How to Know if You Aced the Interview

If you’re looking for a new job, you’ve most likely finished an interview and wondered, “was it a successful interview?” While there’s no way to know for sure until you get the offer or the recruiter gets back to you, there are some indicators that can show you whether your interview was good or not.

Extended Time

If your interview was supposed to be for 30 minutes, but you ended up going over time, it’s a good indicator that the interviewer is interested in you as a candidate. Time is very important for recruiters and hiring managers, so if they choose to dedicate more time to learning more about you, it’s a good sign!

Part of the Team

Watch for the interviewer’s language. If they start subconsciously referring to you as an employee, that’s a sign your interview is going well. For instance, if they say “when you join the team” instead of “if you join the team”, it means they’re already looking at you as a successful candidate. The interviewer may also start discussing future growth opportunities with you, which means they can see you working with them for a long time.

Engaged Conversations

Keep an eye on the interviewer’s behavior as well. Their body language can indicate if the interview is successful. If they show that they are engaged by leaning in, nodding during your conversation, and maintaining eye contact, the interviewer is clearly interested in what you have to say, which bodes well for you. On the other hand, if they are looking away, checking their watch frequently, or even yawning, this can be a sign that things aren’t going so well.

Follow-Up Questions

Usually, interviews require you to talk about your qualifications and experiences, but it's a good sign if the interviewer asks follow-up questions and goes into specifics about your skills and achievements. This shows that they are seriously considering you for the position. Additionally, if the interviewer asks for your opinion on aspects of the role or the company, it shows that they value your thoughts and opinions as a future employee.

Next Steps Discussion

While you should ask about the next steps, if the interviewer brings it up on their own and is proactive in discussion what you should expect next, this is a good sign that they want to move forward with your candidacy. Additionally, receiving a clear timeline can indicate a good interview too. For instance, if the interviewer mentions that they will email you back about the next round or their decision in a week, it shows that they are seriously considering you.

Keep Positive

While these are all signs that can indicate the success of your interview, remember that every interviewer and company is different. Even if you don’t notice these signs, you can still receive a positive response later. Remember to stay patient, keep a positive mindset, and follow up appropriately. Each interview can provide you with valuable learning experiences that will lead to your success in the job search process.