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
Thanks, Ronnie-
I want to add that this is also a position at a major university. Although it’s only been 6 days since they came back from break, it has been over 2 weeks since I came in for an interview.
I sent Thank you notes immediately, but they have not asked for references yet (I don’t recall the application asking for them). Before an offer can be made, wouldn’t they have to check references first? I actually don’t recall telling them my salary requirements? I liked the position so much as the university, that I was willing to just negotiate. (I secretly was hoping the salary was higher than what I currently make!)
I am so confused. Since it’s only been 6 days since they returned from break but almost 3 weeks since the initial interview, would calling them by Friday, be a little too “stalker-ish”?
Hi again Lisa.
Yes, having worked for a major University for over 7 years I kind of guessed that was the case when you used the word “break”. That’s why I feel so comfortable in telling you this is the standard process. I once waited three months to hear back from a major University about a second interview even though I was their top candidate and we had exchanged some infrequent communications. So please have faith.
As for salaries…Universities have their own ranges. As part of a number of required HR processes, they need to get formal approval at some number and then you may or may not have negotiating room. References will be contacted before any formal offer can be made. First they would contact you and reach an agreement at a TENTATIVE offer.
An e-mail at the end of the week – or maybe even Monday – would be better than calling since you can control the tone and how stalkerish you sound.
But if your instincts tell you to call, trust yourself. Just be light and friendly.
If I mentioned these circumstances to ANYONE I’ve worked with in academia or who has been around the work world in general for many years, they would be smiling that you even think this is strange. It is soooo normal. Just give them a chance. Academia proceeds on its own schedule. And if you are going to work there, this is good practice for you!
Meanwhile take a breath. Go do something fun. Watched pots almost never boil.
Good luck.
Ronnie Ann
Thank you soooooo much!
I have been pondering for so long! I have interviewed at quite a few places and this place is the FIRST place that felt like a PERFECT fit!
I “fell” upon your site and I am so happy I did. The emails and responses have been VERY helpful!
I will be “patient” and hopefully, I will be emailing you shortly with good news!
Thanks again for all of your help.
Hope so too. You’re very welcome.
Hello Ronnie Ann,
I just want to let you know I got the job. Thank you for your comment.
Tbrown
Wow! Great news, Tbrown. I really appreciate that you took the time to let us know. It was my pleasure to help even a tiny bit.
I wish you all the best in your new job!
I had a interview on Monday, March 31st, I arrived there about ten minutes before my scheduled time, the interviewer came to the lobby area about 5 minutes late, she called my name and I stood up and shook her hand with a smile with direct eye contact. We then walked to this unoccupied office, and she asked how was my day so far and etc. We got to the office and we started talking about the position, she started talking about the position descriptions, responsibilities, and the history of the company. Then she asked me, what did I know about the company, so I told her indepth with great detail about the founder and the latest news regarding charity events, she then smiled. She then asked me what am I’m looking for in the next opportunity, and then I mentioned in detail about career growth as well as personal knowledge growth. Then she started talking about my resume and details about each job obtain; my duties, and why I left, in which one job the contract expired and the other was outsourced to India.
Then she started talking about her government contract jobs she held, then she asked would I be interest in this job, and what kind of notice can I give to my present employer, then I told her, with respect to any employer, it would be a two week notice but my present employer is aware of my job searching. Then she asked, did I have any references and that she would get her secretary to contact them later in the week in regards to the second interview, then we briefly started talking about family, about her two children(5, and 3) and her noisy neighbors and about her living in a apartment and then I started elaborating about the same thing, then she stated that we better wrap things up now, then she asked is there anything that I wanted to say, then I told her that I’m excited about the job opportunity, etc, etc. So, we started walking out and while walking out she was pointing at different departments and explaining which department worked where.
As I’m about to get to the elevators, I shook her hand and told her that it was a pleasure meeting with her today and she said, “same here” at the same appearing to be rushing to get away. That’s the only thing that scared me, the way she departed, but it was 5:15pm. I sent her a hallmark thank-you card and a hallmark birthday card since there was a billboard in the entrance regarding her birthday. I’m very anxious on how the interview went but I have my worries especially the way she departed, is there anything that I should be concerned about, my references hasn’t been contacted yet, any suggestions?
Sounds like a great interview Austin! No reason to think her eagerness to get going at the end was anything other than the lateness of the hour. Otherwise she would have been rushing you out earlier. Who knows…she may even have been rushing to a birthday party!
Of course there’s no way to ever know for sure and there may be others she is still meeting with, but to me it sounds like you did very well. The interview was only a few days ago, so your only job now is to relax and wait to hear from her. It takes time.
References are rarely checked until it’s close to a possible offer, although in this case you said she would do it BEFORE the second interview; that’s rare, but each company has their own ways of doing things. You’ve done all you can. (The birthday card was a nice touch. Just know in the future in some cases that may be a bit too personal after a first interview. But I like your ingenuity and I bet she did too.)
Time now to take a deep breath and think of other things. Hopefully you’ll hear some good news in the next week or two.
