The hardest part about interviewing is assessing whether or not the interview went well afterwards. Until you’ve been hired, you can never be totally sure if you got the job.
However, there are a few signs to look for throughout the interview process to know if you are on your way to a job offer.
1. They Talk About When You’ll Start
Pay attention to the language your interviewer is using. Throughout the conversation, hiring managers sometimes can drop hints that things are going well. Listen for phrases such as "when you work here" vs "the person who gets the job." Even though it would be assumed in the context that it's hypothetical, that's still a good hint that you're a top candidate.
2. They Discuss The Next Interview
Another good sign is if the interviewer brings up your next interview. For example, if you are meeting with a recruiter and they ask to schedule time with the hiring manager. Interviewers that mention HR training or upcoming onboarding are indicating that they're impressed, whether it be your previous experience, something specific about you, or maybe even just that they have a good feeling that you're a match.
3. The Conversation Shifts To Casual Talk
Once you have gone through the formal interview questions, does the conversation continue? Interviewers that then take the time to have a casual conversation want you to join their company. They know you would be a good fit professionally and now want to get to know you on a more personal level.
4. Additional Introductions
A great sign that you got the job is when the interviewer introduces you to other team members. Rather than setting up formal interviews, you could be walked around the office to meet future co-workers. Offering a tour of the office is another of one the signs to look out for. These are great signs that things are moving in the right direction.
5. Positive Body Language
Keep tabs on the body language the interviewer is giving off. If they seem relaxed and in a good mood that is a pretty good sign. Are they leaning forward as they ask you questions?
If the person conducting the interview is stiff and keeps their arms crossed, try to change the tone of the meeting. Maybe when they ask you the next question try to make a quick joke before giving your answer to lighten the mood.
6. Benefits and Perks
If the hiring managers start discussing the company benefits and perks, this is a good sign. Interviewers won't offer up details about the job if they aren't interested in you. Vacation time, free snacks, and company parties are tidbits that are saved for top candidates for the position.
7. You’re Asked To Provide References
When you are asked to provide references, this is a good sign you might get the job. This is typically the last step in the job interview process. Be prepared to share these with human resources or the hiring manager. It's a positive sign if the interviewer shares that references and a background check are the next steps.
8. The Interview Runs Over Time
Pay attention to how long your interview lasts. Everyone is busy but if the interviewer offers you more time, that's a sign that your chances are good. After you have answered the job-related questions:
- Do they offer to tell you more about the company?
- Does the hiring manager give you a tour and introduce you to the team?
These are great signs that you will be getting an offer.
9. They Ask Where You Are In Your Job Search Process
Interviewers ask this question to see how quickly they need to move to keep you. They don’t want to risk losing you to another offer. If the company is happy to speed up the hiring process for you, that’s a great sign.
10. They Start Selling You On The Company
If the people you’re interviewing with start trying to convince you that the company is a great place to work, that’s a good sign. You’ve done something to impress them. Now they want to impress you.
11. You Get a Reply to Your Thank You Email
Most thank you emails go without replies. Thank you emails are considered standard after interviews these days — so make sure you send one!
If you meet with multiple members of the team, make sure each person is sent a unique note.
If the hiring manager takes the time to respond and thank you for your time as well, that’s a sign you’ll likely get the job.
If you receive a quick reply from other team members, that is another good sign that you are on the top of the list for the job. Of course, you want the response to be positive though. Look for details on the next steps or additional interviews as an indicator of that.
Final Thoughts
Remember, each company handles the hiring process differently. Good signs aren’t guarantees you’ll get the job. Don't be discouraged if you didn’t notice any of these signs, either. Trust your gut. You’ll know if you had a good interview and what signs are most relevant to you.
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