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 Had an interview as a Department Supervisor at a major hardware store.
I thing i did pretty good, but did get a lil caught up or blank on one question.I know im qualified, I have 2 years of supervisor experience and a business degree, but I am freshly 21 and I dont know if that is a bit young.
The thing that concerns me is that it seemed to go too fast. He reviewd my resume and availability and asked his 5 or 6 position questions and said hed call all the interviewee’s at the end of the week.
Any advice?
John,
Follow-up with a thank you note quickly. Make sure your spelling and grammar is perfect, and let your interviewer know that you remain interested in the position.
If you don’t hear back from them within two weeks, follow up directly and inquire about your status. If not hired, ask what would make you a stronger candidate next time.
For a major hardware store, another factor that may go into the process is a knowledge of hardware. If you haven’t worked in that field before, don’t be surprised if they go with someone who has worked in hardware in the past.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Although it’s good to send a thank-you note after an interview, too much follow-up can kill your chances. Calling or emailing multiple times to check up on the status of your application will make you look desperate and will likely get on the employer’s nerves. I think it’s best if you wait for your interviewer’s call.
Hi Nicole,
I agree with you: Following up too much isn’t likely to help your chances, but I’d also venture to say that you should always follow-up immediately after an interview with a thank you note. And it’s fine to follow up once just to reiterate your interest.
Thanks for weighing into the discussion.
All the Best,
Chandlee
What if you don’t know where to send a thank-you note? I applied for a state position (interview was last Wednesday), and I have no idea where the thank-you note would be sent. Every step of the thus-far-2-month pre-employment stage has taken place in a different building, and there are hundreds of specific facilities in which I could ultimately be placed in. Also, paid pre-job training will be in yet another building.
Hi Jon,
If you don’t know a physical location to send a thank you note, send it via email.
If you don’t have names to send thank you notes to — I think it would be okay not to worry about it. Sounds like a complicated process, but government jobs can be great ones if they are the right fit.
Good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi!
I am not sure if anyone has any advice for me… But I recently applied to an internal job position within my company at head office, I am qualified and have everything they are looking for. They called my general manager the morning they got my resume. They said they would be making calls the next week… it is the next week and I know monday is a busy day for them..it is wed. I have not got a call… does this mean I can kiss my chances good-bye? or is it possible they would still not have made calls for interviews? I know I seem impatient, However I am just not sure if it is protocall to call about all aplicants or if they would call out of interest.
Any advice would help.
Fennek,
I think it is fine to call the head office and ask them about your status of the position and the job search. Let me know if I can provide additional assistance on this.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Thank you for your reply,
I think I can mention it to my GM first to see if he knows if calls have been made yet. I just dont know why they would call him and ask about me if they werent interested in interviewing me… or could it be they call all managers when people from within apply…I got excited and my GM thought this would be a good stepping stone for me… which I assume he told them that when they called, but I still have not got a call…
Fennek,
As I’ve said before on Work Coach Cafe, often the hiring process takes quite a long time inside companies. I don’t think that “no follow-up” call necessarily means that they are not interested. I’d recommend following up now but waiting up to another two weeks before you assume that the company is not interested.
Good luck,
Chandlee
I had a phone interviewed with a DM of a retail store and I felt it went well.
Dm then mentioned he would like for me to speak with another store
manager who was visiting the store the followinh week. I agreed and met
With the store manager who is also a regional trainer for that company.
The interview was a hit, i enjoyed the interview very much. Then she said
That the dm would call me next week when he would come down to visit
the store. He did visit the store but he did not call. The strange thing
for me was that he passed by my store a couple of times and stood in front
Looking towards the inside od the store. The dm did this several times
in the two days the dm was there visiting his store. The whole time talking
On the phone. What does it mean? Should I habe called him?
Charlotte,
It is quite likely that the company has policies and a protocol for visiting a store and that he may have been following those protocols, and looking for things that the company has asked him to look for.
