12 Positive Signs to Look for in a Job Interview

February 6, 2018
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Few feelings are as triumphant as leaving a job interview with confidence that you landed the position. After all, you studied the industry, the competition, the company, and the position—and your research really showed! But in the next few days, the euphoric feeling gradually dissipates as you don’t hear anything, and you begin to have some doubts about your performance. “Did I hesitate a moment too long before I talked about my achievements?” or “Was mentioning my two cats a bad idea?”

You can replace the second guessing with an understanding of what really constitutes a good interview. Here are 12 signals that tell you your interview went well:

  1. The interview went past its scheduled time

Hiring managers don’t spend more than the allotted time unless they are serious about learning about you. If the interview runs long and you are asked a few questions toward the end, this is a very positive sign.

  1. The interview was conversational

Interviewers study resumes and LinkedIn profiles before they meet with you. If the conversation seems to flow smoothly, and doesn’t seem like a pure Q&A session, that is a signal that you went in as a preferred candidate and reinforced the positive impression from your application. Keep in mind that some interviewers are naturally friendlier than others, and some work environments are more informal than others.

  1. The interviewer positively affirmed your answers

“Great answer,” she says after you discuss your passion for volunteer work. The implication is clearly that your interview is going well. Positive affirmations also come in the form of body language cues, like a lean forward or a smile.

  1. The interviewer used the word “you” when talking about the role

This dynamic often occurs subconsciously; the interviewer is already envisioning you in the role, performing the tasks he or she is describing at great length. Or it could be deliberate. The “you” language may be intended to convey that you are being seriously considered for the position.

  1. You were introduced to decision makers and potential teammates

If ten candidates are invited in for interviews and five get to meet with key personnel, think of the distraction to the workflow. Hiring managers usually introduce the top two or three candidates to others in the organization. This is done to speed up the process, \ collect perspectives, and compare the top candidates for company fit.

  1. The interviewer sold you on the job and company

You are really seen as a hot commodity if the interviewer spends time (especially in the second half of the interview) selling you on the company culture and other highlights of the position. If this happens toward the beginning of the interview, it may not be as meaningful, as some companies use job interviews to build up their employer brands.

  1. The interviewer asked about where you are in your job search

In a low unemployment job market where qualified candidates get seized up quickly, this is your sign that you are seen as a hot commodity. The interviewer is trying to assess the level of urgency in making you an offer. He or she knows that the best candidates may take other offers if the company doesn’t act quickly.

  1. You were given a direct line to call the interviewer with questions

Most candidates are given a business card, but top candidates are often encouraged to reach out with any questions. If you are offered a direct email or phone number to contact the hiring manager, this almost always means you are being strongly considered.

  1. You were asked about your interest

If you are asked about whether you are interested in the position, the interviewer is gauging your interest level (which they want to be strong) and whether you would accept a job offer. The interviewer may also ask when you can start, which accomplishes the same objectives.

  1. The next steps were discussed

You’re moving on! This isn’t a signal; now we’re in overt “we’re interested” territory!

  1. Compensation was mentioned

You’re a great candidate, but at what price? While the mention of salary is a reflection of how far you have progressed in the process, the company may have a very specific compensation target in mind. Some hiring managers discuss salary with several candidates to get the best hire for the price. This is a great signal if your desired compensation is a match with the potential offer.

  1. The recruiter called you (quickly) with great feedback

If you hear back from the recruiter (if one was involved) within two hours, this tells you something. The employer thought enough of your interview to quickly provide positive feedback and thank the recruiter for sending you. The interviewer wants the recruiter to call you with the good news and keep you attuned to the next steps.

While any one of these signals alone isn’t a reliable predictor of a job offer, three or more do indicate you are a strong candidate. Regardless of the eventual outcome, reward yourself for an interview well-done. You deserve it!