How do I get comfortable closing candidates on an offer?

You are good at finding candidates, which is the harder half in many ways. The close intimidates you because it is the moment of the ask, where they might say no, and putting that question out loud feels like risking everything you built in the process. But the close is not a trick you spring on someone. If you have done the earlier work well, the offer is just the natural next step, and asking for the yes is a service to them, not a pushy move. People often want to be asked directly. Your hesitation can read as doubt about the role itself. Next time, practice one clean, direct closing line ahead of time, something as simple as, I would love to have you join us, are you ready to say yes. Say it plainly and then be quiet. The intimidation shrinks when the ask stops being a leap and becomes a sentence you have already rehearsed.