How to know you’re seriously being considered for the job, or not
Although it’s not easy to tell in most cases, even if you think the interview went well, or poorly, there are some indicators you can look out for. Here are just a few:
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Although it’s not easy to tell in most cases, even if you think the interview went well, or poorly, there are some indicators you can look out for. Here are just a few:
- Checking References – this is generally the last step in the hiring process, so if they’re spending the time and energy to check yours, you’re in the final stretch.
- They extend the interview – if they seem to want to learn more about you, that’s a very good sign you’re a top candidate. Now, this isn’t the same as the interview taking longer because your answers are long winded, or they just didn’t allot enough time given the questions.
- They introduce you to the hiring manager – if you don’t get to meet your potential manager in the interview process, you’re probably not a top candidate just yet, unless you get a follow-up meeting of course.
- They offer to show you around and meet the team – this is a very good sign they’re interested, as long as they introduce you to key players. If it’s a basic tour of the office, that might be standard procedure for them.
- They ask about the competition or your timeline for deciding on a position – if they’re interested they’ll ask this to weigh their competitors and their ability to keep interviewing without losing you as an option.
- They ask personal questions about your personal life, goals, and hobbies – this is a good sign they’re trying to determine if you’d fit in with their staff and culture, but they’re imagining you as part of their team.
- A vague or specific date for letting you know – if it’s vague, it’s less likely you’re a top candidate. But if they offer a date and seem concerned, or even ask you when you need to know by, there’s a very good chance you’re in the running.
- A shorter than expected interview or no follow-up questions – in many cases this is an indication that they don’t think you’re a good fit or that they already have a favorite candidate in mind, and you’re not it.
- You notice positive body language – lots of agreement, nods, smiles, good eye contact, are all signs that they approve of you and see you as a good candidate.
- They negotiate – if they’re talking salary and benefits, there’s a good chance you’re being offered the job with the contingency of those options.
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