There’s no way around it: the job search is full of uncertainty.
From the get-go, you aren’t sure if your initial application and resume will get a response. Then, if you do get a response, you’ll likely go through several rounds of interviews. At each step along the way, you’re not sure what the timeline will be, or if you’ll make it to the next round.
One way to reduce uncertainty is working with a recruiter or hiring partner. As professional liaisons between companies and candidates, we can give you candid feedback and offer more context about the organization and their typical timeline. We can also be your champion, encouraging you and keeping you motivated as you navigate the tricky waters of hiring.
But sometimes, candidates want a little more reassurance than that, and I can’t blame them. That’s when I share some positive indicators to look out for. Here are five signs that your job interview went well:
- The interview ran long (or filled the full scheduled hour). Interviewers are busy people. They might be hiring managers, HR leaders, or even company leaders who are taking time away from their schedules to meet potential new team members. If they are taking extra time to ask you follow-up questions, it’s likely a sign the interview is going well. On the flip side, if the interview gets cut short or trails off early, it may be a sign that this isn’t the right job for you.
- You’re asked to provide “extras” before you leave, like references or official documentation. If you’re in an early-stage interview, getting asked for additional documentation is a good sign. This usually means that you’re still under consideration and they’d like to do their homework before the second round of interviews begins.
- You meet multiple team members and/or get taken on a company tour. If the hiring team is taking the time to make introductions and show you around, it’s usually a sign you are being seriously considered for the position. The team is excited about you and is trying to get a sense of what it would feel like for you to join the team and collaborate with other team members. While this is a fairly normal step during an end-stage interview, it’s still an overall positive sign.
- You discuss concrete details like salary, benefits, perks, and/or a potential start date. If you’re in a late stage interview and the conversation turns to hypothetical “when you start details,” this is usually a positive sign. This means the hiring team sees a potential path forward for you and is preparing you for the possibility that you will be hired. If they are eager to share the company’s wonderful benefits and perks, this is an especially good sign — it means they are excited to sell you on the position and want to leave you with a positive impression of the organization.
- The conversation turns casual and body language is positive. This can be the subtlest (and most difficult) sign to read, but sometimes, the overall energy of the room can be a great indicator of how the interview went. If it feels like you and the hiring team have made a genuine connection and are starting to chat really comfortably, this is usually a good sign. It means both parties are feeling relaxed because the interaction has been positive and genuine so far.
While these are great signs to look out for, I share them with one caveat: sometimes, you can have the best interview in the world, and for a million different reasons, the position still doesn’t work out. While this can be disheartening for many candidates, I always encourage them to stay motivated. Even if this position doesn’t work out, it doesn’t change the fact that you had a great interview.
Being a good interviewee is a skill, and I believe that each round of interviews makes a candidate stronger and more prepared for the next position that rolls around. If you were able to make a positive, genuine connection with this hiring team, it usually means your next right-fit position is just around the corner.
For more insights around healthcare leadership, subscribe to Lauren’s LinkedIn newsletter, Leading in Healthcare. Lauren Bencekovich is the founder and Managing Director of Lauren Recruiting Group, a boutique healthcare recruiting firm that matches healthcare executive candidates with hospitals and health organizations. Looking for an outstanding C-Suite candidate? Visit our contact page to schedule a 30-minute intro call with one of our team members. We look forward to connecting and matching you with a top-tier candidate!