Short answer: You get the job.
I found the question “how do I know if my job interview went well” in a search phrase on my stats. So how can you tell a good interview from a bad one? Although you usually have some feeling about how you did, truth is you really don’t know how you did or even 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 really good 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.
Be aware but stay in the moment!
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. Afterward, 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!
A few more “waiting after the interview” articles to help:
- 12 Ways to Stay Sane After a Job Interview
- I Got the Post-Interview Temporary OCD Blues
- After the Job Interview: Why Haven’t They Called Me Yet?
- Stuck in the Waiting Game After 2nd Interview
- 5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry
- How Often Should I Call an Employer After My Interview?
- Will My Low Credit Score Ruin My Chances for a Job Offer?
- 5 Ways Interviewers Make Job Seekers REALLY Angry
- Can Weekly Follow-up Calls and Emails Help Get You the Job?
- 3 Questions You Don’t Know the Answer to AFTER a Job Interview
I can’t tell you what to do, Billy. You know every aspect of the situation better than anyone. You know what would be helpful to you and you know the risks. It’s up to you. Just make sure if you do contact them that you absolutely must know at that moment, and are not imposing any artificial deadlines of preference rather than need. Not saying you are…just wanted to add that to your thinking.
As for my comment on closure…it’s just an observation based on many years of living and getting feedback from job seekers on Work Coach Cafe. This may not apply in your case; but for some, closure comes with expectations on the part of the person needing closure that may not be totally met.
Good luck whatever you decide! Please let us know what happens.
Hi roni;
I went to an interview but I’m not sure what to think about it here is the scenario maybe you can help to feel better about it. I came in 15 min early ( he called me an early bird) he started the interview at that time the first question was what do I do know !! Which I answer but I started explaining how I got into that position an what my duties are without them asking me.. I also share some information from the company ( I made a good research) I also talk about my personal skilLs and how perfect match they do with the position, I kept eye contact at all the times we laugh about something we have in commun. He explained to me what the position was and that if there was anything that I did not they will send me to school. He did not explained as if who ever gets hire it was more like you will go to classes you will have your desk we will help you. we talk a little about my personal life, but Im just scare because after thinking he did not ask me a lot of questions maybe three at most and the interview lasted 25 – 30 min don’t take me wrong we covered everything from my side and his the position will be he told me there were few other interviews I was the first one but he will have dm answer by next week
and that the person contacting me will be hr not him(the manager), he also explained the steps after hr contacts me. Overall I had a good feeling but I’m not sure what to think about the fact that I was not questioned a lot. Like I said I have a good feeling we shakes hand never lose the eye contact and I sent a thank you email. What do you think???
Rominia, the biggest mistake interviewees make is NOT asking your OWN questions. When an employer asks a series of questions, they look at a NUMBER of things. They look at your body language, how you respond to their questions and the knowledge you have when you ask them questions. Don’t be afraid to INTERVIEW them! You are also trying to see if you fit in. Make sure that you stand up straight, that your grammer is correct and that you ask the right questions. Ronnie’s website can give you a hint on these. good luck!
Hi Ronnie,
I’ve come across your site by chance and let me tell you beforehand that I think it’s awesome.
Today I had an interview for an internship in a large american company (I’m from Argentina). I’m 20, currently working part time in taxes for a small accounting firm and at the same time in college studying Economics. My resume is very good from what most people have told me and I’m strongly qualified for such internship. The problem here is that I have this strong insecure feeling about how the interview went, since my interviewer (one of the area heads) asked me whether there was any task I was unwilling to do, and I answered that I knew what I was applying for and the duties it includes but I’d rather not do Salaries, which is the very task this guy is in charge of! I tried to be as subtle as I could at the moment, but his face completely changed after that. Plus, at one time the conversation diverted from the interview and I may have commited a faux pas bringing politics into it (the logistics head was also there and I got curious about the imported imputs and the economic policy associated with it and I’m kind of a free market supporter), and the icing of the cake was when he simply asked, after having me talk for ten minutes about myself, to again tell him about my personality. At that point, I made a quick choice between keeping an all-important, high profile (Talking once more about my GPA, my current job, my english studies, swimming, playing the piano) or tone it down a bit, so I chose the latter and simply said (“I’m cool, I’m normal, I have friends, go out during the weekends and have fun in my free time”).
At the end I could feel a strange coldness from these people, telling me that if I was picked they would tell me within a week from now and thanking me for going all the way for that interview (The office is 20 miles from Buenos Aires, my hometown) with a distant tone, it was awkward and goes against the enthusiasm they showed at other parts of the meeting. What’s bugging me is that I see no overall faults in my performance there, apart from what’s said before, and I really want this to work out.
