How to Tell if an Interview Went Well: Evaluating Your Level of Comfort and Listening for Nonverbal Cues

Introduction

When you’re interviewing for a job, it’s natural to feel anxious and unsure of how the interviewer feels about you. An interview is a two-way conversation that gives both parties the opportunity to assess each other. As an interviewee, it’s important to evaluate how the interview went in order to prepare for any follow-up conversations or potential offers. Here’s how to tell if an interview went well.

Evaluate Your Level of Comfort

The most important factor when evaluating an interview is how comfortable you felt during the conversation. According to a survey by Glassdoor, “83 percent of job seekers say that feeling relaxed and confident during an interview is the biggest indicator that it went well.” If you felt at ease throughout the interview and were able to answer questions with confidence, then it’s likely that the interviewer was impressed.

On the other hand, if you felt nervous and anxious during the interview, it may have been a sign that the conversation wasn’t going as well as you hoped. It’s important to remember that being nervous is normal, so don’t let it discourage you too much. Just make sure to take a few deep breaths and focus on speaking clearly and confidently.

Note How You Were Treated

In addition to evaluating your own comfort level, it’s important to pay attention to how you were treated by the interviewer. Were they welcoming and interested in getting to know you, or were they uninterested and distracted? A good sign that the interview went well is if the interviewer made an effort to get to know you, asked thoughtful questions, and seemed genuinely invested in the conversation.

Notice Any Positive Feedback

As you’re talking, pay attention to the interviewer’s body language and facial expressions. Are they smiling and nodding along to what you’re saying, or are they closed off with their arms crossed? Positive feedback from the interviewer is a great sign that the interview is going well. This could be anything from compliments on your qualifications to encouraging words about your answers.

Pay Attention to Follow-Up Questions

As the interview comes to an end, pay attention to the type of questions the interviewer asks. If they’re asking more detailed questions or showing interest in learning more, it’s a good sign that they’re interested in your candidacy. On the other hand, if the interviewer keeps asking perfunctory questions or seems to be rushing to the finish line, it could be a sign that they’re not as interested.

Listen for Any Nonverbal Cues

Finally, listen for any nonverbal cues that the interviewer might give. According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, “verbal and nonverbal cues often reveal more than we think.” Listen for any subtle hints that the interviewer likes you, such as offering to connect you with someone else in the organization or suggesting that you apply for another position. These are all signs that the interview went well.

Conclusion

The interview process can be stressful, but there are several ways to tell if it went well. Evaluate your level of comfort, note how you were treated, pay attention to follow-up questions, listen for nonverbal cues, and look for positive feedback. By paying close attention to these indicators, you’ll be better prepared to evaluate how the interview went.