Short answer: You get the job.
I found this question in a search term on my stats. And the truth is, you really don’t know how you did or if the interview went well until you get the good-news call. Or the not-so-good-news silence and then rejection letter – if you’re lucky enough to get that.
Even if it went well, you still might not get the call-back or the job. The final decision is all about fit and of course depends on the other candidates. Sometimes there are a few great candidates and, even if they loved you, you might not get the job. I’ve interviewed people I really liked, but knew enough about the particular job and personality of the place to know they just weren’t right for it.
I know that doesn’t feel great, but I hope it lets you know that a rejection doesn’t always reflect on you or how you interviewed. It’s like dating. There are great people out there who just aren’t right for you. In some cases, it may even be a blessing!
But then again, usually if the interview goes well you will get that call back. So how can you really tell how you did?
Here are some cues that might at least give you some sense of how the job interview went:
- Are they leaning in toward you with enthusiasm?
- Did they show a good deal of open body language? (In contrast to them being kind of closed down, with arms close to the body and not relaxed.)
- Did you notice that the position of their hands or body in some way matched yours? (This sometimes happens and shows a feeling of being in synch.)
- Were they smiling and nodding as you spoke – even if it was barely perceptible?
- Did the interview go longer than 20 minutes?
- Did they follow up on things you said or just stick to a script? (Some places require the script, so this only helps for places that don’t.)
- Did you ever hear them say things like “when you are working here” or “you’ll see for yourself”?
- Did they ask you about how soon you could start? If so, how was it phrased? If it was just a standard interview question, it would have been quickly delivered. If it’s about real interest, there might be follow-up questions or comments.
- If they asked you whether you had any last questions, did they say it with a smile leaning in toward you with real interest or at least showing open body language?
- Did they tell you you’ll hear from them soon?
- Did you feel a real connection?
The more “yes” answers, the better it went. But it’s not a for-sure negative if the answers were mostly “no”. Different places have different interview styles. And as I already said, there’s also no absolute guarantee even if every answer is a “yes” and you left feeling great.
Now here’s the most important thing…if you are consciously noticing each and every one of these things during the interview, then for goodness sake…stop yourself! You aren’t in the moment if you’re thinking about how it’s going. And it will show. It’s good to be aware enough to try to make adjustments as you go along, but for the most part, just do your best to relax and be yourself. Focus completely on the interviewer’s questions and how open and honest YOU can be. Afterwards, check your own instincts for how you think it went. You’ll probably have a good idea.
But since you can never know what they want or what type of person they want (you’d be amazed at how different employers can be in what they think makes a good match), your best bet is to just breathe a deep sigh of relief after you leave the interview, congratulate yourself on doing the best you could, and then just get on with enjoying your life. You’ve done all you can. (Once you’ve sent the polite thank-you notes, of course.)
If it’s a good fit, they’ll call you. If not, you lucked out. Hopefully the next one will be the one. Or the next. It will happen!****
New Work Coach Cafe Policy:
Sorry but I’m no longer able to answer all questions. Short ones have a better chance, but I still might not get to your question. Feel free to browse for answers in Career Topics & Archives or by using the Work Coach Cafe search. Good luck!
Gaining the job of my dreams in a crappy market « Sunny Everyday // Jan 14, 2010 at 9:32 am
[...] felt less like them drilling me and more like us having a real conversation. There were a lot of other good indicators, but for me that was the one that I could tell if I was going to be offered the position or [...]
Hi Jay!
Nicely said. I especially like the way you explained the dating analogy, even to the point of sometimes feeling tongue-tied about something you know so well. So true about interviews even for those who have interviewed a ton. Also like that you’ve found the secret of doing your best, letting it go, and then moving on – no sense sitting helplessly in limbo when you could be taking action to move your own chances forward.
I just wrote something that helps give even more of an inside picture of what goes on and why a totally qualified and wonderful person might not get the job no matter how well they interviewed. Hope this helps someone:
How Do You Interview If Your Interviewer Doesn’t Know as Much as You Do?
As for you Jay…you seem to have a great perspective on all this. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that this job comes through soon. And if for some reason it’s not the right one for you, I have a feeling the right one is just around the corner.
Best of luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
Thank you so much, Ronny Ann! So I did get that call for a second interview, which is scheduled for tomorrow.