Can you give me an honest and professional opinion on what happened there? I’m really upset with what I perceive to be the results of this.
Reminder to my readers: This site gets a lot of visitors and while I would like to be able to answer each and every question, that would mean I would do almost nothing else all day!
So I do my best, even if it takes a while.
But please help me by keeping your questions short. Thanks!
Hi Fabian. Thanks for the kind words. I have no way to know what really happened, since an interview is so much more than the words exchanged. But I can offer a few thoughts about what you told me:
(1) You wrote “my interviewer (one of the area heads) asked me whether there was any task I was unwilling to do, and I answered that I knew what I was applying for and the duties it includes but I’d rather not do Salaries, which is the very task this guy is in charge of! ” My suggestion is to be open to anything, even an area that wouldn’t be your first preference. Some might think an answer like that shows the potential for a prima dona. When building a career, it;s good to try everything – at least once. But of course if the only task is one you don’t want, you shouldn’t be in the interview in the first place.
But on a different level, what you said may have seemed honest to you, but it could have been received as: “I sure wouldn’t want to do the kind of work YOU do!” Not a good way to win friends in an interview.
(2) When they say tell us about yourself or your personality, relate it to work and, if possible, to that job in particular. They may have thought you weren’t taking them or the job seriously. Here’s an article that covers the basic concept: How To Handle Tell Me A Little About Yourself
I hope that it went better than you think. You never know for sure. If not, I hope the next one is the right match. Good luck!
I really like your blog, sincerely one of the most informative blogs I have read regarding the recruitment process.
I’m about to pull out hairs waiting to find out if I got the job or not. The whole process required 2 interviews and 1 test. I find myself in the situation where I really don’t know it could swing either way. My gut instinct says yes, but I’m wondering why the lack of communication 5 days later.
Mr. Oz. Unfortunately, the lack of communication 5 days later is short, compared to some time periods that hopefuls wait. There is always the proverbial followup phone call and/or letter, and it has always worked to be the “squeaky wheel.” I too have used Ronnie’s advice in the past, and now, fortunately, I am gainfully employed. I wish you the best of luck. Before you know it, you will have your answer.
Love it when you stop by. Wishing you all the best and hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Hi Michael!
Lionessyourhighness is absolutely right. (Thanks, Lioness.) The hard thing about waiting to hear back after an interview is that one hour feels like a day and a day sometimes feels like forever. Here are some articles that may help: After the Job Interview
Although it feels awful, it’s totally normal. I wish you much luck. Hope your gut is right. meanwhile, keep busy and keep looking! (See the articles to read why.)
Hi Ronnie,
I seem to be in a little better situation as I have got the job. I had an interview and a test.
Later I got a call from them and they appreciated my work informed me about the joining date and we discussed about the salary and other allowances, they told they will be mailing me the offer letter the following day. But haven’t received the mail and I sent a mail requesting to know when I’ll be receiving the letter. They haven’t replied yet. And even the call to the concerned person went unattended. I am trying to be patient. Its been three days after their last call.
All the signs are good, Karthik. And yes…the answer now is patience. I hope you hear something soon.
Good luck!!
I had an interview with the recruiter on the phone it went well. He really like my answer, he than set up an interview with the hiring manager. He also gave me some tips and advice( he sound very nice and friendly). I went to the interview on thursday, she asked questions that the company gave. She than asked her banker if he got any questions for me. He asked me some questions and I answer him. They than asked me what I would like to be, I gave them my answer. They than went on for 5 min about the responsibilities of the position and what to expect. Through the whole interview . At the end of the interview I thanks them for the time shook their hand. They gave me their business card, and the manager said that the HR person will call me. At the time I knew that I didn’t make it.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Tran. How did you know? What were the cues? Curious if they already told you that you didn’t get the job or you are just guessing.
Funny thing about interviews is that no matter how many positive cues you get or don’t get, the answer can sometimes be a surprise. Even if the answer is no on this one, I hope you find a job that is right for you soon!
I am guessing that I didn’t get the job. I have mix feelings about this interview. Because, when I went on any interview I would have the guts feeling if it went well or not. For this one it was hard one.
Thanks for answering, Tran. Sometimes our gut is right. But I’ve had people write to say it didn’t go well and then they got the job. Best advice I have is be open to a surprise, but meanwhile keep looking.
Good luck!
Billy. Just a note. Be careful what deadlines you place on employers. I did that once, and got the job paying more money, but I was MISERABLE. The other job called the following Monday and told me that they finally had clearance to offer me the job, but I had already taken the other one. It was the WORST job experience of my 15 years
Over the last two months I’ve been interviewing for a position. Somethings been haunting me about my last phone interview with the SVP. Toward the end of the call she kept asking me if I had any more questions for her. I had asked a few, and relented that I had no more.
