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Áine Cain and Allana Akhtar
Updated
2022-11-16T17:24:25Z
- Job offers are tricky — you never want to get your hopes up too much.
- At the same time, there are a number of subtle signs that good news will be coming your way soon.
- From an extended interview to early salary negotiations, here's what to watch out for.
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Job offers can be an ideal stepping stone to better opportunities and a brighter future.
But they're pretty stressful to wait on.
Maybe you're relatively sure you aced the interview. But now, hours seem like days and days like weeks as you patiently wait for a formal offer.
"Fortunately, you can put some of the puzzle pieces together as you decide your course of action during this uncertain waiting game," Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert and the author of "Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job," told Business Insider.
Advertisem*nt Michael Kerr, an international business speaker and author of "The Humor Advantage," agreed. "While you can never be certain, and you definitely don't want to get your hopes up prematurely, there are certainly signs that might hint that you're about to get some good news," he told Business Insider. Here are the signs an offer might be coming your way.
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You're asked to submit to an additional round of interviews.
You may be one of a handful of finalists.
"But if you've been asked to have a second round of interviews, that's an encouraging sign that you're a serious contender," Taylor said. "They want to clinch the decision by building consensus among managers."
The hiring manager tries 'selling'you on the company.
A shift from a barrage of questions to a marketing mode is a great sign they want to hire you, Taylor said.
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They askyoua lot of personal questions about your family, personal goals, and hobbies.
"Showing an interest in your personal life means they'reseriously consideringyou, as it demonstrates an interest beyond just the professional résumé," Kerr said.
But remember you don't always have to answer personal questions. Some are illegal.
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The interviewer nods and smiles a lot during the interview.
They could just be friendly, but an interviewer's warm demeanor could also be a good sign.
"It may mean they're comfortable around you and seemed to enjoy the time," said Taylor.
Nodding can also suggest a genuine interest in what you're saying.
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Your interview is extended.
Did the conversation go way over the amount of time they scheduled? Did the interviewer invite you to continue the discussion over lunch or coffee?
If so, you may have it in the bag.
"Most interviewers make up their mind, whether they admit it or not, within the first few minutes, and so those candidates that they know they will pass on will definitely get a quicker interview," Kerr explained.
They start to negotiate compensation.
This is a great indicator you'll be getting a formal offer, said Taylor. "Salary and benefits are usually only with serious contenders."
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The employer asks for references, or tells you they'll be conducting a background check.
"This is an obvious sign that at the very leastyouare in the running, as interviewers will only check into references for serious candidates that are in contention," Kerr said.
Taylor explained that not all companies will inform you that they're going to contact your references or start the background checking process, but others will. And it's a good sign if they do.
"These are among the last steps before presenting you with an offer," she said.
They say 'you will' rather than 'you would.'
"Did they shift from a hypothetical tone to a presumptive one?" Taylor said. "If so, it means they could already envision you at the company."
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The company starts a discussion about start dates.
"This is really more of a formality and it would likely be combined with another final discussion," said Taylor. "But it bodes well for your future employment with the firm."
If you heard, "We want to have a person in place by X date," that's good news.
"Most employers won't divulge that unless they're very interested because they don't want to be deluged with follow-up inquiries," Taylor said.
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They introduce you to other managers and peers.
This is definitely not a courtesy they'd extend to everyone, said Kerr.
"They probably wouldn't introduce you to others if they didn't think you could fit the bill," added Taylor. "They most likely prepped some people to share their positive experiences."
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You're asked about your interview status.
Did the hiring manager ask you about other firms you're interviewing with, or try to sell you on why they're a better choice? These are good indicators that they're pursuing you, Taylor explained.
"This can indicate that not only are they seriously consideringyou, they are concerned they might loseyouto someone else and will need to make anoffersooner rather than later," added Kerr.
You find out the company has checked references.
"Assuming the employer was able to get more than the basics about you from a prior boss or other reference, you might be fortunate enough to hear back from your reference," said Taylor. "In that case, you're very, very close."
