Body language, asking about your notice period and casual chit chat are three of the seven ways to tell if a job interview went well according to the experts.
While many breathe a sigh of relief once an interview is over, it doesn’t take long before we all start analysing how we performed.
Ahead of the New Year and what is one of the busiest times for finding new employment, FEMAIL reveals the seven signs you aced your interview and how you can nail it every single time.
Body language, asking about your notice period and casual chit chat are three of the seven ways to tell if a job interview went well according to the experts (stock image)
1. Body language
Career consultant at Relaunch Me, Leah Lambart, told Seek that the first way you can tell an employer is potentially going to hire you is if they give you good body language signs.
‘If the interviewer believes that you may be the right candidate, they will tend to display positive body language such as leaning forward, smiling, maintaining eye contact and making a genuine effort to build some rapport with you,’ she said.
On the flip side, if the employer looks bored or is continually looking at their phone during your interview, it could be a sign that you are not going to get the job.
2. Introductions and office tours
The second slightly more obvious way you can tell an interview has gone well is if they provide you with some key introductions or give you an office tour.
This is regularly one of the final stages in an interviewing process and can be a sign that they are checking out how you’re going to fit in.
The seven signs you nailed the job interview
Careers consultant and LinkedIn specialist Sue Ellson shared with FEMAIL the seven signs you nailed the job interview.
1. You prepared for it: The first sign you nailed the interview is if you prepared for it. ‘You did your research about the company, you tailored your resume, cover letter or application for the role and you went in with the approach that this job has to be the right fit for both of us,’ Sue said. The careers expert recommends you update your LinkedIn profile including six recommendations (given and received), as well as endorsements for your skills.
Careers expert Sue Ellson (pictured) shared the seven ways you can tell that you nailed a job interview
2. You practiced for it: The second sign you nailed your job interview is you practiced for it. ‘Whether it is an in person, video interview or automated video interview, make sure you know how to get there allowing for any traffic or security delays, check all of your video settings (height of the camera, background, lighting etc) and gain some experience answering questions with a time limit in a similar environment,’ Sue said.
3. You relaxed beforehand: Being relaxed is key to performing well. While we all know job interviews are stressful, Sue said if you relax yourself beforehand and avoid critical friends or family members, then you’re more likely to go into the interview feeling certain you’ll succeed.
4. You answered the questions: Answering the question that is being asked is one of the single most important aspects of a good job interview. Sue explained that even if you have to ‘pause for a few seconds before giving the most relevant response’, then that is good. ‘It can be easy to panic if you are not sure of the best response and if you are in an automated situation,’ Sue said. ‘If you don’t feel comfortable pausing, you can say, “I believe that you are looking for an example of coping with stress at work. In the past, I have managed stress by…” This buys you some think time and shows that you understand the question.’
5. You were respectful to everyone involved: This includes the ‘interview organiser, interviewer/s and other interviewees if you are in a group interview’, Sue said. Always maintain eye contact, energy and enthusiasm, even if it feels slightly unnatural.
6. You followed up: If the future employer has asked for references or further information, Sue said you absolutely must follow up and prepare your referees for a call. ‘If you are applying for jobs and getting interviews, it means that your application process is working,’ Sue said. ‘If you are getting interviews but not getting a job, it means that you were either not the right fit for that employer (regardless of the ‘reasons’ they gave you) or that your interview technique could improve.’
7. You don’t beat yourself up: Finally, Sue said if you miss out, remember it’s not the end of the world. ‘I believe that the three best ways to secure work are through networking, referrals and voluntary work,’ she said. ‘These techniques avoid you competing against multiple candidates and can be particularly helpful if you are up against any specific challenges — age, experience, limited hours, ability etc.’
3. Asking about your notice period
‘If the company is really interested in hiring you, the interviewer may ask about your notice period or how soon you would be available to start in the role,’ Leah explained.
They may ask you to reduce your notice period if possible — which is also a positive sign.
4. Casual chit chat
You might think casual chit chat means an employer isn’t interested in you and is just filling the time before they get rid of you, but Leah said the opposite is true.
‘If the interviewer believes you may be the right candidate they will make a genuine effort to bond with you,’ she said.
Don’t worry if they ask you about your hobbies or home life: they just want to know more about you.
5. Talking about the future with you in it
If the interviewer mentioned possible situations that might have you in them in their office in the future, it’s a serious indicator you’ve got the job.
Leah highlighted that they might say ‘the key priorities for you if you join us would be’, which means they are keen to get you on board.
6. Asking you to get in contact with any questions you might have
If the interviewer said they’d like to hear from you with questions, they probably want to ‘move things forward’, Leah said.
Make sure you do get in contact if you’ve been asked to, as this will indicate your keenness for the role.
7. Providing clear next steps
Finally, if the interviewer provides ‘clear next steps’ about a second interview or assessments, it’s a good sign.
It might be a training day or some sort of test, but you can rest assured that it’s positive if they are asking about your availability.
