What to do after an interview?
If there's one thing that keeps people awake at night after an interview is uncertainty.
If the recruiter gives prompt feedback after the interview, even if it's negative - we can accept it and move on. But, most of the time, you don't get immediate feedback from the interviewers, and sometimes not at all.
But, what to do after an interview that went well? And the uncertainty can be pretty unnerving.
There are some ways though to predict how the interviewer is feeling about you.
But of course, you won't be 100% certain which way a recruiter is leaning. Yet, you can look out for key signals from the recruiter that'll give you a pretty good idea about how you've fared in the interview.
In this blog, we'll tell you 15 hidden signs you got the job after an interview.
Here are 15 hidden signs an interview went well, and you may be getting the job after the interview:
- The conversation turns casual
- Recruiters start saying "When" instead of "If."
- Recruiter shows positive nonverbal cues
- Recruiter asks you about your availability & timeline
- Recruiter offers you to meet the team
- Recruiter indicates they're impressed
- The interview ran longer than usual
- Recruiter talks about salary expectations
- Recruiter tries to sell you on the company
- Recruiter discuss perks & benefits with you
- Recruiter asks you follow-up questions
- You're given direct contact information
- Recruiter responds to your follow-up quickly
- Recruiter gives you a firm handshake
- Recruiter contacts your references
The Conversation Turns Casual
Interviews are all about business. You are mainly judged on your knowledge of skills related to your industry.
But, if, at some point, the hiring manager stops talking about only business and starts having a casual and friendly conversation, you can take it as a good sign,
It shows that the recruiter is satisfied with your knowledge and experience and wants to know your personality in hopes you will join the team.
Larry Snider, VP of Operations of Casago Vacation Rentals, says
"When interviews end up being really conversational instead of just question-and-answer, that’s likely a sign that it went well.
When I interview candidates and really like them in the interview, I will try extra hard to get to know them well so that they can sense my interest."
Recruiters Start Saying “When” Instead of “If”
Recruiters are human. And sometimes they will give some verbal cues that they like you, without even realizing it.
Recruiters generally talk to you in conditional languages. "If you join here" or "The employee will do this."
But if they like the candidate and want them to join the organization, they subconsciously switch from "If" to "When you join here."
This is a very subtle change, but a good sign that you are getting an offer from the organization.
Recruiter Shows Positive Nonverbal Cues
Body language can often give a lot of information on how a person perceives you.
Notice their gesture; do they look attentive? Are they smiling?
If yes, that means they are interested in what you have to say.
On the other hand, if they are unattentive or fail to make eye contact, hence indicating a sign that you're not getting the job.
However, reading nonverbal communication can be difficult in a remote or phone interview.
Also Read: Know Why and How to Respond to Rejection Email With Examples
Recruiter Ask You About Your Availability
The general availability and schedule of an employee are not the concern in the initial interviews.
In most cases, these details come up after it's a fact that you'll be a perfect candidate for the job.
However, if you find that in your interview, the recruiters are bringing these details up, this is a clear sign that they think you'll be a strong candidate for the position.
Recruiter Offers You to Meet The Team
After you meet the skills criteria, a recruiter's only concern is if you are a good fit culturally for the organization.
And if they think you are a good fit, they take an extra effort and give you a tour of the office and introduce you to potential team members.
It's an excellent sign that you’ll likely get the job. No recruiter will take the effort to show you around if they don't see you fit.
Kimberley Tyler-Smith, an executive at Resume Worded, says:
"I offer them a tour of the office and introduce them to some people who work there. This helps them feel comfortable with the company environment before they start working there, and it also allows me to see how well they interact with other employees".
Interviewer Indicates They’re Impressed
Interviewers try to assess a candidate naturally. That's why compliments are generally rare in job interviews.
However, if the interviewer is genuinely impressed with what you've done, they may indicate or forthright tell you that they are impressed with your skills.
You'll hear something like:
- "I'm very impressed with what you've done so far…."
- "It looks like you have a strong understanding of the XYZ industry."
If that happens, it's a very positive sign.
Also Read:: Guide to Draft a Message to Hiring Manager: with 10+ Examples
The Interview Run Longer Than Usual
The interviewer is there for business. They don't have spare time to give to you.
But if you see that the interview is going past the set timeline, that means they think you may be a good fit for the organization, and they don't mind spending more time to know about you.
Amit Gami, Managing Director of Heat Pump Chooser, agrees. He says:
"The first step I take when I interview a good candidate and want them to join our organization is to take the interview longer, asking further about their given answers. If they are going to get the job, I don’t mind investing more time in knowing them."
Also, keep in mind that this deduction is not entirely accurate.