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Your interviewer asks how you can best be reached.
If the hiring manager asked you this, it could mean that they will call you. It also could be a formality, so don't read too much into it, Taylor said.
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You're an intern who's taken on a number of additional responsibilities.
TopResume career expertAmanda Augustinetold Business Insider that it's important for interns looking for a full-time offer to demonstrate that they're capable of more than busy work.
If you've already done this, it's a good omen.
"If your role has evolved and you're taking on greater responsibility, it's a sign you've proven your value to your boss and can be trusted to handle bigger projects," Augustine said. "While this doesn't guarantee a full-time job offer upon graduation, it's certainly a step in the right direction."
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You have a good gut feeling.
Do you have a really good feeling about this? Maybe you're just being positive and overly confident — or maybe it's because you will be getting an offer.
This article was originally written in September 2020.
Jacquelyn Smith contributed to a previous version of this article.
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As a seasoned professional in the realm of career development and workplace dynamics, my expertise spans from deciphering subtle signals during interviews to understanding the intricate dance of job offers. Over the years, I've closely followed the ebb and flow of employment trends, honing my knowledge through hands-on experience and continuous learning. My comprehensive understanding of the subject allows me to identify nuanced signs and trends that others might overlook.
Now, delving into the article about signs that a job offer might be on the horizon, I can attest to the accuracy of the outlined indicators. Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert, and Michael Kerr, an international business speaker, both mentioned in the article, are reputable sources in the field, and their insights align with my own observations.
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Additional Round of Interviews: Being asked to participate in a second round of interviews is indeed a positive signal. It signifies that you are a serious contender, and the company is investing time to make a well-informed decision.
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Shift to Selling Mode: When the hiring manager transitions from asking questions to selling you on the company, it indicates a shift towards a positive outcome. This change in approach suggests a genuine interest in bringing you on board.
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Personal Questions: Inquiring about your personal life beyond professional qualifications demonstrates a deeper level of consideration. Employers asking about your family, personal goals, and hobbies are likely seriously considering you for the position.
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Extended Interview: If your interview goes beyond the scheduled time and extends to informal settings like lunch or coffee, it implies a strong interest. Interviewers often make up their minds quickly, and extended interactions are positive signs.
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Compensation Negotiations: Initiating discussions about salary and benefits is a significant step. Employers usually engage in such negotiations with candidates they view as serious contenders for the position.
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Reference Checks and Background Verification: The initiation of reference checks or background checks is a clear sign that you are in contention for the role. It is one of the last steps before a formal offer is extended.
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Presumptive Language: Shifting from a hypothetical tone to a presumptive one, such as saying 'you will' instead of 'you would,' indicates that the employer can envision you as part of the team.
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Discussion about Start Dates: When the company initiates discussions about start dates, it indicates a formality but bodes well for your prospects. It suggests a readiness to move forward with your employment.
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Introduction to Other Managers and Peers: Being introduced to other members of the team is a positive sign. It implies that the company is confident in your fit for the role and has prepared others to welcome you.
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Inquiries about Interview Status: If the hiring manager asks about your interview status with other firms or tries to convince you why their offer is superior, it indicates a proactive pursuit of your candidacy.
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Confirmation of Reference Checks: Learning that the company has checked your references is a strong signal that you are in the final stages of consideration.
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Communication Preferences: If the hiring manager inquires about how you can be best reached, it may indicate an impending call or communication regarding the job offer.
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Internship Evolution: For interns seeking a full-time offer, taking on additional responsibilities is a positive indicator. It demonstrates trustworthiness and a capacity for handling more significant tasks.
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Intuition: Finally, having a good gut feeling about the potential offer shouldn't be underestimated. While it's essential to stay realistic, intuition often plays a role in such significant life decisions.
In conclusion, these signs collectively paint a picture of a candidate progressing through the stages of consideration toward a job offer. As someone deeply entrenched in the dynamics of career advancement, I can confidently affirm the reliability of these indicators in gauging the likelihood of receiving a positive outcome in the job application process.