Good luck, Austin!
Ronnie Ann
Hi, Ronnie Ann-
I just wanted to give you an update. I received an email today from the university apologizes for taking so long and that they would be contacting me this week with an offer!
I am excited and nervous at the same time! Salary was never discussed during the interviewing process, so I am at a loss as to what they would offer. Since I would be driving, the cost of tolls and gas worries me that if if the salary offered is just going to go toward commuting!
I am wondering (and maybe have no cause to worry) on how to negotiate salary (if it turns out that the salary offered will not be beneficial for me?
Thanks
Lisa
Great news, Lisa! Congratulations.
As for the worrying…I’m a big believer in saving that for when you know the facts. Easier said than done, I know.
But it is good that you’re thinking about this ahead of time. You can always do some quick research now and see if you can come up with an average salary for that position. There are charts online I believe, although I’m not sure if the charts tell you how to judge an offer from a university in your area. Also, sometimes the benefits are so good they make up for a slightly lower salary. Also think about the growth potential of the position. Good to consider that when you respond.
As I mentioned, universities usually have approved ranges for each position with little or no wiggle room outside of that. So if the offer is less than you would even consider, make sure you let the person know how happy you are to get the offer but that you need to discuss the salary. Having prepared your arguments ahead of time, be prepared to counter with an offer that you “could feel comfortable with” and calmly and firmly explain your reasons for that. If you need time to think, it’s ok to take a day to get back to them. Don’t leave them hanging, but don’t feel pressured if you need a little more time. They may still come back to you with the same amount and then it’s up to you whether the other factors outweigh the difference between what you want and what they will pay.
I really hope this works out. Thanks for letting us know. Good luck! (And if you do take the job and it’s not too much trouble, please tell us.)
Ronnie Ann
Good afternoon Ronnie Ann! This is Stefanie just reporting back as promised. As soon as the company closed on their building purchase (Friday of last week) they called me Saturday morning to negotiate a job offer. They will be sending my job offer in the mail anyday now. Of course I have to look over their offer, make sure it is all there as discussed and possibly go through the negotiations stage. The waiting game is definitely frustrating but it helped me so much to be able to talk with you in the process. Plis, I read a lot of your other posts and gained a lot of other good advice. Your advice and sense of humor was priceless. Thanks SO much!!!
Stefanie! I remember you and your situation well. This is GREAT news. It seemed to me like they’d be lucky to have you and knew it. Glad they are as smart as we thought they might be.
Thanks for the kind words by the way. That made me smile.
Good luck negotiating this exciting new adventure! I love start-up situations. And this one sounds like it could be plenty cool. Thanks for sharing the news. I love happy endings…or shall I say beginnings.
Ronnie Ann
Hi Ronnie Ann
Just wanted to let you know that I got a job today! Very close to home..nice environment! !! I am SUPER excited!!!
Thanks for for the good vibes sent my way, your encouraging words, and for this wonderful website…
Wow What now??! (Sounds funny, huh?) I am sooooo happy to read this. That sounds perfect!
I’ve found you to be a wonderful addition to this blog and hope you come back now and then to offer encouragement to others the way you did to Lexi25. You sure turned what for some would have been a handful of lemons (being fired) into a tall drink of lemonade. Most of us find ourselves at one time or another in a workplace that doesn’t work for us, but that in no way means we are any less talented and desired by the right employer. I hope others look at your story and find inspiration for themselves in it!
Thanks for letting us know. All the best in your new job. I’m really excited. Go git ‘em grrrl!
Ronnie Ann
Hi, Ronnie Ann-
Well, guess what? I GOT OFFERED THE JOB! I should be excited but the salary offered wasn’t exactly what I was hoping. Although it’s a nice increase, since I will now be commuting via car, I will have to factor in gas cost and tolls.
I mentioned this to the University but they were unable to increase the salary because the salary that they originally wanted to offer me wasn’t an increase from what I already make, so they had to “go to bat” to get the increase that they currently offered, so asking AGAIN, wouldn’t be in the budget.
So I am stuck now. With the extra expenses, I would have to incur, my “net pay” would not be much more than what I am seeing right now.
I really like this place and they seem to really like me but I am torn. It’s a higher position AND have great growth potential but I have to be honest, I need a BIGGER paycheck too!
Is it worth it? Should I pass up this opportunity and HOPE something like it with a higher salary comes along again or take the job and just deal with the small ‘net pay’ increase?
PLEASE HELP!
Lisa
Hey Lisa!
Congratulations. I was hoping to hear the good news from you.
Obviously I can’t tell you what to do since I don’t know all the details of your personal situation and, of course, as you know, my crystal ball is in the shop.
But, with that caveat in mind, this is how I look at it:
For the same amount of money (net) plus maybe a bit extra, you have a chance to start a job you really like NOW. Who knows how long it will be before another good opportunity comes along? Plus, this one has growth potential.
