that shouldn’t necessarily be followed.
Even though a final round interview is the culmination of multiple rounds where you’ve made great impressions on the broader team that you might go work with, it’s still very much an interview.
It’s something you need to prepare for and something where you want to make sure you leave the best impression possible. Because for the powers that be (the owners of the firm) this is the last time they get to consider whether or not they want to sign that offer letter.
So when you’re going into that final round interview, don’t just treat it like a handshake.
Treat it like a valuable meeting with your future employer. Be yourself. Be your best self, so you finish out the process without any regrets.
About Carlo Coumoutsos
Carlo Coumoutsos is the Managing Partner at Landing Point, where he oversees the firm’s Accounting & Finance, Capital Formation & Investment Support, and Tax & Family Office practices. He partners with clients across the Tri-State area and beyond on executive search and finance leadership hiring for asset management, private equity, and family office platforms.
With a background as a CPA and former PwC auditor, Carlo brings precision, credibility, and deep financial acumen to every search. Notable searches include CFOs and financial leadership roles across diverse investment entities and multi-family offices.
A hands-on mentor and integral part of Landing Point’s growth, Carlo leads the firm’s training programs, continuing education, and partnerships with academic and community organizations that support career readiness. He is known for a balanced approach that combines technical expertise with relationship depth and long-term client partnership.
Carlo holds both a BS and MS in Accounting from Fordham University and lives in New York with his wife and four sons.