“How did the interview go?”

“I think it went well but I’m really not sure.”

Isn’t that typical? Most interviewees are not sure of their chances after the interview. Some would try to play back the interview in their mind and analyze the signs and language received and spoken throughout the interview. Probably that’s the right thing to do to gauge your chances but I can tell you there are no two employers that function the same way, so there are really no absolute indicators that would give you a guaranteed answer, until you finally receive a call or mail to tell you – “You are hired!”

But then again, the hiring decision may not be made right away after the first interview. And you just want to make sure you do well in the interview so that you get a call again for the second round. In that case, how can you really tell how you did?

These are some signs that may give you some sense of how the job interview went.

1) What are they saying and how did they said it?

• Whenever a question was asked, was it a follow-up question from your reply? Or was it a question that you believe is from a script and they are trying to complete the checklist of questions asked? (when there are follow-up questions, it indicates interest in what you can offer further)

• Did they say things like, “when you work here next time?” or “when we work on that in the future”? (notice “we” and “next time/in the future” - the interviewers sometimes unconsciously let their thoughts slipped and words or phrases like that are good signs)

• When they asked you, “When can you start?”, how’s the tone like? Was it asked with much anticipation or was it just another have-to-ask kinda question? (When asked with anticipation, there will be follow-up queries or concerns – again, a good sign)

2) Check their body language

• Are they leaning forward or were their arms close-up and tense all the time? (leaning forward means they find a connection with you)

• Were they smiling and nodding as you spoke, or were their eyes on their watch or the door most of the time? (when they are not looking at you directly, that means they are pretty bored)

3) Finally, how long was the interview?

• The higher the position, the longer the interview. As a guide, it should be at least twenty minutes for a junior executive post. So, if it took longer than usual, that is a strong signal that the Interviewer likes you.

All can go well from your point of view but it still does not guarantee you the job. The major reason is that you will be compared with other candidates. You may happen to be the first interviewed candidate in their list of five equally good ones. In that case, luck is on the employer’s side but unfortunately, only one vacancy is available.

Sometimes, the position may not go to the best candidate that did everything right during the interview but the one that fits best the budget, the job description and the culture of the company.

So, don’t be alarmed if you did not get the call. It is not because you are not good enough for them. Sometimes, the reverse is true – you may be too good for the job.

In short, do your best every time you attend an interview, and do not be overly anxious about the results. If it’s a good fit, they’ll call you. If not, you just keep going. Be confident there is a right place for you somewhere.