I checked the online reviews about the company, especially that division, and found many great reviews from its current and former employees. I have really good feelings about this, and have to say this is the first time in many interviews I had that I’m feeling that connection. But at the same time, I’m preparing myself if somehow this is still not the right one.
I have two other interviews lined up for this week as well. So that’s a nice distraction from this one that I’m hoping to get.
I’ll keep you posted on how things going. I’m looking forward to giving you that good news – I know I get really encouraged when I hear good news from other people as well.
Thanks again,
Jay
I love this Jay! You are the poster person for how to manage the interview process and stay sane. Maybe one day you will do a guest post to help others – after you get the offer, of course.
Fingers, legs, and eyes all crossed for you! Please do let us know how it goes.
~ Ronnie Ann
Thank you, Ronnie Ann, your good luck charm worked like a charm!
So the interview went really well yesterday. I met with the hiring manager, a very nice, intelligent lady. Also met with the person who is currently working temporarily for the position that I am applying for.
Per my own advice, I did my best in those two interview, and didn’t regret a thing when I was done. I went home, felt all good about myself and how it went, and could totally picture myself working there.
I got a call this morning from the internal recruiter, telling me how interested the hiring manager is in me, and how she thinks I am the right candidate. The recruiter wanted to see if I have any question or concern at this point, and to see if I am still interested in the job.
She did mention that the hiring manager still needs to meet with 2 other candidates this week, but I am definitely a very likely candidate, so she wanted to give me a heads up.
But also just realized, I put the wrong amount of salary expectation in my application, which was lower than I expected. This was because the question was based on an hourly rate, and I normally think of my salary as an annual rate. I wonder how this is going to impact the offer. But in the initial interview, I did tell the recruiter how much I made in my previous job.
Hopefully this will work out still. One of the reasons I was interested in this job was because they’re willing to pay my salary, along with other great benefits, and the reputation of the company which is really great.
What should I do Ronnie Ann, should I just take this offer, or try to renegotiate without sounding as if I changed my mine because (assuming) I got the offer? I could show her my W2 that stated my salary.
Would appreciate your advice.
Thank you,
Jay
Hi Jay!
This is GREAT news. I have everything crossed for you.
If the offer is a good one, then you have to trust your gut as to whether it’s good enough. But your best time to negotiate is right up front, so if the offer is below what you really want, you can always say how excited you are about working with them and then just add something like “I would just feel a little more comfortable if the salary were $XXXXXX.” And then stop talking and see how the other person reacts. If they mention the application – and often it goes unnoticed, just pro forma – then pleasantly explain you realized later you had filled that in a bit too low. If they are adamant and you don’t want to try pushing it, then negotiations end. But if they say they aren’t sure they can do that, just smile politely and ask if they can come closer to the number you gave.
Now this is only a suggested approach. I’m sure you can adapt it to your situation. Each one is of course different.
I wish you all the luck, Jay! You’re doing great. PLEASE keep us informed.
~ Ronnie Ann
So I thought I was gonna write you back with good news today. Unfortunately that’s not the case just yet. Didn’t hear anything from the HR lady who said she was gonna call me, so at 4.30pm, I called her. Apparently I reached her on her mobile and she was driving with really loud background noise. But she said she was happy that I called. Basically from what I could make out of what she said was that the Hiring Manager now got to the point where she loves everyone – that means 2 or 3 candidates including me. So they will have to review all the candidates to see who fits best for this position. And they’ll have an out of town meeting from Monday – Wednesday, so the earliest they could discuss this is on Thursday. That will mean either I hear back late next week, or even the week after.
I was a bit disappointed since I looked forward to celebrating this weekend. But I wasn’t devastated. My consolation if I ended up not getting the job is that location is really far from where I’m going to live. I am willing to do that, but again if I don’t get the job, probably there’s a better one in better location.
Plus, there wasn’t a single thing I would change from the way I interviewed. I knew I did my best, and it’s not in my control that there are so many great candidates out there right now.
I had a great interview yesterday with another company. Lower position and lower pay, but it’s a great company. I’m sure I’ll get a second round for this one sometime next week when the HM is back in town. So I’ll focus on that one while searching for more openings.
Please wish me luck, Ronny Ann!
Jay
Oh Jay…you’ve moved from how to stay sane in the interview process poster person to role model. “I did my best, and it’s not in my control…” I wish everyone could feel that way while still continuing to forge ahead as you are so wisely doing. Sorry that there is another strong competitor or two, but you know who I’m rooting for!
