8 Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview

Updated 19 January 2023

Knowing that you've interviewed well for a job can make the wait for a follow-up call or email an exciting experience. When reviewing how an interview went, it can be useful to reflect on all aspects of the interview as objectively as possible. Of course, until you receive the formal job offer, reflections post-interview are just a guide, but several positive signs may indicate the interview went well. This article discusses eight signs to look for during an interview that suggest you can expect to progress further or even receive a job offer.

8 signs you will get the job after an interview

The following can be signs you will get the job after an interview:

1. Selling the position to you

Most candidates enter a job interview prepared to sell themselves, including their skills, qualities and experience. This lets you state why you're the best person for the job. But if you get a sense during your interview that the interviewer's trying to sell the position to you, this can be a great sign they consider you a strong candidate. It may mean that you've already convinced the interviewer of the value of your skills and qualities.

Most hiring managers also understand that as a candidate, you may be applying for other, similar jobs. It's in the interviewer's interest to make their position the most attractive. Suppose the interviewer discusses the perks and benefits of the organisation or role. In that case, it might be a promising sign that you may move on to the next stage of the application process or even receive a job offer after the interview. This can show that the hiring manager wants you to join the company.

2. Verbal indicators

Interviewers may initially interview in a way that makes them appear as unbiased as possible. For example, they may speak in generalities rather than specifics, such as 'the successful candidate will...' and not 'you will...'. But as the interview progresses, they may alter their word choices to reflect their opinion of you. This can be a great sign that you're someone they could see as a valuable addition to the workplace, as it can indicate they want you in the role.

If 'you' replace 'the candidate', or if they begin to use less equivocal words such as 'when' rather than 'if', then these are good signs you may get the job or continue along the application process. In some cases, the interviewer may even be more direct and tell you in a straightforward way that they are 'interested in the work you've done' or are 'impressed by the level of expertise you have'. This language may also indicate that it's likely you may receive a job offer because it can show that you've communicated your value to the hiring manager.

3. Good rapport

Another indicator of whether you may receive a job offer is your strong rapport with the interviewer. Interviews often begin in a relatively formal and business-like manner, so whether you have rapport may take time to find out. In the early part of the interview, you may likely take the interviewer through your resume or answer questions regarding your qualifications, skills and experience.

An interview going well may become less like formal questioning and more like a friendly conversation if the interviewer feels comfortable talking to you and appears assured that you're suitable. This is a very promising sign you may get the job. It means not only that they're impressed by your skills (and don't feel the need to question them further) but that they personally find you interesting and engaging.

4. Going overtime

For employers, interviewing can be a lengthy and time-consuming process. Just like your time, their time is valuable. If they aren't interested in a candidate, it's uncommon to spend more time than necessary interviewing them. An interview running overtime is not an automatic indication of how well you are doing. But in the right circumstances, it can be a positive sign.

In some cases, going over the allocated time may mean that the interviewer hasn't asked all their questions or they're still trying to gauge your suitability for the role. Sometimes the discussion may depart from initial questioning into a more spontaneous conversation. This is a sign that they view getting to know you better as a valuable use of their time.

5. Engaged body language

You can also note the hiring manager's body language during the interview for clues about your performance. Body language, in most contexts, reveals a lot about a person's attitude or experience of a situation. Just as verbal language gives clues, so does body language. If your interview is over the phone, you may not be able to read an interviewer's body language. In this case, you can listen to the tone of their voice. Meanwhile, interviews in person or over a video call allow you to read the interviewer's body language to gauge your performance.

Generally, if someone's engaged and interested in what you are saying, they make eye contact. They might lean in, tilt their head to one side, stroke their chin, or nod. They may just be expressive or friendly, so it's important to realise that positive body language alone is not a guarantee of another interview or a job offer. Still, engaging body language is a good start. It can mean they're listening to what you say during the interview.

6. Details on the next steps

The manner that a conversation ends can be a good indicator of your performance in an interview. If the hiring manager has found you to be a strong candidate, they may want to keep you interested. This means explaining the rest of the application process, such as details about a second or third interview.

They might ask you questions relating to your own personal situation, including:

the notice period you're required to give to your current workplace
possible start dates
the convenience of the job's location
your salary expectations
whether you have other interviews currently lined up

They might even ask you whether you're still interested in the position after learning more about it. Their closing remarks can also indicate the likelihood that they wish you to proceed further with the application process. For example, the interviewer may say, 'we'll get back to you very soon'.

7. Asking to check references

If the interviewer asks you after an interview for a reference, this can be a great sign that they're interested enough to want to know more about you or to clarify particular details. In certain situations, asking for a reference can be a basic formality. For example, if it's the first call from an employer or recruiter, they may simply want to save time by gauging your suitability.

In a face-to-face meeting, asking for a reference after the interview usually indicates that they would like you to continue along the application process. They may want to confirm what you've told them, learn more about your experiences, or understand how well you interact within a workplace environment. These are all positive signs that the interview went well.

8. A quick response to a follow-up email

Sending a follow-up email after an interview can be a courteous way of acknowledging the time an interviewer took to chat with you. It can also be a convenient way to determine how impressed your interviewers were and how likely they are to hire you.

Receiving a prompt response may mean your interviewer is conscientious with their email. They're likely a busy person, so an immediate response is likely to be a positive indication of how well your interview went. It may signal that you impressed them, and they're keen to appear attentive and receptive.

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8 Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview