How do you know if your interview went well

Waiting for an answer after a job interview can be nerve-racking. While you wait, find out what six signs could be pointing towards a successful interview.

Walking out of an interview can be quite a relief after all the thorough preparation, nervous build-up, and even practising in the mirror! However, the toughest part is often when you start to wonder how the meeting actually went. Reflecting on how you answered every single question could be just as stressful as preparing. It’s worth having a checklist at hand for when your interview is over.

Main signs that your interview went well 

While we can’t read the interviewer’s mind and always know exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate, there are some clear signs that point towards the positive. If you built a good rapport, were introduced to some of the team, and received excellent feedback from the recruiter, there’s a high chance you’ve done well.

We’ve collated a detailed list below of all the possible signs that could indicate a successful interview.

Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your employment needs with a recruitment expert, please contact your local consultant.

Questions to ask to know if your interview went well:

1. How long were you talking to the company for?

Your recruiter may have already told you how long the interview should have lasted. Going over that time period is usually considered a good omen. Remember that your hiring manager’s time is valuable, especially when they are in the process of recruiting. So the fact that they’ve dedicated their time to learning more about you shows that they are clearly interested.

Consider if you felt like you were having a natural conversation rather than presenting a rehearsed speech when communicating your answers. Successfully building a good rapport with your potential employer demonstrates strong interpersonal skills and makes it easier for them to envision how you would fit in with the rest of the team.

2. How did the hiring manager refer to you?

You can take it as a good sign if the interviewer refers to you as “you” rather than “the successful candidate” when discussing the role. For example, saying “the successful candidate would be expected to…” implies some distance; whereas referring to when “you” are in the role is much warmer and engaged. See this as a sign that they are already imagining you at the company based on how you’ve come across.

3. Was there a sense of engagement from the interviewer?

Candidates always consider their own body language and how to present themselves, but have you ever noticed your interviewer’s body language? This can tend to give away an awful lot about the feel of the meeting. Movements including leaning forwards, smiling, nodding in agreement or uncrossed arms are all a sign that the hiring manager is comfortable with you.

4. Did they make you feel part of the team?

If your potential employer has a good feeling about you, you most likely will be introduced to other people in the business. It is a good sign if you were:

• Introduced to the team members towards the end of the interview
• Introduced to a director or c-suite executive
• Able to meet with the decision-maker for any further rounds.

Take into account that your hiring manager will have done this consciously. They will know that giving you an introduction to additional members of their team demonstrates that they have confidence in you.

5. Did they ask logistical questions about your availability?

Closing questions are just as beneficial to the employer as they are the candidate. Look out for these types of questions towards the end:

• Your notice period and possible start dates
• Your interest in the role
• Your commute time and distance
• Any other interviews you may have lined up

 
Also bear in mind that as the conversation comes to a close, you may be informed of what the next stage would be (i.e. the second interview or when you will hear back). This instantly shows that you are in with a chance and your hiring manager does not want you to lose interest.

6. Does your recruiter sound positive about your interview?

When speaking to your recruiter afterwards, listen carefully to any feedback they give you. Receiving overall positive feedback from them implies that, while it may not be in the bag, your chances are still high.

What you need to remember about the signs of a good interview

While nothing is ever set in stone until you have a contract, you may find that the above signs show you did something right and were a strong contender. Find out from your recruiter what went well and what you can improve on for any future interviews, and these positive signs should soon point towards a solid offer.

You can also take a look at our career advice page, where you will find more top tips for job searching and interviews, as well as how to make an impression in your new job.