So let’s say you are investing a couple of years now for greater growth potential later. You could look at that as an investment in yourself, rather than focusing on the cost-of-commute details. If you were offered an extra degree right now that promised you all this, wouldn’t you spend the money on yourself? In essence, that’s what you would be doing. Since you aren’t netting less, than what have you got to lose versus all you have to gain?
Now…if all these details are coming up because a part of you doesn’t really want the job or think it’s the best for you apart from money issues, then please look at that. But, if you can for a moment just look at the job itself and really want it, then please don’t let not getting a lot more in salary stop you. Universities in general pay less, but they open up so many future possibilities. Plus they offer other benefits like free courses for you and any kids you may have, good retirement and health benefits, etc. And there is lots of potential for upward mobility.
So ask yourself whether turning it down now is really the best investment in your future career. Maybe it is. Only you can decide that.
I am excited for you that you made it this far and wish you luck in making a decision that’s the right one for YOU. My opinion is just that…my opinion. Only you know what’s best for you.
Oh…and if this helps…your commutation expenses are most likely deductible.
Please let us know, ok? Good luck!
Ronnie Ann
Last week I had an interview with company that really like and a job that I really like. I am actually employed currently and was not actively looking, but a recruiter contacted me, and the position was so excellent that I went on the interview.
The interview seemed to go great. After meeting with the hiring manager for about 45 minutes, he asked me to stick around for a half hour to meet his boss. I felt we all hit it off well. After the interview I was told that they would be making decisions on a second round w/ in 2 weeks.
The next day I sent off a thank you note. Today I read in the news that the company just struck a huge deal. After reading the news I sent a note of congratulations to the hiring manager. I got a reply thanking me for paying attention to the news, and that they will keep in touch regarding next steps and they are qualifying several candidates…I guess I wanted to hear that I am the best candidate and you are hired. He was not tipping his hand either way.
I am not sure what to make of it. Is they are qualifying several candidate a hint that they are looking at other people more seriously, or should I take the reply alone to be positive?
Also I am not sure if the fact that I am already employed hurts or helps me?
I made it clear to them that I was not activley looking, but my interest in the position was great enough for me to leave my current company and come work for them… Any Thoughts?
Hi Brad!
Congratulations on how you’ve handled this so far. I love the way you used the huge deal as a reason to both remind them about you and let them know you are one sharp dude. The fact that the interviewer kept you around after the first interview so that you could meet his boss is a very good sign.
Qualifying other candidates is about process. Most companies want to have some choice even if they meet a great candidate on the first interview. It neither reflects badly nor in your favor; it’s just process. And the fact that you are employed is usually a plus. Although it’s not fair, companies often feel more comfortable taking what others want. It’s kind of like when you run into someone you thought you might want to date and they are out with someone else – they suddenly seem just a bit more attractive even though they are the same person!
Although there is no way for me to know any more than you do about what they are going to do, from what you tell me, there is a very good chance you will get to round two. Please let us know if you do! I love to root for the people who visit here.
Good luck Brad! So far, I think you’re doing great. Would love to hear what happens.
Ronnie Ann
I had my second interview with a great company yesterday. I think it went well I met the staff I would be working with and they asked me a few specific questions on my skills and certain things that might come up on a day to day basis. It seemed like they wanted to know if I would be a good fit for the department. They were all really nice and they cracked jokes during the meeting, which made me feel very comfortable.
I was very relaxed and smile or laughed when they made jokes and I really think I could get along with the team just great. I hand delivered handwritten thank you notes to each person I met.
I am quite stressed out because I would love to work at this company and the job seemed like just what I am looking for right now.
My first interview lasted two and a half hours and then got called back to come in for a second one. I’m a little nervous because I currently have an H1B work visa (I’m originally from Venezuela) and I did not mention this issue to the HR manager on the first interview because I was unsure if they would eliminate me as a candidate. They are an Equal Opportunity Employer, so I figured it should be fine to transfer my visa from my current employer to the new company, but it happened to me before that I got a job offer and they took it back because they didn’t want to deal with the visa transfer. Do you have thoughts on this particular issue?
Thanks!
Corina
Hi Corina!
First let me congratulate you on making it to the second interview. Sounds like it went well.
Unfortunately, I am not an expert when it comes to this issue. I do know that when I used to work for a University and we hired people with Visas, sometimes there were issues about transferability.
Equal opportunity employer is a policy that applies to how open they are to hiring, but it doesn’t apply to the specifics of immigration rules. If I were you, I would arm myself with the knowledge of what the rules are in your case. If you can, find out whether or not you can transfer the visa to this new job. Since you’ve had a problem with this before, it would be a good idea to make sure you know what the regulations are so neither you nor your prospective employer are surprised.
Also, now that you’ve made it through the second interview, I would suggest calling your contact person and letting him or her know your situation. If you can assure them truthfully that there is no problem, than that shouldn’t affect your chances in most cases – especially if they really want you. It’s not a good idea to keep this hidden. And it’s important that you know the rules yourself.
And if anyone else out there has some advice for Corina, please let us know!
I wish you much luck in making this work out for yourself. Buena suerte!
Ronnie Ann