If you walk out of your interview and aren’t 100% sure you nailed it (or bombed it), you might spend the next few days stewing about how it went. But you don’t have to agonize in the dark. It is possible to tell more or less how you’ll fare—even between the extremes of horrible and perfectly. Here are some telltale signs that it went well—so well that you might even get the job!
1. Your interviewer had a good time.
You genuinely got the impression that your interviewer was having a good time during the conversation. You ran over your allotted time. And beyond that, their body language suggested as much, as well. They were smiling, nodding, leaning in, and making eye contact. And the smile was genuine—with engagement of the eyes and everything.
2. You got a tour.
Did your interviewer, after your conversation, show you around the office before showing you out? This is a good indicator that they’re seriously considering you. Bonus points if they introduced you to any members of your would-be team.
3. You felt like they were selling you.
Your interviewer made a point of trying to sell you on the company—they didn’t just watch you do backflips to try to prove your worth. For example, if they spend a lot of time talking about company policies, benefits, and perks and pay, you’re probably golden.
4. They asked for references.
Typically, hiring managers don’t bother asking for references they aren’t going to bother calling. If you’re asked for yours, that’s a good sign and usually means they plan on contacting your recommenders. Bonus points if they also mention they’ll be running a background check; these are expensive and they don’t run them willy nilly.
5. There was a lingering goodbye.
Did it seem like your interviewer, when walking you out, didn’t quite want you to leave? Did she stick around loitering in the lobby with you making idle conversation? These are signs of how comfortable she feels with you—as if you’re already a colleague, not a candidate.
6. Follow-up is made explicit.
Instead of a vague not to “being in touch,” the follow-up process is discussed with particulars. They ask about your timeline and interview status. They make references to the next steps, and not just in a generic way. Maybe they let you know exactly when to expect to hear from them… and ask how best you can be reached.
7. You get called back in for another round.
Only finalists make the second round of interviews. Congrats, you’re on your way! Now you just have to do the whole thing over again. Show up, dress nicely, sparkle, and be engaging and confident without being arrogant or smug. Remember to send a handwritten thank you note for that interview, as well. Repeat all the good things you did for round one, and hopefully you’ll have that same good gut feeling after. That’s usually another good sign that you just might land the job.
