Uncertainty sucks—especially when it comes to job interviews. The anxiety of wondering if you did well, aced those common questions, and impressed the hiring manager can be unbearable. You want to know, and you want to know now. Well, reading minds is not an option. But we've got the next best thing: a list of signs you will get the job after an interview.
From body language to verbal cues, there are some hints that you're about to receive the job offer you've been dreaming of. Here are 15 of those signs to watch out for.
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15 signs you will get the job after an interview
Hiring managers usually play their cards close to their chest during ongoing interviews with multiple candidates. But every now and then, they might do or say something that indicates you're one of their top picks.
1. You had an lengthy interview
“If the interview was scheduled for 30 minutes and it goes over 10-20 min, it's a good sign,” says creative recruiter Talya Frost, Co-founder of Alfonsina. When a hiring manager takes the time to ask more in-depth questions, it shows they're really taking your candidacy seriously.
Remember, recruiters are busy people and every second of their schedules matter. “I know I have the right candidate when time flies by and the interview will run over the allotted time,” says Jennifer Prue, human resource manager at Regional Water Authority.
2. The conversation turns casual
Job interviews are known to be all business and straight to the point. But if the hiring manager wraps up with casual conversation or mixes it in with the usual interview questions, it's a sign they're impressed and want to get to know you better. “Often, I will revert to casual talking if I feel that this candidate is comfortable and confident,” Prue says.
3. Their body language is positive
A nonverbal cue you aced the interview is when the recruiter keeps up positive body language while speaking to you. “Sometimes interviewers will warm up in an interview by smiling more,” Frost says. It's also a good sign if they maintain eye contact and nod in agreement with your answers.
4. They say “when” instead of “if”
An interviewer who's interested in hiring you may begin using “when” instead of “if” in phrases like “When you meet the team…” or “When you start working on project X.” They probably wouldn't choose this word unless they were already confident you got the job. So, if you heard a lot of “whens” during your interview, take it as a good sign.
5. You receive a follow-up email or call after the interview
If the company is very responsive and checks in with you every few days, you're likely one of their favorites. “Most companies will try to keep momentum going and want to maintain consistent engagement with their top candidates, whether it is via email or quick turnaround time for scheduling a following interview,” Frost says.
6. They take you on a company tour
If you're given a tour of the building, it's a good indicator that you did well in the interview. Hiring managers often do this to sell the company and the environment. “If I feel this is a top candidate, I may give them a tour of our facility and introduce them to senior executives,” Prue says.
In a remote setting, one of the signs you will get the job after a virtual interview is being invited to a site visit or second in-person interview. This demonstrates their interest in learning more about you and introducing you to your potential job location.
7. You are introduced to team members
One of the most positive signs you can get during an interview is meeting the team—it means they're looking to sell you on the company. They want to see how well you'd fit in with your (hopefully) future colleagues. Here, your interpersonal skills can really set you apart from other candidates, depending on the field you're in.
8. They want to hear your impressions
When the interview starts to feel like they're auditioning for you rather than the other way around, it's an indicator they're seriously considering hiring you and are hoping for a positive response to their job offer. They may want to know how you feel after they've given you detailed insights about the company or shown you around their facilities, for example.
9. They ask about your salary expectations
If there's zero chance a candidate will get hired, a hiring manager won't bother asking about their salary expectations. But for top candidates, they'll certainly pose this question. If you reach a point in the interview where the hiring manager wants to discuss salary, consider it a good sign. (Here's how to answer “What are your salary expectations?” in an interview.)
10. You discuss benefits and perks
Just like salary expectations, interviewers usually talk about employee benefits and perks only with candidates they're seriously considering hiring. If the conversation moves from your qualifications and experience to discussing benefits alongside salary, it's a clear indication of their interest in you.
11. You discuss transition aspects
For employed candidates, a hint that you may be getting the job is being asked when you can start or how much notice you need to give your current employer. The same goes to candidates applying for jobs in other cities or states. Some companies need new employees right away, while others are flexible during transition. Basically, any mention of start dates is a green flag.
12. They schedule a second interview
If the recruiter believes you're a good fit for the job, they might invite you for a second interview. Often, companies use the first round interview to get a basic understanding of your background, experience, skills and accomplishments, and to narrow down their options. Then, in the second interview, they delve deeper into the specifics of the role—sometimes including technical questions—expectations, and challenges.
13. You receive positive feedback
If the recruiter verbalizes a positive feedback, you aced the interview. Think about how often an interviewer has given you any feedback, good or bad—it probably doesn't happen very often. If they're impressed enough to praise your interview performance, that's a great sign.
14. They ask for extra documentation
Another clue you're moving forward in the hiring process is being asked for more documents or paperwork. They might request a portfolio, a letter of recommendation, or links to your work. This indicates your candidacy is being taken seriously and they want to gather more information about you to make a decision.
15. You're asked to provide references
If they ask for and contact your references, it's a major giveaway that you're the chosen candidate. They consider you a good fit for the position and just need some outside perspective on your work ethic and past performance. If your references check out, it's very likely you'll get the job offer. (In case you're wondering, here's how to pick a good job reference.)
Signs you will not get the job after an interview
Just like there are signs you're likely getting the job, there are also signs you're not. For instance, if the interview gets cut short and they don't give clear information about next steps, that's “almost always a bad sign,” Frost says.
Another cue is getting a late or generic response to your follow-up email after an interview. “If I feel like a candidate is not qualified for the position, after the interview I will thank them for their time and let them know a decision will be made in a couple of weeks,” Prue says. “If they email me to inquire about their candidacy, I will eventually respond within 48 hours or have our ATS send a rejection letter.”
That's a risk you face when you're job searching. But if it happens to you, don’t take it personally. Keep looking—your perfect fit might be just around the corner (who knows, maybe you'll find it here on The Muse.)