I recommend calling them back this week just to express your continued interest in the position and to ask when you might expect follow-up.
Good luck.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I had an interview last week at the hospital for medical equip tech. The HR first photocopied my diploma and took my references and we went to the hiring manager for my interview. We passed by 3 buildings on which the hospital has inter-connection from building to building. The interview went well, actually the manager did not asked that much on my resume, he told me they already reviewed my application and he just telling me about nature of the job, some history of the department and whats their plan. My biggest concern was after the interview he wanted me to go back to HR person, but when I get back to the human resources dept, the HR person already left, and the people from the reception area just told me to wait for the call. I wanted to go back to the hiring manager but Im already forgotten the way back. I dont know how long should I wait before I will make a phone call to the HR for follow up?
Any Advice?
Roger,
I recommend you call the HR department today and follow-up — let them know “I was brought to HR to do paperwork, but you had already gone today” — is there anything I need to do to follow up and complete my application? How can I help?
If they need you to come in to fill out the paperwork, they will tell you — and then you can go in and get it done.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
is it fine to ask to be notified if ever I will not be getting the job? Thanks.
Hi Roger,
Yes, you can certainly ask to be notified what your status is — either way. Not all companies will tell you, and that is too bad. Another way to tell when a job has been pulled is when the listing disappears from a site. Typically that means it has been filled.
But for now, just follow up.
Good luck.
Best,
Chandlee
Thanks for the comments. One more thing, is it an indication you already get the job if your references already called by the company?
Thanks a lot!
Roger,
It’s a very good sign if your references have been called by the company but it doesn’t guarantee that you will get the offer. Good luck and please keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
Roger: Call up HR and ask when you can be scheduled for your drug testing and final paperwork. Nothing wrong with being assertive.
If the company is giving you the Drug test that is good sign you have job. Just don’t piss it away with some drug!
Had an interview for a job i really really like. Was successful, apparently. Kept following up for three weeks. Finally i received an email saying this:
“Sorry I didn’t take your call last week but I was in meetings.
The feedback from our meeting is that we have discounted some candidates but others that we interviewed remain possibles, including yourself. We are looking to make a final decision in a couple of weeks and I will keep you updated with progress and let you know if we need anything further from you.” We were 7 interviewees in all.
Couple of weeks. Is this still a good sign? Please advise me – how long can i wait till i start following up again. In the interim what can i do so far as this job is concerned? Anything.
Tony,
The decision making process inside the company has nothing to do with you. I recommend not following up again. They know how to contact you and it sounds like they are still interested. Stand by and keep looking at other jobs to make sure you have as many opportunities as possible.
Good luck!
Best,
Chandlee
the interviewer said the want me they will submit the paper work to the hr deartment for approval.tey also so they will call my current department internal for reference which i know they did it was a good report they said “which is the same company for advancement”what is my chances
Those all sound like positive indicators that you may be offered a job to me, but naturally — we can’t say what your chances are since we don’t work at the company where you interviewed and aren’t privy to the information.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Best,
Chandlee
Hi there
I went for an interviewed on Monday, it was a 1st round interviewed. I was called for the 2nd round interview the next day. Both interviewed went well. But the GM who interviewed me for the 2nd round interview told me they still have other candidates to be interviewed. He asked me when I can start work and also mentioned I should hear the news by this week. After the 2nd interviewed, I sent out a thank you emailed. Soon I received a replied emailed informing me that I will be inform on the development in due course.
I’m so clueless. I need this job badly. What do you think? Please help….
Thank You.
Regards
Anna
Anna,
It sounds to me as if you have no reason to think that you are not still in the running for this job though I still would not count on being offered the job yet.
As with any job search, if you need a job badly, your best chance of landing one is to have as many options possible — so I recommend continuing your search as you wait to hear back from this one.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
I recently had an interview which I thought went well. When I was going over the job description (after the interview) I realized that the interviewer had asked me very detailed questions about skills/techniques which the job description said “basic knowledge/understanding of xzy preferred (not required)” I didn’t mind because I knew the answers. I was just wondering if that is common practice? I recently graduated and I am looking for a job and this is one of the first interviews for a job in my field of study. It just threw me off a little because the job description made it sound like only basic knowledge was required for the position.
