May 10, 2022    |    By

Few people enjoy going to job interviews, even though it means they have gotten through several steps of the hiring process. Job interviews are nerve-racking, especially if you really want the job. Not to mention that there may be an added level of stress if you’ve been job hunting for quite some time.

While there is no guaranteed way to know for sure that you got the job (unless you’re told directly), there are a few good good signs that might mean you got the job to look out for.

Key Takeaways:

  • Job interviews can be stressful and outcomes are often uncertain, despite being an essential step in the hiring process.
  • Positive signs in an interviewer’s body language and word choice include engaging gestures, smiles, nods, and affirmative words like “great” or “terrific,” while negative signs include avoidance of eye contact, closed body language, and negative phrases.
  • Indicators of a successful interview include the interview exceeding its scheduled time, being offered a tour of the office, receiving numerous follow-up questions, discussions about job perks, questions about salary expectations, requests for follow-up, and inquiries about other interviews.
  • A direct job offer or strong positive feedback post-interview indicates a high chance of securing the job.
  • Despite positive indicators, there’s no certainty of a job offer until it is officially made.
  • Continuing to search for jobs is recommended even after a positive interview, due to the uncertainty of the outcome and the possibility of other candidates being considered.
  • It’s important to follow up in a polite and professional manner after the interview, and not to be discouraged if there’s no immediate offer, as hiring processes can be lengthy.

Subtle Cues To Watch For During An Interview

Although you’ll generally get a better idea of how you did once the interview wraps up, there are a few cues to pay attention to during the interview. You can often tell how you’re doing over the course of the interview using the interviewer’s body language and word choice.

Body Language

The body language of the interviewer can convey their feelings and intentions. If the interviewer leans in towards you, makes eye contact, or has open body language, it is generally a good sign. It means that they are engaged in the conversation and are interested in what you have to say.

Additionally, watch for positive facial expressions such as smiles and nods. It means that the interviewer is reacting positively to your answers.
On the other hand, if the interviewer is leaning back, avoiding eye contact, or has closed body language, this may be a sign they are uninterested or unimpressed.

Also, using positive body language during an interview on your part can help you go a long way in their eyes, as well.

Word Choice

Certain words can indicate how the interviewer is reacting to your responses. Listen for words such as “great,” “terrific,” or “outstanding.” These words are good indicators that the interviewer is impressed with you. If the interviewer uses phrases such as “not good,” “not great,” or “needs improvement,” it probably means they are not as impressed.

Of course, many interviewers will refrain from reacting outwardly. However, if you see that they’re struggling to react in a positive way, it might not be a good sign. For example, if you provide a response and they simply move on to the next question, it might be because they had a negative reaction but don’t want to verbalize it.

9 Positive Signs You’re About To Get A Job Offer

Although you can get some indication of how you did based on the way the interviewer engaged with you throughout your interview, you’ll have a better idea of your performance once the interview ends.

The following are a few positive signs that you’re about to get a job offer, or at the very least are in strong contention for the position.

1. The Interview Runs Longer Than Scheduled

One of the worst things that can happen during an interview is for it to end abruptly. If an interviewer cuts the interview short, it probably means they have already decided that you aren’t a good fit.

However, if the interview runs longer than scheduled, then that’s a good sign. It could mean the interviewer was so engaged with you and lost track of time, or that they thought you were a good fit and wanted to find out more.

2. You Were Given A Tour Of The Office

If you were offered a tour of the office, it likely means that you are a promising candidate. After all, there is no reason to offer a tour of the office to someone who did poorly in the interview. It is a good sign because the interviewer wants to show you around, so you can get familiar with your potential new workplace.

3. You Were Asked A Lot of Follow-Up Questions

If the interviewer asks a lot of questions about you, then they’re interested in what you have to say and they want to know more about you. It’s a positive sign and indicates that they want to dive deeper and see if you’ll make a good fit for the company.

4. They Discussed The Job Perks With You

If the interviewer brings up the perks of the job with you, it means that they are trying to make the job sound more appealing to you. The interviewer probably sees you as a good fit and wants to make sure that you see them as a good fit as well.

5. You Were Asked About Your Salary Expectations

Although it’s not always the case, if the interviewer asks you about your salary expectations, it usually indicates you are a strong candidate for the position. It’s a way for them to see how much they need to offer you to get you on board. If they’re thinking ahead to negotiations like this, then they’re very interested in putting together a job offer for you.

6. They Asked You To Follow Up

When the interviewer tells you to follow up with them, it means they want to continue the conversation with you. They may still have a round of interviews left and don’t want to rush to a decision, but it likely means you are a strong candidate in their mind.

7. They Asked If You Have Other Interviews Lined Up

When a recruiter or employer asks about other interviews you may have lined up, they’re gauging how much time they have to present you with a job offer. It indicates that they view you as a strong candidate and are afraid that if they wait too long, you may be offered another job elsewhere.

8. You Were Not Interrupted While You Were Talking

If you’re talking and the interviewer is not interrupting you, then they’re interested in what you have to say and they want to hear more. When an interviewer interrupts you, it usually means that they’ve heard enough or they don’t agree with what you’re saying.

In some cases, they may not even be paying attention and they’re just trying to move the interview along so that it can end as quickly as possible.

9. They Told You Their Decision Up Front

If the interview has been really successful, they may tell you upfront. If they offer you the position right then and there, then you know you did well.

However, in some cases, they may simply tell you that they were impressed with your interview without offering you the job. If this is the case, it’s because they’re doing their due diligence. Despite your excellent performance in the interview, they may still want to review your resume further. Moreover, they may still have additional interviews scheduled with other candidates.

Does This Automatically Mean You Got The Job?

It’s not uncommon for interviewers to ask for the contact information of your current employer. In some cases, they Although the interviewer may be giving you some strong signals that you got the job, it’s important to remember that nothing is concrete until you’re offered the job. Just because the interview went well doesn’t automatically mean you’re the clear-cut choice for the position.

Why You Should Keep Looking For Other Jobs

Despite doing well, you should keep looking for other job opportunities. It’s always possible that you were one of the top choices, but that you’ll lose out to another candidate. Perhaps you were the best candidate up until your interview, but the employer interviewed someone else afterward that performed even better.

As such, it’s crucial that you don’t assume you’ve gotten the job and that you keep looking for other job opportunities.

When To Follow Up

Be sure to follow up with the interviewer within a few days. You can either email or call them, but make sure that you’re polite and professional. In your email or phone call, reiterate your interest in the job and ask if there are any other steps you need to take in order to move forward in the hiring process.

If they don’t get back to you, it’s possible that they’re still considering other candidates or they may have simply forgotten to respond. In either case, you can follow up again a week or two later to see if there are any updates.

Pay Attention To More Than Just The Signs

Although these signs are good indicators that you might be offered a job, it’s essential to remember that there are other factors at play too. The interviewer may tell you that you’re a strong candidate but they still need to do some additional research or they may want to interview a few more people.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive an offer right away. Sometimes, the hiring process can take a while. Instead, focus on yourself and keep applying for other jobs. Eventually, you’ll get the job offer that you’re hoping for.

 

Make a great first impression at your next job interview.

Make a great first impression at your next job interview.

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This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created between the author and reader of this blog post, and its content should not be relied upon as legal advice. Readers are urged to consult legal counsel when seeking legal advice.