In some circumstances, running over time may be a sign that the recruiters are having a hard time understanding how you can be a good fit for the organization.
Recruiter Talks About Salary Expectations
If the interviewer asks you about your salary expectations, they might seriously consider you for the position.
Now, it's not always the case. Sometimes the recruiters ask you about your salary expectations before the interview to ensure that their expectations are within the company's budget.
Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool, said this:
"I'll rarely take the time to ask questions about when an employee could start, what sort of compensation package they would need, or other logistical issues related to actually hiring them unless I'm truly interested in a candidate."
"If these kinds of questions come up in an interview, especially if they weren't necessarily on the agenda for this round, it's usually a very good sign for the candidate."
Also Read: Salary Negotiation Winning Strategies: Tips with 10+ Examples
Recruiter Tries To Sell You on the Company
A recruiter's job is to find a suitable candidate for a role. And once they find the right fit, they try hard to recruit them.
They may try to sell you on how good the company's work culture is and the perks & benefits of the company. They could even talk about other employees who have succeeded in the organization.
If the recruiters are doing that with you, you can be assured that they like you and they want you to join their organization.
Recruiter Asks You Follow-up Questions
Ideally, when interviewing, recruiters generally have a set of questions they want to ask the candidate.
And if the answers don't meet their expectations, they don't bother asking follow-up questions.
But, if they like the candidate's answer, they break the standard formula and ask follow-up questions about your experience.
If the recruiters are asking you follow-up questions, don't get anxious, but be optimistic since it's a sign that you're doing a good job.
Recruiter Discuss Perks & Benefits with You
This ties back to the point where recruiters try to sell you on the company. If the recruiter doesn't like you, it's unlikely they will discuss the company's perks and benefits.
But, if the recruiter discusses in detail with you the perks, you'll get into the organization and even discuss how they can tweak the job description to better suit your needs is a vital sign that you have a high chance of getting the job.
You're Given Direct Contact Information
Recruiters meet with potential candidates all the time. That's why they rarely hand out their contact information to the candidates unless they find a promising candidate.
If the recruiter is giving their contact information to you, that could mean that they are interested in hiring you and want to keep you engaged.
It's a big deal. They are giving you a direct gateway to reach out to them.
Even if you don't hear back from them in a week, you can easily follow up via their contact information.
Recruiter Gives You a Firm Handshake
A firm handshake shows enthusiasm. If an interviewer shakes the candidate's hand firmly, it is a good sign. It shows sincerity, passion, and trust toward the candidate.
On the other hand, a casual thankyou or unenthusiastic handshake may indicate otherwise.
Recruiter Responds to Your Follow-up Quickly
As stated earlier, interviewers meet many potential candidates daily. And realistically, they don't have enough time to reply to each follow-up email from candidates.
But if the follow-up email is from a potential employee, recruiters take the time to respond to them, so they don't feel disengaged.
So, If you found that your follow-up email got a prompt response, that means the recruiters are impressed with your skills and want to keep you engaged.
Also Read: Follow Up Email After Interview: The Complete 2023 Guide with Examples
Recruiter Contacts Your References
Contacting references is usually the last part of the hiring process.
Hiring managers don't generally waste their valuable time calling or emailing someone unless they think you are a strong potential candidate.
So, if you found out that the employers contacted your references, this is an excellent sign that you are in the last stage of your recruitment.
Also Read:: How & When to Add References on a Resume? Guide with Samples & Examples
FAQs for "Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview"
Q. What are the signs that indicate I will get the job after an interview?
- Pay attention to positive body language from the interviewer, such as nodding, smiling, and maintaining good eye contact.
- If the interviewer discusses your potential start date, salary, or benefits, it's usually a positive sign that they are considering you for the position.
- Receiving positive feedback on your skills, experience, and qualifications during the interview is a strong indication that you may be offered the job.
Q. Can a quick response after the interview be a sign that I will get the job?
- While a prompt response from the employer after an interview can be a positive sign, it doesn't guarantee that you will get the job.
- Some companies may have a streamlined hiring process, while others may take more time to make a decision.
- It's best to remain patient and wait for a formal offer before assuming you have secured the position, even if you receive a quick response.
Q. Are there any signs during the interview that suggest I may not get the job?
- If the interviewer seems disinterested, doesn't ask many follow-up questions, or rushes through the interview, it may indicate a lack of interest in your candidacy.
- If the interviewer doesn't provide information about the next steps in the hiring process or doesn't mention potential start dates or salary, it could be a sign that you're not the top candidate.
- Receiving vague or evasive answers to your questions about the role or company can also be a red flag that you may not be selected for the position.
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