Thank you!!
Mae
Mae,
Unfortunately, this happens sometimes. Employers will require a basic understanding of an application because they don’t know whether or not they will be able to identify potential candidates with skills in a particular area, and then they find — and hire — candidates who have advanced proficiency in the skill. This could be what happened, or asking the advanced questions could just be their way of assessing your abilities.
Either way, hiring can be a competitive process — so make sure that you have as many options as possible by applying for multiple opportunities that align with your skills and experience.
Good luck to you and all the very best…Thanks for stopping by.
Chandlee
I originally interviewed for a position with a company last August and didn’t get the job but recently they have called me in to talk with them twice in a little over a week. The odd thing is that both times I have gone in to talk with them they didn’t ask me any “interview” type questions and was pretty relaxed conversation with them telling me about the position and wanting to know what questions I had. I realize they are most likely working off of my interview last August but I am trying to get a feel for what has happened. The first time I talked with a supervisor and the second time I talked with the department manager who remembered me from the interview last year. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Jason
Hi Jason,
That they have invited you to come in twice indicates that they are very seriously considering your application — and likely want to see how much of a cultural fit you are for the company — as well as to gauge how much you understand the position.
Good luck and keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee
I had a great interview yesterday and left having the interviewers tell me I was a strong candidate for the position. This afternoon I received the oh so familiar “we decided to go with another candidate….” call. The gentleman added on the voice mail that if it was okay with me could he keep my resume for any future openings – just to let him know. I had to wonder if he says this everyone and was just trying to be nice, or did he really mean it. It’s a small company so I can’t imagine what other positions would be opening up in the future. Regardless, I will thank him and say fine – keep the resume. I do want however to inquire what I could have done better on the interview but don’t know if this appropriate, nor do I want to come across as insecure and desparate. I am at a point as I am sure many of us are, where I truly don’t know what else to do to snag the job. I want to be the bride and not the bride’s maid. I seem to come so close but just can’t get over the hump. Is it common or appropriate to inquire what one could have done to get the position that slipped away?
Hi,
I recently interviewed for a vacant position within a company I already work for. The HR recruiter was very tough and I couldn’t gauge his interest in our interview. I kept getting affirmations to my responses like “excellent”, “very good”, “that’s great”, but I assume they are supposed to say this. Anyway, after all of the positive reinforcement, at the end of the interview he said that I would hear something from him next week to determine if I would be scheduled for a follow-up interview with the hiring manager. Is there any way to tell if I actually did well or are my chances slim since I wasn’t scheduled for follow-up immediately?
Thanks :’)
Essey
Essey,
You are correct — often interviewers are trained not to give full information about your chances/performance during the interview. I recommend you simply follow up with the hiring manager and express your continued interest in the new opportunity should it be available.
Don’t dwell too much on the scheduling, many organizations get delayed in the process — which often has nothing to do with candidates.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Hi,
I had a first interview for a digital media agency on the phone first, so unfortunately I can’t speak to most of your bullets. However the ones I can speak to did happen (only a couple tho). How do I know if a phone interview went well?
Hi ESS,
The best way to know if a phone interview — or any interview went well — is to get invited back for an in-person interview. Or to be offered the job.
While you wait to hear back, you can always follow-up with a thank you note that addresses any questions you feel you didn’t nail. Write each interviewer directly — and if you provide more info on an answer that wasn’t perfect — you may impress!
Good luck
Chandlee
Hi ,
I had ma interview in may with GAS company in may this year .All to me went well, because I had the experience and knowledge basically to what i was interviewed. After the interview i was told by the recruit Manager that ‘ll get back to me in month time and hand to me their business cards. Do you think there’s future with company.