I am delighted to add my good wishes to your job quest. And if you will forgive me for being kind of hokey, there’s anotehr post where people used to ask me for pixie dust and in many casees it “worked”. And so…I’m sending a bit o’ magic dust your way:
~*~*~*~*~*~*
Best of luck Jay!!! If I crossed anything else, I would be a pretzel.
And of course, we’re waiting to get the good news when it comes.
~ Ronnie Ann
I’m getting very down. After having many job interviews that went extremely well and getting the “sorry, charlie” letter or being ignored for months I just don’t know what to think. I went for a job where I aced both interviews but was told, first via voice mail, then a paper letter, that I didn’t qualify. The wording was I didn’t meet their “standards.”
Another position – I had two interviews that were very positive and a call that they were doing my background check. Then, they told me they’d call me Friday. That was five weeks ago. I checked their website and the position hasn’t been filled.
What is wrong with me? I wasn’t laid off from my last job – I had to leave it because we moved. I have great credit, a college degree, good interview clothes, many good references and a lot of experience in my field. My previous bosses gave me letters of recommendation.
I don’t have any kind of problems with the law (a minor speeding ticked five years ago), no enemies, nothing in my past that would raise a red flag.
When I applied for my previous job (ten years ago) I could talk to a real human being in HR and was keep informed throughout the process. Now? I’m just a number. Another pesky email.
I know that no one has an answer for me. I really like reading this blog and I just hope that others might feel better if they know someone else is struggling, too.
Hi Ronnie Ann,
Not sure if you remember me but I posted here back in November. I had applied for a job but was not sucessful.
I just wanted to post a little update. I applied for another job, had my interview on Thursday and found out today that I got the job!!!
I am thrilled! It’s an internal job at the same company I current work at but it’s a higher position with a lot more responsibility. The pay starts at the same wage I am at now but there is room for raises, whereas in my current job, I am at the cap.
I have to thank you for the site, I believe the tips here helped a lot. Plus, I know what was different this time around – my confidence. Last time, I went in extremely nervous and unsure. This interview, I left all those feelings at the door, walked in with confidence and instead of it being a question & answer interview, it turned to a conversation. That was the point where the light turned on and I realized what I had done wrong last time. Most people (in my line of business at least) don’t want to hire someone who can come up with good rehersed answers to the typical questions – they want someone who is easy to get along with, a good speaker and confident.
Thanks!!!
Hi LW!
I am so grateful you shared this with us since sometimes there is absolutely nothing wrong. Sometimes it just takes time and the “right” chemistry that no one could put into an automated, homogenized, depersonalized formula.
I’m also grateful you aren’t asking me to figure this out, because I can’t. You sound great. There might be some things that could possibly maybe kinda increase your chances…but from the e-mails and comments I get, sometimes after what seems like an interminable amount of time, the right one just happens. I wish that for you with all my heart.
And I am so glad Jennie posted right after you to offer extra hope. I’ve gotten a few other “I got the job” comments/e-mails lately, so hoping it’s a trend for my readers.
If you haven’t read this post yet, it might make you feel a little better. Good news is after an awful, ridiculous, maddening job search process…he got the job:
5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry
Please know we’re rooting for you and please let us know what happens. Thanks again for helping others know they are not alone.
~ Ronnie Ann
Oh Jennie! I am so happy to hear from you again – especially with such good news. Wuhoo!!!
And thank you very much for sharing your experience with all of us – with a special thanks for the way you explained what you did differently. Excellent advice for anyone.
Employers just want to see who you really are because they are looking to see who they have to deal with on a daily basis. Most people, if they can just bring their full selves to the interview table and have a conversation rather than go into “scary interview mode”, will have a leg up on other candidates. The rest is about the fit of course.
Love good news, Jennie. Thanks for sharing it with us. And best of luck in YOUR NEW JOB!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronny Ann,
Just checking in to report that I just got that CALL!
They offered me the job that I interviewed for 2 weeks ago. I’m negotiating salary now. They offered me the highest they could go with, but it’s still lower than my second last job, so I’m asking them to match that one (my last one was even higher, but I’m in peace with not getting that much). This is a great company, great benefits, and from what I can see and read, GREAT PEOPLE to work with, that is really important to me.
