How do you know if a job interview went well? What’s the best way to tell if you have a good chance of being invited to asecond interview, or better yet, an offer of employment? Sometimes, it’s a gut feeling. Other times, it’s not so clear.
However, there are some signs that can help you determine if your interview was successful. Take a look at these common tip-offsthatyour interview went well.
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You're Asked About Your Interest in the Job
It’s a good sign if your interviewer asks you questions about your interest in the job orwhere else you are interviewing. If the interviewer wasn’t interested in hiring you, your desire for the job—or interest in other companies—wouldn’t matter much. Inquiries about your interest suggest the interviewer is considering whether youwould accept a job offer.
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The Interviewer Shares the Details
Did your interviewer dive into the specifics of the job and the daily responsibilities of the individual in that role?Ifan interviewer takesthe time to get into nitty-gritty details,itcan mean they felt confident enough about your capabilities to take the conversation to that level.
Bonus points if the interviewer referred to “you” in the role.Forexample: “Youwould be reporting to Martha, the digital marketing manager, each day.” When hiring managers talk this way, it means they can foresee you in the role.
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Your Interviewer Gives Positive Affirmation
If the interviewer provides positive feedback during the interview, you're on the right track.
Listen to how your interviewer responds when you answer questions. Positive responses like, “That’s exactly right,” “Great answer,” or “Yes, that’s just what we’re looking for” are key indications that an interviewer likes you and will give your application further consideration.
The more positive feedback you get, the more likely you are to move forward in the hiring process.
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You Get an Invitation for a Second Interview
With this one, it's easy to tell if the interview was a success. Getting asked to come in for asecond interviewis the best sign that your first one went well! Remember, though, don’t let the news get to your head.Thereisa good chance that other candidates are also coming in for round two.
Embrace your confidence, but don’t dismiss the need toprepare for a second interviewjust because you think you have the job in the bag. You'll want to get ready for the interview justas carefully as you did for the first round.
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Your Interviewer Sells You the Job
If the interviewer spends some time promoting the highlights of the position, thecompany culture, and why he or she loves working there, this is a good sign. Your interviewer probably wouldn’t try to “sell” you the job if he or she had zero intention of considering you for the position.
Another good sign is when an interviewer askswhen you could start workif you were hired. Wanting to get an idea about when you can start is a good indicator that you're in contention for the job.
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The Interview Runs Longer Than 30 Minutes
Did the interviewer spend time asking quality questions, listening to your answers, and discussing the details of theposition with you? If you felt like you came away with a thorough idea of the position and your interview lasted for morethan30 minutes, consider it a good possibility that the interviewer was interested in hiring you.
However, in a case where there aremultiple interviewers, however, one of them may feel the need to ask questionsforthesakeofdoingso,to make it seem like they’re doing their job.
So, bonus points if it’s just you and a single interviewer and the discussion still carried on for a significant amount of time.
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You Exchange Contact Information
It is excellent news if your interviewer gives you a business cardorsome direct line to reach him or her, suchasan email or even a cellphone number. Even better if your interviewer encourages you to reach out if you have questions orconcerns.
Take advantage of that opportunity and followup if you have any questions or additional information to share that would help you get an offer. Also,take the time to send athank-you note or emailreiterating your interest in the job.
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The Interviewer Responds to Your Follow-Up Message
Once you’ve sent yourthank-you noteexpressing your gratitude for the interview opportunity, gauge how long it takes your interviewer or human resources contact to respond. A prompt response can be good news, but also keep an eye out for the tone of the message.
A message like, “Thankyoufor coming in to meet with us! We very much appreciate it and look forward to following up with you later this week. Have a great day!” bodes much better than something short and dry like, “You are welcome, and thank you. Speak soon.”
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Salary Comes Up
Most interviewers won’t get into the (sometimes awkward) discussion of money unless they’re serious about hiring you. Interview questionsabout your current salary, past salary, and what salary you areexpecting to receivecan be good signs that they are seriously considering you for the job.
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You're Introduced to Staff
Consider it positive news if your interviewergaveyou atouraround the office and introduced you to staff. It’s even better if he or sheintroducedyoutoother staff members duringtheinterview.
If you got to meet some management or upper-managementstaff, take it as a good sign that you’re being seriously considered for the role.
Evaluate the Interview Experience
Many variables can impact the outcome of an interview. So it's important to consider the full picture to get a complete and accurate impression of your interview experience.
For example, if you are interviewing for a largecorporation, the level of personal engagement you experience during theinterview processmay be significantly less than if you were applying with astartupcompany, but that doesn’timply you won't get the job. If your interviewer isn’t a warm and fuzzy person, their mannerisms may not reflect your likelihood of getting the job.Thesame goes if they're an especially nice person.
Note
Look for multiple positive signals, not just one.
Trust your gut, but be fair to (and aware of) yourself. If you’re the type who constantly doubts yourselfandyou think youblew the interview, your judgment may not be accurate. Try to be as objective as possible when considering your interview performance.
Review the experience without engaging in too much emotion.
Note
If the interview didn't go well, it could be a sign that this isn't the right job for you.
And, if you didn't do as well as you expected, consider it a learning experience and practice for the next time around.
When You Don't Get Good Signals
If none of these things happen, be aware that it might notbebecause of anything you did or didn't say. There are many reasonscandidates don't get invited for second interviews, and some of them have nothing to do with the applicant.
Don’t beat yourself up.Ifthis job doesn’t work out,itmeans it wasn’t the position for you. Keep your job search moving forward, and the right opportunity will come along.