7 Signs that You're Nearing a Job Offer

We are truly our own worst critics sometimes and there are few places where this is more visible than the job interview process. Oh, the second-guessing, the ruminating, the "shoulda said, coulda said, wish I'd said" reels we run on continuous loop as we wait and wonder if a job offer is forthcoming.

And while the only official evidence that you've got this in the bag is, well, a written offer, there are some subtle and not-so-subtle signs that you're nearing a job offer. Here are seven of them:

? 1.?They ask questions about timing and other interviews

If, towards the end of your interview, the hiring manager or recruiter asks questions like, "How soon can you start?" or "Will you need to give notice at your current job?" or "Do you have any other interviews coming up?" you are likely a top contender.

? 2.?The conversation becomes more concrete

In the early stages of interviewing--or when the interviewer is, perhaps, having doubts about you--the conversation might be vague, even guarded:

• "The person who fills this role would spend their first weeks..."
• "We would need the person we hire to be in Texas for our tradeshow in July."

When they're feeling confident that you're a (or the) top choice, the wording becomes more specifically about you:

• "You'd spend the first few weeks learning..."
• "We would need for you to be at our tradeshow in Texas in July."

? 3.?The interview goes longer than scheduled

If they're certain within the first few minutes that you're probably not the right fit, do you think that they're going to keep the conversation going and going? Nope. They definitely aren't. They're going to put in the expected time and move along with their day.

? 4.?You get an impromptu introduction to an executive

Oh, hey, candidate for our research job. Our Global VP of R&D happens to be in the office today. Allow me to introduce you real quick.

If you experience this moment, it's a good sign.

? 5.?You receive a speedy reply to your thank you note

When they're excited about you, they want you to know this. And being super responsive to you is one way they're going to work to demonstrate their enthusiasm.

? 6.?They begin selling you on the company and role

Now, one might argue that every candidate should be sold on the company and role, throughout the process. This is what a great candidate experience looks like and wise companies put a lot of energy and focus here because they know that people are their most valuable asset.

HOWEVER, we all know that things don't always unfold in this utopian manner.

But be assured, if a company really wants you on board, they will likely make a swift shift into sales mode as you progress through the interview process.

? 7.?They ask for references

You're clearly in the home stretch when you get to this moment. In all my years of recruiting, I cannot think of a single instance in which a client (hiring manager or corporate HR leader) asked me to check references on a candidate they were only lukewarm about.

You're nearing the finish line when you get this question, so make sure you're at the ready with people who will take you the distance.

All this said... while it's never a for-sure until you've signed the written offer and showed up for the actual job, hopefully you'll be able to rest a bit easier if you're seeing these signs through your next interview process.

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