As job seekers, we’ve all experienced the nail-biting anxiety of a job interview.
You leave the interview, replaying the conversation in your head, trying to read between the lines of the interviewer’s responses.
Did you leave a good impression? Did you ace the interview, or did you miss the mark?
It’s a nerve-wracking experience, but there are some telltale signs that your interview went well, and some not-so-great signs that suggest otherwise.
The Good Signs:
- The Interviewer Seems Engaged
When the interviewer is genuinely interested in what you have to say, it’s usually a good sign.
If they are nodding along, asking follow-up questions, and engaging with you, it’s a sign that they are interested in your experience and qualifications.
It’s a good indicator that you’re on the right track and have their attention.
- The Interview Runs Over Time
If your interview runs over time, it’s often a good sign that the interviewer is interested in learning more about you.
This is especially true if they ask detailed questions about your experience or provide insights into the company culture.
However, this doesn’t always guarantee a job offer, but it certainly indicates that you’re a strong contender.
- They Ask About Your Availability
If the interviewer asks when you’re available to start or if you’re interviewing with other companies, it’s a sign that they’re considering you for the role.
It means they’re interested in moving forward with the hiring process and are starting to think about logistics.
- They Give Positive Feedback
If the interviewer provides positive feedback during the interview, it’s a clear indication that you’re on the right track.
They might comment on your experience, education, or specific skills that align with the role.
If they mention that you’re a good fit for the company culture, it’s a good sign that they see you as a potential candidate.
- They Discuss Salary and Benefits
If the interviewer brings up salary and benefits, it’s a good indication that they are seriously considering you for the role.
This means they are interested in moving forward with the hiring process and want to ensure that you’re a good fit for the position.
The Bad Signs:
- The Interviewer Seems Distracted
If the interviewer is checking their phone or seems distracted, it’s a bad sign.
It means that they’re not engaged in the conversation and aren’t taking the interview seriously.
This could indicate that you’re not a good fit for the role, or they’re not interested in moving forward with the hiring process.
- The Interview Is Cut Short
If the interview is cut short or ends abruptly, it’s usually a bad sign. This could mean that the interviewer has already made up their mind or that they’ve lost interest in your application.
It’s important to remember that not every interview is going to be a perfect match, and sometimes, it’s better to move on and look for other opportunities.
- They Don’t Ask Follow-Up Questions
If the interviewer doesn’t ask follow-up questions or doesn’t seem interested in your answers, it’s a sign that they’re not engaged in the conversation.
This could mean that they don’t think you’re a good fit for the role, or they’ve already made a decision. Either way, it’s not a good sign.
- They Don’t Provide Feedback
If the interviewer doesn’t provide feedback during the interview, it’s a bad sign.
Feedback is crucial in the hiring process, as it helps you understand what you did well and what you could improve on.
If the interviewer doesn’t provide any feedback, it’s a sign that they’re not interested in moving forward with your application.
- They Don’t Discuss Salary and Benefits
If the interviewer doesn’t bring up salary and benefits during the interview, it’s not necessarily a bad sign, but it could be a cause for concern.
If they don’t discuss compensation, it might indicate that they’re not considering you for the role or that they have a low budget for the position.
It’s important to clarify these details if you’re offered the position or to ask for this information if it’s not discussed during the interview.
In conclusion, there are several signs that your job interview went well, and some not-so-great signs that suggest otherwise.
It’s important to remember that not every interview will be a perfect match, and sometimes, it’s better to move on and look for other opportunities.
Regardless of the outcome, every interview is an opportunity to learn and improve your interviewing skills.
Take notes, reflect on your responses, and use this experience to prepare for your next interview.
Patson Chidari, a Business Information Systems Consultant at Industrial Psychology Consultants. You can contact him at patson@ipcconsultants.com
