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It’s not unusual to have self-doubt after a job interview despite going in with all the confidence you could gather. “Did I answer the questions correctly? Was my posture too stiff? Should I have put on less perfume/cologne?” These are questions some of us find ourselves asking.
But there is always uncertainty on the outcome of an interview. Sometimes you think the interview went pretty well but the recruiter might have had a different experience. Here are some signs you can look out for to know if the interview went well:
1. Natural flow of the interview
In any relationship, there needs to be chemistry between two people which isn’t forced. If it feels one-sided then it won’t last. This is the same way with an interview. The natural flow during an interview will highlight your excellent communication skills. The interview can end up feeling more like a casual conversation. This means the interview is going well.
2. The interview lasts longer than expected
If most recruiters feel you are not the right fit for the position, they will likely cut the interview short. They don’t waste time on an unqualified candidate. When you realize that the interview scheduled for 30 minutes is still going on for an hour or so, don’t overthink it. This means the recruiter enjoys speaking with you about the position and possibly considering you as the perfect fit.
3. Introduction to other team members
When your partner says they want to introduce you to their parents it shows that they are ready to take the relationship to the next level. If during an interview you are introduced to other members of the company then it is a very good sign. They could introduce you to other employees to see how well you interact with other team members and if you would be a great culture fit. They might even introduce you to senior managers because they have a good feeling about you and want to speed up your hiring process.
You could even get a tour of the workspace so that you get a feel of what happens in the company. Such interactions are an indication that you are being considered for the position.
4. Detailed follow-up steps
It is common for interviewers to be vague in their responses on what comes after the interview. Statements like “we will be in touch” are often not fulfilled. If you are being considered they will ask about your timeline to schedule a second interview or how best they can reach you. They might even let you know of a specific day to expect a response from them.
5. Selling you the role
At the beginning of every interview, you constantly have to prove why you are a good fit for the position by selling your skills and education. As time goes by, you may realize the recruiter is highlighting all the perks that the company has to offer. They are now selling the position to you. When they do this, it’s because they want you to choose them over other available opportunities. Be sure to ask smart questions to know more about the position and company culture.
6. Transitioning
Questions like, “How soon would you be able to start if you’re hired?” are meant to know how long it would take for you to transition into their company. The recruiter wants to know if any roadblocks will make it hard for you to join their company. When answering the question, be completely honest. It is easy to get too over-excited and give a short duration of the expected transition time.
7. Positive response
Someone’s reaction to an answer you give can reveal a lot. The recruiter’s nonverbal language can reveal whether the interview went well or not. They might use words like ‘when you are in that position…’ instead of ‘if’. It shows they see a future with you in the company. Another way to check their response is when you send a thank-you email right after the interview. It is rare for a recruiter to respond to them or give feedback. So when you get a positive response after sending one, it shows that they were impressed with you.
In conclusion...
There is no full-proof way of knowing the outcome of an interview. It can go either way. But just because your interview wasn’t as good as you hoped doesn’t mean you can’t learn from it. You can take the first step by learning how to apply for jobs effectively and prepare for the next interview which may just be the big break you need. One door closes but there are many other doors still open for you.