After a job interview, the wait is the hardest part. You’re left wondering if you’ve made a good impression, or not. As you’re waiting for the phone to ring, you can all of a sudden think of a million things you should have said during the interview. While waiting is just part of the game, there are some signs you can look for to help ease your mind.
1. The Interviewer Asks for References
You will usually not be asked for references unless the company plans to pursue you as a possible candidate for the job. Often, companies will interview many people for one position, and they most likely will not attempt to contact references if they have no intention of considering you for the position as that would be facetious and a waste of their time. It is important to always have a good list of references from individuals who will be honest about your skills and abilities. And importantly, whoever you list as a reference should be easy to contact.
2. You are Asked to Return for a Second Interview
Many companies will invite the best applicants back for a second interview to help determine who will be the best for the position. If you are asked to return, you can be assured that you are being seriously considered for the vacant position. However, a second interview does not guarantee a job. You still have to prove that you will be an asset to the company. Therefore, it’s important that you prepare yourself mentally for the second interview. Come up with a unique way to set yourself apart from the competition because it’s highly likely that there will be competing interviewees. At this point in the interview process, you have to bring everything you have to the table, and make yourself shine.
3. The Interviewer Acts Genuinely Interested in Your Responses
When the interviewer sits up straight, smiles often, and seems to enjoy what you have to say, he/she is probably interested in what you have to offer. Someone who is seriously interested may ask more than just general questions. They may ask you to elaborate on certain aspects during the discussion. If the interview is going well, it will seem as if you are simply having a conversation rather than being put on the spot. This is one of the strongest indications that things are going well.
4. The Interview Lasts Longer than the Scheduled Time
If the interviewer begins discussing topics other than the job description, you have probably made a good impression. This is especially true if they attempt to get to know you better by asking questions of a more personal nature. If you are a possible candidate, the interviewer may try to get a glimpse of your personality, rather than just your knowledge and skill base. The reason why they do this is to establish how well you would fit into the company, whether you match their corporate culture, and if you could get along with others in a team. It’s also a great way for the interviewer to determine if you will are able to communicate effectively, especially when under pressure.
5. You are Introduced to Other Employees
When the interviewer offers to give you a tour and introduces you to some of the other workers, it is a sign that they are interested in seeing how you will interact with the team. First impressions are important, so be friendly, open, and honest with whoever you meet. Remember that the interviewer may ask them for feedback to see how well they think you would fit into the company.
Over to You!
As long as you were well prepared for your interview and did your best, there is really no reason to stress yourself out. Although these tips will not guarantee you a job, they may help to ease your mind while you wait. If you have any other tips, please leave them in the comments.