In closing with her I asked once for the job, and was given her obejction. I tried to overcome the objection, and ask if anything else was keeping her from offering me the positon. She asked again if I had anymore questions. What’s that all about?
Hmmm…interesting. I have no idea why she did that. Perhaps simply her way of closing the conversation while making sure you got to have your say.
Curious what you meant by “In closing with her I asked once for the job, and was given her obejction. I tried to overcome the objection”
BTW…asking for the job isn’t a good thing to do at the end of such a call. Your job is to make your best case and then, perhaps, ask when you might expect to hear anything and how soon it’s ok to follow up. And for the future, research the company and really think through the job description and what it might be like on a daily basis so you come up with some solid questions to ask. Good to jot those down ahead of time in case you forget.
Best of luck!
I applied for this place for a while, I received a phone called from last thursday that they would like to set up an interview for next thursday. I got really happy because this is the place that I always want to work for. I went home to check on the job posting for that position, however, I notice that position was inactive and was taken down. I got really disappoint, I wonder is this one of their fake interview or what I really don’t know what to think. The interview is this Thursday but I am debating if I should go or not. I had been through 5 interview but so far no offer. My boyfriend said just go maybe they are still deciding on the right one. Anyone have any good advice?
Go. Do your very best. Don’t worry about what you can’t know. There are many reasons it may have been taken down – the simplest one being too many good resumes & candidates already.
But even when a job is no longer available, you have the chance to impress and connect so that you are remembered for other jobs. More than once, when someone impressed me, I’ve called them back for other jobs that they wound up getting. Always accept opportunity when presented and always give it your all! I can’t explain why, but this has worked wonders in my own life.
Good luck, tran.
Update on my interview
I had two interview on thursday. One was at 10:30 am and one at 1:30 pm. The first one went okay, the second one was really good. The hiring manger asked about 8 questions. I answer all of her questions and also gave some examples too. A few times she even said wow that great and very good. At the end she asked if I have any questions, at first I couldn’t think of any because she touch base all everything. But, I was able to asked her what the typical day would be like at this location?. I just expect her to said busy, slow, or we need to go out to get accounts. But she went and did the whole 360 degree answer. She told me about what the benefits are for the position, how much incentive if the goal was meet, how much vacation, tuition reimbursement, and so on. She than said that the Hr will call and give me more details about the benefits. At the end of I shook her hand thanked her for her time. So let see how this one go.
This was a wonderful interview, Tran. You did great!
Fingers crossed. Thank you so much for letting us know. Good luck!
I can tell everyone that following or during a job interview, many things can happen. I’ve had situations where I’ve gotten interviews to jobs I really wanted or was qualified for, things went great, but never heard back from the company. There were jobs that I didn’t care for and/or had little experience in, but was hired on the spot. Then there were jobs that sounded great and was given the offer at the time of interview, but I couldn’t accept it due to schedule conflicts, low wage, etc.
I had an interview this past Friday and felt it went very well. I followed it with a thank you email immediately after the interview, reiterating my interest and enthusiasm for the job. It’s about all I can do right now while I wait.
So no matter how well the job interview went, it doesn’t always mean you scored the job. Harsh reality, I know it all too well.
Sometimes the person you interviewed with may like you a lot, but the one that does the actual hiring has other plans and ideas. Sometimes the company thinks you were awesome, but the person being interviewed after you suits the company’s taste better. It’s competitive out there… Just keep your heads up!
Hi Tia,
You’re right about the seeming arbitrariness of how well you do on an interview vs. whether or not you get the job. It’s one of the many things in job search you have no control over. So many things come into play in the hiring process — for you and for the employer.
I think one of the most detrimental things people do to themselves in the interview process is blame themselves, or their abilities, when they don’t get the job. They can agonize so much that they actually become ill. The hiring decision may have nothing at all to do with them or their good-fit for the job. I hear all the time about perfect-fit job seekers who don’t make the cut. The best you can do, is the best you can do.
I’m glad to hear you sent a thank you note. That action alone could clinch the deal for you.
Good luck landing this one!
Meg Guiseppi
Member of the WorkCoachCafe Team
I had a drug test after 2 interviews at cabela’s there is a new store opening. I had a interview with the senior manager and another manager. Then they brought me to a back room and had me do a drug test, after the drug test I had another interview with the customer service manager. She said I will be being a greeter, camping, or cashier associate if I get the job. She asked for my references, then she walked with me to the elevator had a conversation for about 10 minutes. She asked for my references and told me they would call in two weeks. Do I have a good chance at getting the job?
Thanks