Kalule,
Given that I have no experience with the company you’ve spoken with, I can’t say if there’s a future with the company. I can tell you that the best way to follow-up with them would be to send a thank you note and express your continued interest in working for the company.
Good luck — and all the best!
Chandlee
So, i had an interview on Friday June 1st. I felt like the interview went extremely well. I didn’t get stumped on any questions or anything. The interview person informed me upon my entering the room that 467 people applied for the position and she only selected 20 people to interview and that whatever happens, I should feel really good about myself (lol). Towards that end of the interview she stated ” I hate to speak too soon….you are definitely qualified, I just have 4 more interviews to do. This is going to be very hard bc I have interviewed some really good people and believe I am going to have to bring back my top 3 candidates for another interview”. She said she wanted to move really fast on this and call early of the following week. because she has been extremely busy. I followed up on Tuesday with the HR and they stated the lady was very busy and didn’t have a chance to make a selection yet, but they would call either way. I followed up again on Wednesday and they said the lady had been extremely busy, but they would call. I feel like I have called enough. She did give me her business card at the end of the interview that had her work and cell number, but I don’t know if I should call or what. Should I? Please help.
Hi Kim,
First, congratulations that’s very good news that you were selected for the interview. I also think that’s great that you have followed up.
I think you are right that you have called enough — in general, I don’t advise calling to follow up twice in the same week, but the chance of this hurting your application are relatively slim.
On the employer side, the hiring process almost always takes longer than the employer initially thinks it will. It’s just “one of those things.” I recommend hanging in there and being patient, it does sound like you may receive a call back — but keep looking and applying for other jobs as well in the interim.
We want you to have as many opportunities as possible.
All the very best,
Chandlee
Recently, I had a second interview with a company and they had me interview with some of the team (people with whom I’d be working). One of the gentlemen did not make a lot of direct eye contact. He also asked several questions that stumped me (I didn’t know the answers but told him I am a fast learner). I let him know (not in these exact words) that for this particular position, I would use my years of expertise while also relying on the guidance of his department for those aspects of the job that aren’t 100% within the scope of my work. i was honest and humble, but also direct. I also let him know that I apologize for not knowing the answers and hope this wouldn’t negatively impact me in this interview process. He said no, not at all. The job for which I applied would work side-by-side with his department. I think there is often a misconception that in order to do this particular position ‘well” that you have to know everything including things that aren’t really part of the job.
I just hope his infrequent eye contact and questions that stumped me do not lose me the job. The person who would be my boss seemed to like me and he had requested that I come back to meet with these team members. I know it’s hard to be able to answer my questions without knowing more about the situation, but is it a bad sign when someone doesn’t make a lot of eye contact? Or perhaps, might it be a cultural difference? I’m shy and it’s very hard for me to make eye contact, so it was a bit uncomfortable that i was trying to make eye contact with him to do my best in the interview and he would avert his eyes to the wall. I am not hideous and tried to look my best!
Any thoughts on the eye contact issue? Could that have meant he did not like me or think I was qualified? I am honestly very qualified for this position per my understanding of the role and requirements, but not sure I was able to communicate this to this particular interviewer since he was asking so many other questions. Thank you in advance for reading this and responding!
Kimberly,
If someone doesn’t make frequent eye contact with you, they may not make eye contact with others, either. Don’t read too much into it. Sometimes offices have a staff member who is known as “the contrarian,” and whose job it is to ask such questions — in such a manner — and see how you respond.
More typically, people have different styles and approaches.
If this is an organization with many people involved in the interview process, it’s likely a group consensus that matters. Sounds like you certainly held your own in the interview.
I advise you to keep your eye on this position and others that might be a fit.
Good luck,
Chandlee
Group,
I recently had a long interview with a potential employer. The company is very small. I should mention I did not apply I was called in. However, I sent out my thank you e-mails and I received positive feedback from them. During the meeting they said things like “you’ll be involved in this and this”. I was told a few different timelines on when I would be contacted but this week was the latest and it has been a couple of weeks. I know last week was a business trip out of town so I was not worried. However, is the letter below appropriate? What should I do? Any comments would be appreciated!