Commute will be a bit long from my new place, but I can take the train. So I’m all excited. I also have 3 other (2 temp to hire and one permanent) jobs pending at this point.
So I guess I started seeing all these results after 9 months of searching. I think, most importantly, when I was ready to let go of all the bitterness and regrets from the last two jobs. I left a very good job for an offer that looked much better than reality. Left that one after 3 weeks, and got another job a month later, which turned out to be a disaster at the end. I was there for 6 months and got laid off. So I dwelled in regrets for leaving the first company, until I finally was ready to let go a few months ago.
I am very happy and relieved right now. And I’d like to thank you for all your emotional support – directly and just by reading your posts. I’m wishing everyone all the best. Just keep doing your best, I’m sure it will finally happen, probably sooner than you expect!
Jay
Ronny Ann,
An update: I got the salary I asked for!
I followed what you suggested before, about salary negotiation. So when the internal recruiter told me how much they were offering me, which was the highest one in their budget, I said: I definitely appreciate that. And I know I want this job and work for your company. But I’d be really happy if you could get me $XX. She called back 30 minutes later, and said they are willing to meet that amount!
I got the offer letter yesterday, pending background and reference checks. In normal market, I would now sit back and relax, but since I came very close a few times to getting offers, now i’m more cautious. I had a phone interview with another company this a.m, and meeting with another company for a final interview next week.
I’m not sure if I am being overcautious though. But I just wanted to make sure that this is a done deal before I stopped searching.
Jay
Oh Jay…I’m so happy for you!!
Please don’t tell anyone
I snuck in to congratulate you since I might have to delay other responses until Monday. But I’m so proud of you and think you’re still making all the right moves. No harm in waiting until you have the final “it’s a done deal” offer as long as you don’t lead the other companies on by making them think they are your only one!
I feel pretty sure this is a done deal, but please let us know anyway. Oh…and congrats on negotiating the salary you wanted. I’ve always found that technique useful, especially if you are open to however it turns out.
~ Ronnie Ann
Thank you so much, Ronny Ann!
So I went to an interview w/ the company (B) that almost offered me a job a few weeks ago. They went with another candidate for that job, but they still wanted to hire me for a different position. It looks like they’re gonna offer me the job now, and the pay is much higher than the one from the other company (A).
Also in terms of the company future and benefits, company B is definitely better than company A.
Now here’s my question:
I did verbally accepted the offer from company A. Would it be unethical for me to now bail? The offer is pending on background check, so I assumed if they are not satisfied with the results, they will rescind the offer.
Would appreciate your help to answer this. I really don’t know what to do.
Thank you so much, Ronny Ann!
Jay
Hi Jay!
First…congratulations on being wanted by two companies. An enviable dilemma. Wuhoo!!
Now for my answer…unfortunately I can’t fully judge the ethical nature without knowing every detail. In this particular case, timing is so important. But more important…if you string company A along for too long and then let them down…how would you feel? Could you live with yourself? Would you hurt yourself in the industry?
Is B strongly your number one choice? If so, I’d still want to be honest with company A as soon as possible and see what they say. They may even up their offer. But since you don’t have a firm offer yet from B, it really depends on how long it will take company B to give you their answer. Can you speak with B and explain the situation? (I had to do that once.) If they gave you an offer within the next few days, then I think being honest with A at that point if you really want B is not unknown in business.
On the other hand, does company A have something to offer you that goes beyond money? Sometimes less money now leads to more opportunity later. So many factors that go into the decision.
Stringing A along and then turning them down a couple of weeks from now might feel ethically-challenged to some and just part of business for others. But since you asked in the first place, I have a feeling you will do your best to be as ethical as possible – while of course still protecting your interests as best you can. I wish there were a simple answer, but I have faith you’ll find your own answer.
If it helps, I’ve worked places where people actually started and then rescinded. It sucks, but we dealt with it – and when the salary was much higher, we totally understood. Still…if A comes to you after the background check (which they probably paid for) and makes you a final offer…at least at that point it would be great if you were able to let them know where you stand and treat them fairly. This stuff can live on beyond the present.
Just my take on things. Obviously it is up to you and plenty of people would simply wait it out until they knew for sure all around. But personally…I’d want to make sure I treated company A fairly.
Good luck picking the option that feels best for you. Please let us know what happens!
~ Ronnie Ann
Hello Ronnie Ann and everyone else who might read this
Just an update: After talking to a few people including Ronnie Ann, I decided to go with company A. I explained to B about my situation, and they took it really well, even told me that they’ll keep the door open for future.
