After sitting through the process of answering questions confidently, sharing a few laughs with the interviewer, listening attentively and asking your very own questions, the time has come to weigh out the interview to see the signs of leaving a good impression. According to CareerBuilder, job seekers tend to focus on what they did wrong,rather than what they did right.
Not all interviews end with a “when can you start?” And although there are never really any solid proofs, there are however, indicators. These indicators quite often play a role in the outcome of an interview. Here are some of the indicators that shouldnot be overlooked.
1. The interview runs longer than expected
A simple yet very positive sign would be when the interview runs longer than the initial stoppage time. Interviews are often scheduled in between other work related responsibilities. According to Amber Cloke, assistant director of the Career Center at Mansfield University, if this happens, there is a big chance that you as the interviewee has passed the criteria they have put up, and the fact that they continue to invest more time and energy towards listening and getting to know you more can prove to be a promising sign.
2. You build rapport with the interviewer
Building rapport with the interviewer is a key factor to really ace an interview. Once you really feel comfortable with someone, the conversation flows more smoothly as you open up more. It can be difficult to really tell if the interviewer is interested in what you have to say, yet according to BusinessInsider, one way to do so is to pay attention on the body language. Debra Delbroso, director of the Career Center at Siena College says that a positive sign to look out for would be when and if the interviewer smiles, keeps eye contact and especially if they lean in when you speak. If all the signs were checked, then it could possibly mean a better chance at engaging more with the interviewee.
3. Being shown around the workplace after the interview
Apart from taking extra time to extend the interview, if the interviewer were to dedicate some time afterwards to show you around the workplace, it could be a positive sign. Amber Cloke said that if at the end of the interview the employer “offers to introduce you to the rest of the team, it could bode well for you”. It also says a lot on how the employer looks at you as a key potential.
4. When the interviewer asks for references
When an interviewer asks for references, it means he or she is really impressed, and that you as the interviewee should always have a lined up roster of professional references who are able to put in some good words on your behalf, upon contact by the employer. Being asked for references is a key sign to look out for, and one that you should be prepared for before heading into an interview. Most employers will not ask for references “unless they really plan on contacting them, which most of the time is if they’re really considering a candidate”. (Rustle, Business Insider)
5. The interviewer “sells” the company
According to the Business Insider, when an interviewer gets to the point of talking about the benefits of the company and even gets to the point of talking about salary; there is a “strong chance” of receiving an offer;as this kind of information is not the kind of information that would be shared on a regular basis unless they show real interest. Other than selling the company based on the benefits they see, talking about the pay the company provides is also a very strong aspect to lookout for.
6. A follow up is asked or even scheduled
Again, not all interviews end with a “when can you start?” In some cases, another interview or discussion will be set up. This is always a good sign as it shows that the interviewer is without a doubt interested in you. Having a follow up scheduled in a company with high numbers of applicants is always a positive sign to take into consideration.
These are the main key factors to lookout for after an interview. Spending some time to think back and reflect upon what you as an interviewee answered as well as what the interviewer asked will oftenprovide a hint as to how favourable the outcome is.
BrodieBavidge