8 Sure Signs You Aced The Job Interview!

by Ritika Trikha


Whew. The job interview is over!

You’re out of the woods. You’ve done your best and now it’s all up to the employers — or the universe, stars, lucks, fate… whatever it is you believe in. Aside from proper follow-up, there’s really not much you can do at this point.

Except worry, or speculate… maybe even self-judge.

Vickie Austin, founder of CHOICES Worldwide, advises her clients never to judge how an interview goes because “we jump to conclusions when we really have no way of knowing how it went until we’re asked back or offered the job.”

But if you’re anything like me, you just can’t help but replay the whole production in your head. Maybe indulge in a few face-palms after wondering if you stuttered too much or littered your responses with “like,” “um” and other annoying filler words.

It’s natural to analyze — but there’s a more constructive way to gauge the success of your interview. Rather than playing the “what if” game in your head, consider what experts say are some positive clues that an interviewer is really into you.

Austin along with Judi Perkins, the How-To Career Coach and President and Founder of Find the Perfect Job, shared with us some insightful signs that likely mean you didn’t screw up your interview and are, in fact, on the right path!

1. They Discuss Your References

If your employer is asking about people who can vouch for your work, it’s two thumbs up! In fact, Austin goes as far as to say that: “The most positive indicator that a job offer is pending is a request for references.”

2. Hypothetical Questions

If your interviewer seems to be beating around the bush a little bit, it could mean he’s invested in you. Consider Perkins’ example: “The unconscious phrasing of the question “Can you travel?” is pretty neutral.
“On the other hand, ‘Would you be willing to travel’ is less blunt, and a more invested way of asking the same question,” Perkins says. “It has to do with the degree to which the asker wants a positive answer.”
Still, an even better (a super invested) variation would be: “If we were to ask you to travel one week of every month, could you do that?”
The more suppositional, the more they want you to say yes!

3. Talking about the Ex-Employee

Perkins notes that mention of their old hire could be a strong indication that you’re a potential shoe-filler – especially if that info reveals “that person’s disappointing performance.”  If the recruiter opens up this much: good sign for you.

4. Shooting the Breeze

If you walked away feeling like you simply chatted for about an hour—chances are they like you. Of course, a formal conversation doesn’t automatically mean they’re not into you. Their interview style heavily depends on the company culture, and some employers just prefer a more Jerry McGuire-professional style.
Either way, if “a conversation is taking place rather than a Q&A session, and there’s laughter or a sense of camaraderie” – it’s a good sign, says Perkins.

Signs 5-8 and Complete Article