Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, but they can also be a great opportunity to showcase your skills and impress potential employers. But how do you know if your interview went well? These are the top key signs to look for that indicate a positive outcome, as well as tips for interpreting feedback and staying positive in the face of rejection.
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Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations during an interview can come in various forms, such as verbal praise or nonverbal cues like nodding, smiling, or taking notes. Hearing the interviewer express interest or agreeing with your answers is a good indicator that they are interested in you as a candidate. Look for praises like “I completely agree,” “That is some good insight,” or “I am impressed with your experience.” To know that you are heading the right direction in your interview
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The Interview Went Longer Than Expected
If an interview goes beyond the scheduled time, it could mean that the interviewer is extremely interested in your skills, experience, and qualifications. This is a good indication that you sparked their curiosity, and they are trying to find out how well you fit in their team.
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They Start to Sell You the Job
The interviewer might start to tell you about growth opportunities within the company, the perks of working there, or how the job fits with your career goals. This can mean that they are trying to convince you to take the role within their company. Interviewers might even go as far as discussing benefits, company culture, or even salary if they are extremely interested in hiring you.
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They Show You Around the Office
Have you ever gone on a tour of the office after an interview? This is a sign that the interviewer is truly considering you as a potential employee. An interviewer might do this to get an idea of how you would fit in with the team and get a sense of your personality. During the tour, they may introduce you to other employees or show you around the department where you would work.
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They Ask You About Other Applications
Interviewers might ask you if you are considering other jobs or if you are waiting to hear from other employers to know how long they have to make a hiring decision. This means that they want to stay ahead of their competition and not miss the opportunity of hiring you if you end up being the top applicant at the end of the interview process.
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They Discuss the Onboarding Process
The interviewer might start to tell you about what to expect in your first days at the job or start to discuss the company culture and values. If onboarding topics come up in the interview, then they are already looking forward to start your training and getting you working in your new role.
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They Talk as If You’re Already Part of the Team
During your conversation, the interviewer might say things like “when you start working here” or “so-and-so will be training you.” If you are being addressed as if you are part of the team, then they are giving you signs that you are about to get hired.
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They Tell You You’re the Only Candidate or When You’ll Be Notified
A good sign that your interview is going well is hearing the interviewer say things like “you’re the only candidate we are considering for the role so far” or “you’ll be notified about our decision on this date”. This means that they are serious about your application, and that they are considering you for the position.
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They Exchange Contact Info
This is a good sign that the interviewer is interested in you as a candidate and wants to stay in touch. They may want to follow up with you after the interview, or ask you more questions about your skills or experience.
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They extend an offer
This is the ultimate sign that your interview went well – if the interviewer offers you the job on the spot or in the days following the interview, it means that they are confident in your abilities and see you as a valuable asset to the company. Congratulations! You aced the interview!
On the other hand, how do you know if your interview went badly?
If the interviewer seemed disinterested, asked few questions, or appeared to be rushing through the interview, it could mean that the interview did not go well. Additionally, if you did not receive positive affirmations or any indication of next steps, it could mean that the interviewer is not considering you for the position.
If your interview went well you should expect to hear back within a week or two. If you do not hear back within this timeframe, it’s appropriate to follow up with the company to inquire about the status of your application.
Knowing how to interpret the signs of a successful interview can help gauge your chances of landing the job and give you insight into your strengths as a candidate. Remember to always stay positive and use every interview as an opportunity to learn and grow, even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. With these tips you’ll be better equipped to navigate the job search process and find the right fit for your skills and experience.
Written by
Jose Caceres
Marketing Manager
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