However, there are some signs that can help you determine if your interview was successful. Take a look at these common tip-offs that your interview went well. Bonus points if the interviewer referred to “you” in the role. For example: “You would be reporting to Martha, the digital marketing manager, each day.” When hiring managers talk this way, it means they can foresee you in the role. Listen to how your interviewer responds when you answer questions. Positive responses like, “That’s exactly right,” “Great answer,” or “Yes, that’s just what we’re looking for” are key indications that an interviewer likes you and will give your application further consideration. The more positive feedback you get, the more likely you are to move forward in the hiring process. Embrace your confidence, but don’t dismiss the need to prepare for a second interview just because you think you have the job in the bag. You’ll want to get ready for the interview just as carefully as you did for the first round. Another good sign is when an interviewer asks when you could start work if you were hired. Wanting to get an idea about when you can start is a good indicator that you’re in contention for the job. However, in a case where there are multiple interviewers, however, one of them may feel the need to ask questions for the sake of doing so, to make it seem like they’re doing their job. So, bonus points if it’s just you and a single interviewer and the discussion still carried on for a significant amount of time. Take advantage of that opportunity and follow up if you have any questions or additional information to share that would help you get an offer. Also, take the time to send a thank-you note or email reiterating your interest in the job. A message like, “Thank you for coming in to meet with us! We very much appreciate it and look forward to following up with you later this week. Have a great day!” bodes much better than something short and dry like, “You are welcome, and thank you. Speak soon.” If you got to meet some management or upper-management staff, take it as a good sign that you’re being seriously considered for the role. For example, if you are interviewing for a large corporation, the level of personal engagement you experience during the interview process may be significantly less than if you were applying with a startup company, but that doesn’t imply you won’t get the job. If your interviewer isn’t a warm and fuzzy person, their mannerisms may not reflect your likelihood of getting the job. The same goes if they’re an especially nice person. Trust your gut, but be fair to (and aware of) yourself. If you’re the type who constantly doubts yourself and you think you blew the interview, your judgment may not be accurate. Try to be as objective as possible when considering your interview performance. Review the experience without engaging in too much emotion. And, if you didn’t do as well as you expected, consider it a learning experience and practice for the next time around.
When You Don’t Get Good Signals
If none of these things happen, be aware that it might not be because of anything you did or didn’t say. There are many reasons candidates don’t get invited for second interviews, and some of them have nothing to do with the applicant. Don’t beat yourself up. If this job doesn’t work out, it means it wasn’t the position for you. Keep your job search moving forward, and the right opportunity will come along.
