You made it through the interview, congrats! Now the fun part comes…. waiting.
You left the interview feeling confident. There was great conversation, the mood was light, you dressed to impress, but how can you tell if the interview actually went well?
It’s typical after an interview to overanalyze and wonder how you did. And while many times we focus on things we might have done wrong, it’s a good idea to determine things that might have gone right. Even if you did everything right and you’re feeling good about the interview, always follow up with a thank you. While signs can’t tell you if you got the job, there are some indicators of a good interview.
- Running long: Interviews usually have a tight deadline and are slotted between meetings, other interviews, etc. If an interview runs over more than a few minutes, that’s a good sign the interviewer liked what they heard.
- Small talk: Usually you can tell when people click. If there is a good rapport being built with the interviewer or you feel as though you could be friends, there’s a very good chance the interview is going well. It’s also a great way to tell if you would mesh well with the company culture.
- Nonverbal cues: Take time to observe the interviewer and make mental notes of their nonverbal communication. You can usually tell if they are interacting well with you but nonverbal cues like, nodding, smiling, eye contact, note taking, posture, and others can be a good indicator of how the interview is going.
- Ready for round two? If an interviewer asks you to come back for another interview, this is a clear sign you’ve done a good job. Hiring managers are in the business of getting things done, so inviting you back for a second interview is always a good sign you’re headed in the right direction.
- Meeting the team: If a hiring manager chooses to introduce you to the team on the spot, take this as a very good sign! Even though it can be nerve wracking to meet others when you’re not prepared, it’s an indicator that they see you as a good fit. This also gives the hiring manager and others a chance to see how you interact with the team.
- Future plans: If hiring managers are interested, they are likely to ask about your availability and what type of timeline you have for moving jobs. They might also reference you instead of the “ideal candidate” when discussing projects, opportunities, etc.