6 Indications Your Job Interview Went Well: Will you move on to the next step?

The job interview may be one of the most stressful job search activities. My personal approach at mid-career was to try treating an interview as just another job meeting. It did not work. The problem is that, in many cases, an interview is with people you do not know in an organization where you don’t know the unspoken rules or organizational culture. So, it’s a more challenging situation than a routine meeting at your regular job.

There are cues you should look out for during the interview process to gauge whether the session has gone well. You will probably recognize many of the cues as the same cues we look for intuitively in everyday conversation. Nonetheless, it may be useful to review them, especially if you haven’t been interviewed for a job in a long time.

We know from everyday experience, for example, that non-verbal as well as verbal signals are important. Identifying both verbal and nonverbal feedback from potential employers will help paint a clearer picture of their overall impression of your skills and experience.

In this post, we’ll explore six signs that could mean your interview has gone well. Think of it as an informal checklist to help you make a realistic after-action assessment for yourself after each job interview.

1. Did your interviewers seem engaged in the conversation?

Try to read the interviewers’ body language. If the interviewers made eye contact and seemed engaged in the conversation, it’s a good sign that they were interested in what you had to say. Eye contact is a powerful tool in communication and can convey confidence, honesty, and trustworthiness. When the interviewers maintain eye contact, it also shows that they are listening to your responses and will consider you as a candidate for the position.

2. Were your interviewers asking follow-up questions?

As the interviewers delve deeper into your experience and qualifications, it’s important to stay focused and provide specific examples that demonstrate your relevant skills and accomplishments. By asking follow-up questions, the interviewer is showing they are interested and providing an opportunity for you to showcase your expertise and highlight why you are the best candidate for the position. Provide detailed responses and share any relevant accomplishments. This is your chance to differentiate yourself from other applicants and leave a lasting impression.

Prepare for this stage of the interview. Script out responses in advance to common questions such as “tell me about a time when you provided world-class customer service?” Use the problem, action, result model to detail the problem or opportunity you had to address with a specific action to yield a measurable result.

3. Were your interviewers laughing and smiling?

If the interviewers laughed and smiled throughout the conversation, it could be a sign that the interview went well. Their relaxed body language could indicate that they were enjoying the conversation and thought you to be a strong candidate for the position.

Don’t get too comfortable when your interviewers respond so positively. Keep your responses focused and articulate, while also engaging with the interviewer in a friendly and personable way.

4. Were your interviewers leaning forward and maintaining open body posture?

As you sat across from the interviewers, you noticed that they were leaning forward in their chairs and their body posture was open. This positive body language indicates that they were engaged and interested in what you had to say. It shows that they were receptive to your responses and genuinely trying to understand your qualifications and skills.

This type of body language can help to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, allowing you to feel more relaxed and confident during the interview. As you answer their questions, from your accomplishments to your experiences, remember to maintain your own positive body language.

5. Did the interviewers check their phones or look at the clock?

During a job interview, it is natural to be nervous and worried about how you are presenting yourself. The last thing you need is the added stress of the interviewer appearing disinterested by constantly checking their phone or glancing at the clock. However, when an interviewer is giving you their undivided attention, it can help ease your nerves and build a more positive rapport. When the interview team was not distracted by the clock or the phone, it’s another indications that things have gone well. .

 6. Did you receive positive feedback about your answers to interview questions?

As the interview ended, the interviewers looked at you with a smile and gave you positive feedback. It’s a huge relief to hear that you’ve impressed them with your insights and knowledge. You felt your confidence soar as they complimented your communication skills and your ability to think on your feet. It’s always nerve-wracking to be put on the spot in an interview, but with this feedback, you knew that you’ve made a great impression.

There will be occasions when you review the interview, check all the positive boxes, and still do not receive a “call back.” This does not mean you were wrong. Often, business needs change, you were interviewed by staff that were not decision-makers, they did not get permission to hire, or something else happened inside the company that you did not know about. Some interviewers give all candidates upbeat feedback to ensure everyone leaves with a positive feeling about the firm, whether they were selected or not. So don’t be discouraged and move on to the next opportunity.