I’m starting the new job next Tuesday! I’m excited, yet very nervous. I haven’t worked for more than 9 months now. But everytime I just remind myself: I just have to do my best. I did well in the past, so this time it won’t be any different.
I’m wishing everyone good luck in their jobsearch. And to Ronnie Ann, a very special good luck with whatever and wherever you ended up doing and living. I enjoyed your latest post about the snow day!!
Jay
Oh Jay…I love your decision! I try hard to be open to all points of view and to NOT tell people what to do, but this is exactly what I would have done.
I wish you all the best!!! I know you’ll do great.
Oh…and thanks about the post and the good wishes.
~ Ronnie Ann
Here’s an interesting update (interesting to me, anyway).
I commented a couple weeks ago, feeling bad about great interviews that didn’t lead to offers. Well, last night I heard from the second set of interviews I wrote about. They apologized about how long it took to get back to me. I was asked if I’m still interested (yep) and would I accept $$ per hour (a little less than I used to make but still pretty decent – again, yep).
I was invited to come in next week and meet the team. I wasn’t told if this is a job offer or another interview! My family and friends think that once the prospective employer talks money then an offer is surely upcoming. I’ll tell y’all that I take NOTHING for granted in this market.
I’ll post after I “meet the team.”
Good luck and wishes to all who post here!
Glad that I take even the most positive signs to be, let’s see, VAPOR.
The night before my “meet the team” interview I received a call from the person I had interviewed with before and would ostensibly be working for. She told me “well, I have some bad news for you. I found out today that we’re having a hiring freeze so the job is on hold. It may be open again in six weeks, if at all. Do you still want to come in for the next interview?”
No, I don’t. I told her “thank you, but no.” If the position does come open again then please give me a call. I think I’ll keep my unemployed dignity intact.
Good thing I didn’t go buy a new interview outfit – I was just about to but something made me stop in my tracks. I do feel bad that I told my family and friends about the position. They all, to a one, thought the job was mine. All the “sucessful” interviews with good followup, the employer calling me and offering a certain dollar amount, the good background check. Poof – vapor.
Now I have to backtrack & tell all of them that I’m “out of luck” once again. I know it is not personal but after a while it surely feels personal.
Oh LW!! I’m so sorry. I totally get why you did what you did and why you feel the way you do. Each person has to make a choice that feels good to them – and their dignity.
Glad you mentioned that you’d love to hear from them if it does open up. Smart. I believe in keeping all doors open and contacts warm. Dignity is inside. And budget crunches are real. But freezes can lift at any time. I’ve had them happen both as an interviewer and interviewee, and showing flexibility under uncontrollable situations (I never controlled a freeze that affected my hiring someone) is a quality employers look for.
So to keep the contact warm, in another month or two you might send a lovely note again saying you’re sorry the freeze happened and would still love to work there when it opens up. These contacts never hurt and even unfulfilled interviews (if you win people over to your side) can lead to unexpected results, as in this wonderful comment:
Job Search Question of the Day: Do You Let Rules Stop You?
Keep the search fires going strong, LW! Sometimes the next one is the right one. Then again…this job is still a good possibility. Don’t count it out.
Best of luck!
~ Ronnie Ann
LW, keep up your hopes. I too am a degreed professional. For every paralegal position, there are at least 5 people, many having similar backgrounds and experience. I too left my position because we moved. I was able to work temp for a 2 week stint, but nothing since 10/29/10. I have been getting interviews, and felt good about those interviews, but so far, no luck. Don’t lose hope. Its just a really, really bad economy.
Really appreciate that you took the time to support LW, Catherine. Often advice and kindness from readers is as valuable or more valuable than that what we career “experts” have to say. You’re the ones going through this and knowing what it really feels like at this very moment. (Although I assure you I’ve had my share of hair-pulling frustration in both workplace and job search.
)
And you’re so right about the economy, Catherine. I’ve seen it again and again where folks get turn-down after turn-down and then for no apparent reason (or no difference they can see) suddenly the next job is a yes.
Here’s a post that might help some of you maximize your chances:
Job Search Tips: 7 Ways to Rev Up Your Recession Job Search
Other than that…I wish you all much luck!! Meanwhile, I’m glad we’re here to support each other.
~ Ronnie Ann