The end of an interview may leave you with mixed feelings about whether you got the job or will earn a second interview. When trying to figure out how an interview went, there are key signals you can look for. An interviewer's mannerisms, attitude and questions can all indicate their interest in hiring you. In this article, we explore some common signs that an interview went well (or badly).
Many strong interviews last for the entire time period you were scheduled for. If the interviewer seems eager to ask more questions even when the interview is over, they may invite you to a second interview to go into a deeper discussion over the points covered in the first interview.Related:How To Succeed at Your Second Interview
2. The interviewer introduced you to other team members
When a hiring manager believes your personality, experience and skills match their team's, they may be excited to introduce you to other employees. They could show you around the office and give you a tour of the different departments. This usually means they see you as a potential fit for the role and company. Remain courteous and professional as you meet each employee by smiling and shaking hands.Related: Everything You Need To Know About Job Interview Etiquette
3. You learned ample information about the role and company
Interviewers interested in hiring you may enthusiastically explain the role and company to give you an understanding of what it's like to work there and what your responsibilities will be. They'll typically provide you with extensive details about the position and organization to give you enough information to decide if it's a good fit for you.Related: The Complete Guide to Researching a Company
4. They tried to get you excited about the role and the company
If you impress the hiring manager, they may try to pique your interest further by sharing additional information like perks and benefits to get you excited about working there. Show your excitement to learn more about the role by smiling, nodding and asking questions. Interviewers are typically most interested in candidates who are passionate about their work and responsibilities, as it shows they'll contribute valuable projects and ideas to the organization.
5. The interviewer mentioned potential advancements within the company
Interested interviewers may share the benefits of joining the organization and what you'll gain from working with them., including growth and advancement opportunities Employers are usually interested in candidates who will commit to the company long-term through advancing to senior-level roles and contributing big-picture ideas and decisions.
6. You connected with the hiring manager
If the conversation with the interviewer felt simple and flowed well, it's likely they felt the same way. This could be because you have a lot in common with the hiring manager, or they may enthusiastically lead and continue the conversation on their own. Connecting with the interviewer is a positive sign because it can mean you're easy to communicate with and have a personality that fits the company culture.Related: 8 Ways to Make an Easy Connection With Your Interviewer
7. Your interviewer seemed energized
When an interviewer is having a great time getting to know you, they'll typically display body language that reflects this. They may smile throughout the interview and make constant eye contact, which are clear signs that they're interested in your answers, questions and stories.
8. You answered many questions regarding your previous experience and skills
Interviewers interested in your background or skills may continuously ask questions about them. Your experiences and strengths may align well with the role's responsibilities, so asking more questions helps them better picture how well you'll use your talents to complete these job duties. Try to provide as many examples as possible to give the interviewer a clear idea of the work you contributed in your previous roles and the results you brought into the company.
9. The interviewer seemed relaxed
If the hiring manager seems relaxed and doesn't rush you through the interview, they're typically interested in taking time to get to know you. This can make you feel more relaxed and confident when answering and asking questions throughout the interview.
10. You're asked about your availability
When a hiring manager asks you about future availability, this can often mean they're considering you for upcoming interviews and want to know how well your schedule aligns with theirs. They may even ask which date you'd be available to start on. This usually means they see you as a strong candidate and want to learn more about your strengths and abilities.
11. You received a follow-up email or phone call
One or two days after the interview, you may receive a follow-up email thanking you for your time or asking for your availability. Even if the email doesn't mention a second interview or a job offer, this can still be a positive sign that they enjoyed your interview and will be in touch about next steps.Related:How To Write a Follow-Up Email After Submitting Your Application
12. You discussed next steps in the hiring process
The interviewer may feel confident about moving you to the next stage of the process, leading them to discuss next steps with you, which could include first, second and third interviews. You may also receive information regarding who you'll be meeting with as well, like your potential department manager, the CEO or a panel of team members.
13. You received positive responses after answering questions
The interviewer may provide positive verbal and nonverbal cues after hearing your answers. If they smile or nod along during the answer or respond with comments like, "you seem like you'd be a great fit" or "that's the kind of work ethic we're looking for" this could mean they're excited about your experience and skills.
14. You're asked about other positions
When an interviewer is interested in adding you to their team, they may ask about other roles you're considering in your job search. This could mean they're curious about the competition. If they learn you're interviewing with other organizations, the employer may remember this and make you an offer before others do.
