How to Tell if You’re Getting the Job After an Interview

Receiving an invitation to interview for a job can be an exciting—albeit nerve-racking—time for many job applicants. It’s normal to feel impatient after completing an interview with a potential employer, as the wait to find out whether you got the job can feel endless. It can also impact your decision to proceed with other companies or continue applying for new positions.

While waiting to hear back about a job interview can leave job candidates in limbo, there are subtle cues you may pick up on that indicate whether or not you’ll get the offer. Your gut feeling can be a reliable way to tell which direction the process is headed. If you’re unable or unwilling to trust your intuition, there are other common signs to know whether or not you crushed that interview.

5 Positive Signs That You’re Getting the Job Offer

While there’s no foolproof way to know whether or not you got the job without an official offer, there are various hints that might mean good news. Keep reading to learn 5 common signs that applicants often report before being offered the job.

#1. You hear the word “when” instead of “if.”

Regardless of intentionality, when an employer uses the word when instead of if, this likely bodes well for you. While it may be a small change, it’s also a significant one.

Why? Consider the following example:

The sentence, “If you start with us, you can expect A, B, and C” leaves more room for vagueness and uncertainty than, “When you start with us, you can expect A, B, and C.” This may indicate that your interviewer(s) have already made their decision, or at the very least, they are already envisioning you in the position you’re hoping to get.

#2. They review salary, perks, and/or other benefits with you.

When a company reviews salary and perks with you, especially more than once, this could be a good sign that you’re getting the job. This is particularly likely if the company inquires about your own goals and expectations for salary, as it may indicate that they're hoping to negotiate terms and ultimately secure your acceptance of a future offer.

#3. You receive compliments during or after your interview.

Typically, interviewers don’t shower candidates with compliments. This is understandable considering that most interviews are intended to be neutral, professional, and efficient.

If you receive praise for your skills or experience during or after an interview, you can probably take this as a positive sign that you’re definitely in the running. Examples of positive feedback to get from interviewers may include statements like:

• “You have impressive experience in the __ area.”
• “Your resume was quite impressive.”
• “Your skills seem like a great match for the company.”
• “You seem like you’d be a great fit for our team.”

Another positive sign is when an interviewer pursues a more in-depth conversation regarding a particular area of your resume, a certain qualification, or a particular job experience you’ve had prior, as their interest could indicate a genuine consideration of you for the role you’re applying for.

#4. Interviews and follow-ups last longer than they’re scheduled.

Whether you’re interviewing in person, over Zoom, or through another virtual platform, going over the allotted time is rarely a bad sign. It’s safe to assume that your interviewers’ time is valuable, and they wouldn’t waste extra minutes interacting with you if they 1) weren’t enjoying the conversation and finding it constructive, or 2) think you’d be a great fit for their organization.

If your 30-minute interview stretches on for 45 minutes or even an hour, this likely isn’t a cause for concern. At the very least, it could mean that your interviewer truly engaged and connected with you, possibly more than the other applicants—and that’s definitely good news.

#5. They ask if you have other job interviews or offers lined up.

This is one of the more obvious signs that you probably nailed your interview. When a company takes the time to ask about your decisions and options, this may indicate various things, such as:

• They know your worth.
• Your skills and experience are valuable.
• They’re already considering offering you the role.
• They may be willing to negotiate their offer so they don’t lose you.

At the very least, an employer who expresses interest in your agency and options as an applicant probably means that they are seriously considering you for the role and intend to follow up with you.

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