Hope all is well! Just thought I’d send you an email to check in on the status of the job as well as inform you of my situation. I have been contacted by another company for a meeting and possible position. While it is a great position I’m more interested in working at —.
Thank you again for your generosity and I look forward to being in contact with you soon.
Sincerely,
–
There is a little more personal touch to the letter but I have given the core components for review! Thank you.
Hi Megan,
If you do not hear anything by early next week, I recommend you follow up directly with them. Ask if you need to submit a resume and additional information in order to be considered as a formal applicant for the job — and reiterate your interest in the position.
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
dear,
so after waiting so long for a second interview, you are finally made an offer. Is it wise to accept it promptly when it is over your expectation, or there is a better way to go about it so you don’t sound desparate and at the same time don’t end up leaving without closure?
Tony,
Job offers are frequently delayed for all kinds of internal reasons that have nothing to do with you. It’s important not to take it personally.
If you are extended a job offer for the job you want — and the offer exceeds your expectation — I would recommend you accept the offer, and let them know that you honestly thought you were out of the running because you had not heard from them for so long. You want to stay positive, but I think it’s also okay to say, “I’d been waiting to hear from you for so long that I did not think I was under consideration for the job any longer. Moving forward, I’d like to know that we will be in more regular communication — and I’d like to know what paperwork you need before I start, etc.”
If you need to delay your start date a week or two, don’t be afraid to ask.
Good luck, and congratulations!
Best,
Chandlee
Hey,
I had an interview with a call center. i feel that i did a great job! i reviewed the company’s info online, I dressed the part, answered every question great!. this is a company that is hiring to start by the 25th of june. Now, the interview lasted longer then 25 minutes, and after the interview he made me wait and i waited for 10 min…can anyone please tell me what that means?. and then after everything was over he told me the agency will be getting in contact with you by monday.
Hi Chrisla,
I think it all sounds good. I have no idea why he asked you to wait for 10 minutes as I wasn’t there. I hope you’ll hear back by Monday, and you should make sure to send a brief thank you note in the interim.
If you don’t hear back by Wednesday, follow-up — it often takes HR longer to extend an offer than a hiring manager wants it to!
Good luck and all the best,
Chandlee
Hello,
SO HARD TO TELL!
I’ve been dealing with a recruiter and have been jerked around since February about a particular opportunity. He finally landed the interview. He told me I would be interviewing with 3 people and ended up only being one. I finally went in for an interview on June 22, 2012. I thought the interview was very conversational and comfortable until she threw a curve ball “situational” question. I answered it to the best of my ability and based on my current experience, but it was not quite the answer that she had in mind. She ended up lecturing me about my answer and I feel like the tone of the interview changed from that point on. It was toward the end of it, so it ended shortly after anyway (right at an hour).
We did talk about next steps in the interview process, she said IF I qualified, it would be a 2nd interview with her direct supervisors (the other 2 I was supposed to be talking to as well). I ended it by asking her if she thought I’d be a good fit for the positon and she said that she thought my skills were very transferable and would adapt well to this positon. I cannot tell how sincere she was being though.
So, I left feeling really discouraged, but I contacted my recruiter with positive feedback and asked for the interviewer’s email address. I sent her a thank you and she actually replied back rather quickly (within 15 minutes). She said that my recruiter will be in touch with me regarding next steps. So my question is do you think that means I made it to the next step? Do you think she would’ve responded had she not been interested? What could I have done differently, if anything?
Thanks for the advice!
Hi Sparkles,
As I wasn’t there and don’t work inside the company, I can’t gauge how it went. But I can tell you that the recruiter’s willingness to speak with you and to share information about the process is helpful. Not all companies do this…
Keep us posted.
All the Best,
Chandlee