10 Signs an Interview Went Well (With Interview Tips)

Updated 9 January 2023

Interviews are a way of talking to a hiring manager about who you are and what you can do for their company if they select you for a role. These meetings can be a chance to learn more about the company you've applied to and what you can expect to do in the role. Learning about interview best practices and how to recognize positive indicators that you've succeeded could help you feel more confident during your next interview. In this article, we review several signs that an interview went well and how you can progress to the next steps.

10 signs an interview went well

Here are some common signs that an interview went well:

1. The interview exceeds the allocated time

If your interview was supposed to last for half an hour but ended up taking longer, then it could be a sign that it went well. An interviewer may want to speak to you for longer if they're interested in you and what you could bring to their company. An interviewer may take the time to get to know you more than what they can learn from your resume.

Use this opportunity to tell the hiring manager some interesting facts about yourself, what you enjoy doing, why you're excited about the interview and where you see yourself in the future. The interviewer is more likely to remember you well if you tell them something memorable about yourself.

2. The interview feels more like a conversation

Successful interviews may feel more like a casual conversation. If your discussion flows naturally with the employer, then it could be a good sign. The interviewer may be keen to interact with you and determine whether you're a good fit for the role. Further engagement may involve conversational questions like, 'what could you bring to our company?' and 'how do you work as part of a team?'

Interviewers often stick to a script during the interview to ensure they discuss their key points. It can be a good sign if they drift from this and form their own questions as your conversation progresses. It can also be a good sign if they stay on script. Each hiring manager is different, and they may have specific company interview guidelines to follow. Some companies are more formal than others, so if your conversation feels more formal, that may be a good sign as well, depending on the work environment and culture.

3. You feel like you're already part of the team

If the interviewer speaks to you like you're already on the team, it may be another sign the company is considering you for the job. They may try to sell you on the job if they feel you would be a good fit and encourage you to favour their employment offer over others. During these conversations, the hiring manager could tell you about your possible daily responsibilities, who you would be working with, and provide details about the company's benefits and salary expectations.

You may notice a change in tone and voice when an interviewer is pitching the role. They may use persuasive or guaranteeing language like 'when' and 'will' instead of 'if' and ‘could'. These terms suggest they may have already made up their mind about you.

4. The interviewer remains engaged

Keeping note of the interviewer's responses can help you assess if they're engaged in the conversation. If they are smiling, asking questions and keeping eye contact, then this is likely a sign the interview is going well. Non-verbal communication can suggest how comfortable they are around you, especially if they're leaning in and progressing the conversation.

Make sure you introduce yourself and thank them for the opportunity. If they respond positively straight away then it could mean you've already captured their interest. Another important step is to ask questions whenever you can as this shows interest in the role and the company. The more you talk, the more the interviewer can see what you're truly about and whether you can meet the criteria for the role.

5. They're direct about the next steps

If the interviewer discusses the next steps and a possible second interview, that can be another sign that your meeting went well. They may not always establish what's involved in the next stage, but mentioning it suggests they're thinking of moving you further into the hiring process. This could give you plenty of time to prepare for the following interview and ask any questions you didn't have before.

6. They ask you more questions near the end

Usually, the interviewer will ask if you have any questions about the role or the company. It's a good idea to prepare one or two thoughtful questions that further demonstrate your interest. If they decide to ask you further questions, it can be a positive sign that they're interested in you. They may ask you to expand on an answer you recently provided or ask specific questions such as 'what is your availability?'

Other questions might include, 'Are you still interested?', 'Have you applied elsewhere?', 'When would you be available to start?' or ‘Do you have any salary expectations?'

7. The interviewer sends you a follow-up email quickly

If you receive an email shortly after your interview has finished, you may be under consideration for progression to the next stage. Hearing back from the interviewer within 24 hours is a sign that you made a good first impression. It's a good idea to send the interviewer an email back expressing your gratitude and further interest in the role. Here is a template you can reference:

Hi [Employer's name],

Thank you so much for interviewing me today. Our discussion has made me even more excited about [position] at [company name]. If you need any additional information, just let me know, and I'll happily provide that for you.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

8. They ask you about other jobs

Hearing questions such as, 'How is the job search?', 'Have you got any job offers?' or 'Have you had any interviews yet?' could indicate an interviewer's interest in you. They may want to know the competition in your job hunt and whether to give you an offer as soon as possible. They might also proceed to explain how their company is better suited to you and why you might choose them over others.

9. They go into detail about what the role has to offer

If the interviewer provides details on the role, it could indicate they're already imagining you working in their company. Usually, in an interview, they may highlight the main aspects of the position and what would be expected of you. This explanation can give you an idea of the daily responsibilities and the goals you might set for yourself in advance.

10. You meet the team

Being introduced to other team members is a positive sign that the interview went well. Having the opportunity to speak with potential co-workers and learn more about the company can boost your chance of receiving a job offer. Try to employ strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills when speaking with current employees to show the hiring manager that you would fit well into the team. Talking to managers within the company could be a good way to earn a second interview.

Another reason a potential employer might introduce you to the team could involve speeding up the hiring process. They may do this if they believe you're suited for the role. If you are confident that this is the right role for you, prepare to accept an offer.

Tips you can use after a successful interview

Whether or not you have seen signs that an interview went well, there are things you can do after an interview to increase your chances of getting the job. These actions can be just as important. Here are a few tips to consider following a productive interview:

Record notes from the interview of key points to refer to in a second interview or thank you letter
Think about how the interview went and what you discussed
Continue to stay positive
Keep applying to other positions while you wait
Follow up if you haven't heard back in a few days
Do more research on the company
Send a thank you email even if you did not get the position
Reach out to the team members you met and thank them individually

10 Signs an Interview Went Well (With Interview Tips)