Looking for signs you will get the job after an interview? We’ve all been there—replaying every moment of the conversation, analyzing each response, and wondering if that awkward joke landed or fell flat.
The waiting game is never easy, but there are legitimate indicators that hiring managers might be leaning in your favor.
In this article, we’ve gathered insights from actual hiring professionals who have revealed the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) signals they give when they’re impressed with a candidate.
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From extended interview times to specific phrases used during your conversation, these 22 indicators could help you gauge where you stand before the official offer arrives.
Signs you will get the job after interview
1. Positive verbal cues from the interviewer
When interviewers use phrases like “you’d be perfect for this role” or “when you join the team,” they’re showing their cards. These positive verbal cues often indicate they’ve already mentally placed you in the position and are thinking about working with you.
2. Longer-than-expected interview duration
If your 30-minute interview stretches to an hour, that’s a good sign they’re interested in you. Hiring managers value their time and won’t extend an interview unless they see potential in a candidate and want to learn more.
3. The interview felt more like a conversation
When the rigid question-and-answer format shifts into a natural back-and-forth dialogue, it shows the interviewer is comfortable with you. This conversational tone often means they can picture you as a colleague rather than just another applicant.
4. The interviewer’s body language was open and engaged
Nodding, smiling, and maintaining eye contact are all positive signals from an interviewer. These engaged body language cues suggest they’re genuinely interested in what you’re saying and are actively imagining you in the role.
5. They introduced you to other team members
Meeting potential future colleagues isn’t something companies do for every candidate. If you’re introduced to team members who weren’t originally scheduled to meet you, the company is likely testing team chemistry and gauging how you might fit in.
6. They showed you around the office (or discussed company culture in depth)
Tours and detailed culture discussions are investments of time that companies reserve for serious candidates. This extra effort shows they want you to picture yourself working there and are trying to sell you on the environment.
7. They asked follow-up questions about your skills
Detailed follow-up questions about your experience indicate they’re mentally placing you in the role. They’re trying to understand exactly how your skills would apply to their specific challenges and projects.
8. They repeatedly highlighted why you’d be a good fit
When interviewers keep connecting your skills and experience to their needs, they see value in your candidacy. These repeated connections suggest they’re already thinking about how you’ll succeed in the position.
9. They asked about your availability
Questions about your notice period or start date are practical steps toward making an offer. Companies don’t waste time on these logistics unless they’re seriously considering bringing you on board.
10. They asked if you’re interviewing elsewhere
This question aims to understand their competition for your talents and their hiring timeline. They’re trying to gauge how quickly they need to move to secure you before another company does.
11. They asked about salary expectations
Discussing compensation is often one of the final steps in the hiring process. When interviewers bring up salary details unprompted, they’re likely checking if you’re within their budget before making an offer.
12. They discussed benefits and perks
Detailed conversations about health insurance, vacation time, or other perks mean they’re trying to sell you on the complete package. Companies only share these specifics when they’re considering you as a serious candidate.
13. They talked about long-term growth
Discussions about career advancement or development opportunities show they’re thinking about your future with the company. They wouldn’t invest time explaining growth paths if they didn’t see you potentially taking that journey.
14. They shared specific challenges they’d want you to solve
When interviewers outline real problems they’d expect you to tackle, they’re mentally testing you in the role. These specific scenario discussions typically happen only with candidates they’re strongly considering hiring.
15. You received positive feedback during the interview
Direct praise about your answers or approach during the interview itself is uncommon but very positive. Most interviewers hold their cards close, so any immediate positive feedback suggests genuine enthusiasm for your candidacy.
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16. They discussed next steps in detail
A thorough explanation of what happens next in the hiring process shows they want you to remain engaged. Vague responses about “being in touch” are common for all candidates, but specific next steps suggest they have plans for you.
17. They gave a clear timeline for next steps
When interviewers provide exact dates for decisions or next rounds, they’re signaling organized interest in you. A clear timeline indicates they’ve thought through when and how they want to move forward with your application.
18. They asked how soon you could start
This direct question about start dates is rarely asked of candidates who aren’t serious contenders. They’re essentially doing practical planning for your onboarding, which is a strong indicator of interest.
19. They asked for references
Requesting references means they’re ready to verify your background and work style. Companies don’t spend time checking references unless you’ve made it to the final stages of consideration.
20. They followed up after the interview without you reaching out
Unprompted follow-up from the company shows you’re actively on their mind. If they contact you with additional questions or updates without being prompted, they’re likely keeping communication open for a reason.
21. You were invited to a second interview quickly
A fast invitation to continue the process means you’ve made a strong impression. Quick follow-up interviews indicate the company doesn’t want to risk losing you and is prioritizing your candidacy.
22. They connected with you on LinkedIn
Professional networking connections after an interview suggest long-term interest. When hiring managers or interviewers connect with you on LinkedIn, they’re thinking about maintaining a professional relationship beyond just this hiring process.
Questions to Ask Yourself If You’re Anxious Post-Interview
Did the interviewer seem excited about my experience?
Pay attention to how the interviewer reacted when you discussed your background and skills. Engaged follow-up questions, nodding, and statements like “That’s exactly what we need” are good indicators they valued what you bring to the table.
Was the conversation comfortable and engaging?
Natural conversation flow often indicates good chemistry with the interviewer. If you felt like you were talking with a colleague rather than being interrogated, that comfort level suggests they could see you fitting into the team environment.
Did they discuss the company culture and growth opportunities?
When interviewers spend time explaining the workplace culture or potential career paths, they’re helping you envision a future there. This investment in discussing long-term aspects of the job usually happens only with candidates they’re seriously considering.
Related article: Dear Hiring Manager: How To Address A Cover Letter
Will you get the job? Common FAQs
How can you tell if an interview went well?
An interview likely went well if it ran longer than scheduled, felt conversational rather than rigid, and included discussions about specific job details or your potential contributions.
Other positive indicators include being introduced to team members, receiving immediate positive feedback, and having clear next steps outlined before you leave.
How do you know you will be hired after an interview?
You can never be 100% certain until you receive an official offer, but strong signs include detailed discussions about start dates, salary negotiations, or requests for references.
When interviewers talk about you as if you’re already part of the team or follow up quickly with additional information or interviews, these are typically good indicators of serious interest.
How do you know if you are rejected after an interview?
Rejection signs include a notably short interview, minimal engagement or follow-up questions, and vague responses about next steps.
If the interviewer focuses heavily on qualifications you lack rather than strengths you offer, or if promised follow-up never materializes within the stated timeframe, these may suggest you’re not the top candidate.
