Have you been in some great interviews, where you left thinking, “I got it!”, then never get a call back? Or, left scratching your head, wondering where it went wrong, only to receive a call a short while later offering you the position?
You prepare in every way to have the best interview possible, but it can be hard to tell from the interview how it actually went and what your chances are of actually getting the position. Fortunately, there are some components of a successful interview that you can look for. These can be indicators that your interview went well:
- Body Language – watch for positive body language. If the interviewer is making eye contact, leaning forward during your conversation, or laughing, it usually means he or she feels comfortable with you and most likely will not cross you off their list.
- Company Secrets – during most interviews, the interviewer will tell you little tidbits about the company, but not details. If the interviewer is sharing more details about the company, its future plans, or the direction they expect the company to move towards, most likely he or she is interested in hiring you.
- Long Interviews – most often you will be told to expect your interview to be a certain length. If however, the interview seems to be going much longer than expected, it is a good sign. This typically means that the interviewer is interested in you and wants to know more about you and how you will fit in the company.
- Meet Others – most interviews do not entail meeting any of the other staff or managers. If at any time during the interview, you are asked if you could stay a bit longer or are told, let’s introduce you to some of the managers and staff, it generally means they want to hire you!
- Key Phrases – most interviewers will change their language to include you, when they have decided they want to hire you. For example, if they begin using phrases such as, once you start, or when you join us, this typically means they see you as part of the organization already.
- Sell You – when the interview turns to the interviewer selling you on their company and how they can benefit you – it usually means the job is yours! Marketing the benefits and culture of the organization typically means they want you there as part of the team.
- Time and Money – when the interview gets to the point where your interviewer is asking you when you can start and starts talking details of benefits and salary, it means the job is yours.
If you encounter any of these signs, it means the job is most likely yours. Make sure that you respond positively to the interviewer, to let he or she know you are interested as well. Take the time to think about the interview, follow-up with the interviewer, and enjoy the new job!