Candidates often leave interviews unsure about how it went. Should you continue your job search or can you finally relax with the knowledge that the hiring manager will call you back?
There are definitely ways to know that an interview went well and if you know what to look for they’re easy to spot. Here are six ways that you can tell if your interview was a success.
You Had An Engaging Conversation
Having an engaging conversation is the easiest sign that you had a great interview.
A good conversation means that you were able to connect with the interviewer on a personal level and had a back-and-forth discussion about the role and company. If the interviewer seemed engaged and interested in what you said, you will probably be considered for the role.
Get excited if the interviewer asks probing questions about your experience and qualifications. This shows that they were really listening to what you had to say and are interested in learning more about you as a candidate.
If the questions evolve from being blunt to a little more personal and the conversation begins easing up, you know you’re making a mark in the interviewer’s head.
Remember that getting the job is just half the battle. Employers are also looking into how you will fit into the workplace and how your personality aligns with the people you may soon work with. Your success in the workplace, after all, is based on how well you relate to the people around you and deal with them on a day-to-day basis.
The Body Language Of Your Interviewer Was Positive
If your interviewer keeps an upright posture, maintains friendly eye contact, and is always smiling, it's a good sign that the interview is progressing positively and heading towards a successful conclusion.
Non-verbal cues can be the best indication that you may have landed a new job.
When the interviewer shows positive body language, you should reciprocate and show that you are interested in the interviewer and the company. An interview can be ruined by an interviewee who is slouching, has their head in their hands, and generally looks uninterested. Be sure to stay attentive.
Patti Wood, an accomplished author and body language expert, stressed just how impactful our non-verbal cues are in comparison to our words. Not paying attention to your posture and body language could even cost you the job. Some ways to instantly improve how you communicate are:
Being aware of one’s posture
Being mindful of your facial expressions
Taking control of your gestures and making sure you’re not making unnecessary movements that distract the interviewer.
Wood advises that you start to think about body language well before you even enter the interview room.
From the moment you arrive, be mindful of your posture, facial expressions and gestures. This will help to create a positive first impression, even before you shake hands or exchange pleasantries with the hiring manager. Being conscious of these things can make all the difference in how you are perceived.
The Interview Runs Over The Scheduled Time
While no one likes running over schedule, during an interview, this is your hint that the interviewer is interested in what you have to say. Your interviewer probably has a busy schedule, so their willingness to reschedule other appointments in order to hear more from you is a great sign.
Let’s be honest, if an interviewer does not take great interest in you, they won’t even bother finishing all the questions or just passively ask the questions on the list and be done with it.
Them taking time to get to know you more could mean that you are a potential fit for the role. All the extra questions mean that they are making a well-informed decision before they finally give you an offer.
Astudy conducted by Quartz revealed new data showing that many interview decisions are not made in the first five minutes. What happens is that 59.9% of decisions were made within 15 minutes less than halfway through the duration of the interview.
It also shows that 69.6% of decisions took place after the first five minutes. This demonstrates that it is important to make a good impression throughout the entirety of the interview, rather than simply relying on a strong initial introduction.
So if your interviewer is taking extra time during an interview it is usually a sign that the interviewer is interested in you. The interviewer wants to make sure he is making the right decision as they probe further into your answers and get to know you better.
Your Interviewer Introduces You To The Team
Meeting the team before you’re hired is a good sign that they think you could be a good fit for the role. This is an opportunity to get to know the team and see if you would be a good fit for their culture. If everyone seems friendly and welcoming, then this could be a place you would enjoy working at.
Getting a tour around the company, the production area, the warehouse, etc. is a great indication that you are at the top of their list, if not technically already hired for the role.
An interviewer, being naturally busy at all times, would not waste a single minute touring every applicant for the role. If you are given a quick tour, this is a positive manifestation of a potential offer staring back at you.
The Interviewer Sold You On The Position And The Company
After an interview, you may feel more strongly about the company and the position. If you feel this way, this is due in no small part to the interviewer.
The interviewer talking positively about all the benefits of the company means that they more-than-likely made a decision about hiring you and don’t want you to refuse. You can tell if your interviewer is excited about you if they:
Ask about your availability for the next step in the process. The interviewer may also give you a hint about what to expect after this initial interaction.
Give you a business card or contact information so you can follow up after the interview. Receiving a business card from the interviewer indicates that he or she wants to make the follow-up process smooth for you. No one wants to be bothered by follow-up phone calls and emails from applicants who are not qualified for the role. Getting a business card holds promise for your employment future.
Discuss the benefits and perks of working in the company. If they begin discussing perks and benefits, chances are you’re pretty much getting an offer, or at least you are being lined up as the “perfect candidate.”
Asks you about your impression of the company and the position itself. The interviewer is trying to sell you on the position if they want your overall impression or feedback. By responding to your questions, they will be able to gauge your reaction and get the chance to clarify things that were unclear to you about the role and the company as a whole.
While these signs are not foolproof, they can be useful indicators of a positive interview.
Regardless of the outcome, always take the time to reflect on the interview and identify areas for improvement. This way, you can be better prepared for future job interviews and increase your chances of landing your dream job.
The experience gained from interviewing and preparing for them is valuable. Use this experience to your advantage and continue to develop your skills, gain knowledge and hone in on what you want. Plus, you never know - the same job may be available at a later date.