15. The interviewer referred to you as part of the team
Some interviewers may be enthusiastic about you as a candidate that they already picture you as their employee. This may cause them to prematurely refer to you as a team member. These could be subtle sentences within a conversation. For example, an interviewer could say, "When you join our team" rather than, "If you join our team."Related: 21 Job Interview Tips: How To Make a Great Impression
15 signs an interview went poorly
The reasons that an interview may not seem engaged could be due to elements out of your control, like a stressful workday or lack of sleep. Fifteen signs that the interview possibly didn't go well include:
1. The interview length was short
Your in-person interview should usually last over 30 minutes. If it was shorter than the scheduled time period, this may be a sign that it didn't go as well as expected. However, some instances can cause it to be cut short—like an unexpected situation that the interviewer had to take care of—that isn't necessarily a reflection of the quality of your interview.Related: What To Do After a Bad Job Interview (6 Ways to Respond)
2. You met with little to no employees
The hiring manager may inform you before the interview that you'll be meeting other team members later on. If they try to dismiss you before the interview without introducing you to anyone, consider asking the interviewer if they'd still like you to meet the team members. Your determination and boldness to speak up could change their initial impression of you.
3. You received very few details about the role or company
Interested interviewers may enthusiastically explain positive details to get you excited about the job opportunity. If you feel this isn't happening, try to take control and prove your interest and excitement for the role by asking questions about daily responsibilities, company culture or role requirements.
4. Interviewers focused on the negative aspects of the job
Some interviewers may focus solely on the negative aspects of a role, like long work hours or tedious work duties. Try your best to provide courteous responses to show you're an optimistic, positive candidate who's still interested in completing the role's responsibilities.
5. Interviewers didn't discuss your future with the company
Hiring managers who are passionate about candidates will usually discuss advancement opportunities within the organization. If this doesn't occur, try to ask questions about growth opportunities and ways you could move up or enhance your skills. This demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement, the role and the company.
6. The interview lacked a connection
There could be many reasons it was challenging to engage or connect with your interviewer. They could have had a stressful workday, or they may lack effective communication skills. This could be a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you can get along with people of all personalities by staying positive, professional and engaging as you lead and guide the conversation.
7. The interviewer didn't have engaging body language
Verbal and non-verbal cues can tell you if a hiring manager is interested in your answers during an interview. If they're smiling or making eye contact, it usually means they're engaged in what you're saying. Try your best to make eye contact, nod and smile, even if the interviewer isn't doing so.
8. The interviewer expressed concerns
Some interviewers may vocally express their concern in something listed on your resume or in an answer you've provided. Try to keep it positive as you expand on the topic they're concerned about. If you professionally respond and provide logical reasoning, you may rid them of any concerns.
9. You felt rushed
If an interviewer takes their time speaking with you from beginning to end, it's typically a sign they've enjoyed talking to you and want to continue. Some hiring managers may rush you through to the end of the conversation. This can sometimes mean that they're in a hurry or are late for an upcoming meeting. Even if you're cut short, thank them for their time before exiting.
10. There were no questions about your availability
You may not have been asked when you could start. Though it is sometimes the sign of a bad interview, they may have just forgotten to ask you this. At the end of your interview or in a follow-up email, inform them of which dates you're available to start or interview again.
11. The hiring manager seemed distracted
An interviewer may check their phone or email while you're answering a question or sharing a story. The interviewer may have a busy schedule that day or need to return an urgent message. If this happens once, take a moment to wait for them to finish what they're doing. If they're distracted throughout the entire meeting, try your best to ask questions and engage the hiring manager.
12. You weren't asked follow-up questions
After you provide answers, interested interviewers will usually try to learn more by asking additional questions. If the hiring manager isn't asking any follow-up questions, try to go in-depth into your answers on your own by explaining your role in certain situations and results you brought in.
13. The interviewer repeatedly read your resume
Even if you sent your resume with your original application materials beforehand, the interviewer may still review your resume several times during your interview. It may even be the first time they're viewing it. If they repeatedly read it while you're answering questions, you can politely pause and ask, "Do you have any questions about my resume?"
14. Hiring managers mentioned other qualified candidates
The hiring manager may realize during the interview that other candidates could be a better fit for the position and may mention this. Try to stay positive and demonstrate how you stand out from other candidates and what makes you a great match for the role.
15. You received little to no questions about your skills or experience
Interested hiring managers typically ask in-depth questions about your skills or experience to understand how they align with the role. If you're not receiving these questions, try to expand on your strengths and background on your own. Mention skills you have or work duties you've completed that relate directly to the position to help them better picture you in the role.
