Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview

After any job interview, whether for your long-term dream job or a two-week freelance project, the first question you’re sure to ask yourself is, “Did I get the gig?” You answered the interview questions and the company is working through their hiring process. But before you’ve received a job offer, you don’t know if you should continue your job search elsewhere or expect that “This will be the one!”

Waiting to hear back from a potential employer or client while they make a formal decision can be tough. The waiting game can be even more nerve-racking if you’re an independent professional who’s constantly bidding on and interviewing for numerous freelance projects. Planning an optimal work schedule is difficult when you aren’t certain if specific project bids will be accepted.

Here’s the good news: You can get a sense of whether you got a job right after the interview—or even while you’re still engaged in the interview process. In particular, the discussion’s conclusion can provide clues as to the other party’s interest in working with you.

While you shouldn’t get your hopes up or jump to conclusions, recognizing these signs can help alleviate anxiety. We provide a quick primer on what to look for as you wait for a job offer.

Table of Contents:

1. Conversations turn casual
2. Interviews run long
3. Interviewers display positive body language
4. You get to meet other team members
5. Interviewers indicate they’re impressed
6. You’re asked about your availability
7. Perks are discussed
8. You answer follow-up questions
9. The interviewer asks about your interest in the company
10. You discuss pay or salary expectations
11. Discussion shifts from “if” to “when”
12. The interviewer attempts to sell the company to you
13. You’re part of a direct discussion about transition steps
14. References you provided are contacted
15. You receive a quick response to your thank-you email
16. “You’re a top contender” is mentioned
17. You’re invited to a second interview
18. The interviewer gives a clear timeline
19. A LinkedIn invite pops into your email
20. You receive a phone call instead of an email
21. You feel like you aced it
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1. Conversation turns casual

Interviews aren’t just about assessing your hard skills. They’re also used to ensure you’re a good cultural fit for the company. If the interviewer starts a casual conversation (e.g., asking about hobbies), you may have passed the qualifications check, and they’re now trying to determine how well you’ll mesh with the team.

2. Interviews runs long

If an interviewer decides you aren’t a good fit for a role or company, they’ll end the interview in a timely fashion, possibly even cutting it short. Of course, they won’t kick you out the door—but they also won’t dig deep with more interview questions seeking additional information.

An interview that goes longer is generally a good indication of a high level of interest. If the talk runs long, you may want to interject, noting you have the time to continue talking, but you also want to be respectful of their time.

3. Interviewer display positive body language

Body language can often indicate how a person is receiving you. If a person is receptive, they’ll look attentive, nod in agreement when you’re talking, and smile. On the other hand, failing to make eye contact can mean a lack of interest and might be a bad sign.

Reading nonverbal cues is harder in some formats, like phone interviews. In this case, check for active listening signs from the interviewer’s side, like reiterating your points and asking follow-up questions related to what you’ve said.

You may have to tailor your own interview style accordingly. Preparing for a phone interview is different from preparing for an in-person interview.

4. You get to meet other team members

Interviews are just as much about ensuring a cultural fit as they are about confirming your skills. Interviewers will usually take only top prospects on an in-person or virtual office tour and introduce them to other potential team members. This is also a chance for you to get a feel for the people and the workplace to see if you’d fit.

Take the opportunity to ask questions and demonstrate an interest in the company. This can also help your odds of getting the job. Companies want to hire people who are genuinely engaged in what they’re doing.

5. Interviewers indicate they’re impressed

Interviewers may provide some direct verbal indications that they’re excited about your profile. Listen for phrases like “You have quite an impactful …” or “I found your experience in … quite intriguing.”

These terms indicate genuine interest, especially if they’re accompanied by follow-up questions seeking more information.

Check out our interview tips for making a great impression.

6. You’re asked about your availability

If you get to the point that the interviewer is asking about your availability and a possible start date, they’re likely considering you a top prospect. There’s no point in asking someone when they’ll be free to take on a gig if they’re wrong for the role.

Interviewers usually only consider availability if they’ve decided someone is right for the job. Be enthusiastic but realistic and honest about when you can start.

7. Perks are discussed

Interviewers aren’t just there to assess you. They also went to sell you on the company, especially if they’re interested in getting you on board.

Pay attention if the interviewer starts mentioning benefits and perks, like freebies or bonuses. This could mean you’re in the final running!

8. You answer follow-up questions

Interviewers come prepared with a list of questions for any discussion. If they aren’t particularly interested in your replies, they’ll simply move down their list of queries and check them off one by one.

If they’re interested in your responses, they may steer away from this formulaic approach to dig deeper and get more information using follow-up questions.

9. The interviewer asks about your interest in the company

When recruiters think they’ve found the right person, they want to assess the likelihood of getting the person on board. They may ask why you’re interested in the company to see how strongly you identify with the business’s vision, work, and values.

This is another good sign, suggesting an eagerness to work together. Your interest in the company is a significant consideration for interviewers, who may even factor in your level of enthusiasm in standard hiring matrices like this one from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).‍

10. You discuss pay or salary expectations

A recruiter likely won’t bother discussing pay or salary expectations with someone they aren’t interested in bringing on board or working with. If you get to the point where they’re talking numbers, it’s a strong indication that you’re a top pick.

We offer some tips for pay negotiations below.A recruiter likely won’t bother discussing pay or salary expectations with someone they aren’t interested in bringing on board. If you get to the point where they’re talking numbers, it’s a strong indication that you’re a top pick.

11. The discussion shifts from “if” to “when”

Slight shifts in language can indicate a hiring manager’s eagerness to bring you into the fold. For example, they might start saying things like “When you start” instead of “If you join us.”

While it might be subconscious on their part, this is often a positive confirmation of their desire to see you join the team.

12. The interviewer attempts to sell the company to you

Recruiters are tasked with finding the best person for the job. Once they find the right fit, they’ll do all they can to secure the person.

You might find that you get a sales pitch about the company if they’re interested in you. For example, they might highlight certain benefits or the great company culture.

13. You’re part of a direct discussion about transition steps

Hiring managers are forward-thinking. If they see you as a good fit for the team, they may start thinking—and talking—about transitioning into the role. This telltale sign could involve covering points like who will do your training and what kind of onboarding processes you can expect.

14. References you provided are contacted

The hiring process takes time and effort. A hiring manager isn’t going to waste valuable hours calling or emailing your references unless you’re a serious contender.

This is one of the last steps in the hiring process and is standard procedure for hiring managers who are thinking of making an offer. If they ask for referrals and then reach out to them, it’s a great sign that you’re in the final running for the role.

15. You receive a quick response to your thank-you email

Sending a quick thank-you email after you’ve had a job interview is good form. If you get a reply, this probably means your interview went well. The interviewer is trying to maintain rapport and keep communication open.

Hopefully, your next email will be a job offer!

16. “You’re a top contender” is mentioned

Some hiring managers will come right out and let you know if you’re a top contender or final prospect. You can get a feel for this by asking how many people are still in consideration for the role at the end of the interview.

17. You’re invited to a second interview

If the hiring manager invites you in for a second interview, it’s a clear sign that they’re interested in the possibility of bringing you on board. If they knew you weren’t the right fit for the position or company, they wouldn’t waste their time by speaking with you again.

Second-round interviews typically involve additional team members and decision-makers, which can be another clue signaling their interest.

18. The interviewer gives a clear timeline

A hiring manager will sometimes provide a clear timeline about when they hope to fill the open position or when you can expect to hear back from them. If this happens, it’s a good sign that they’re considering you for the job. It also shows that they respect your time and are serious about moving forward and filling the position.

19. A LinkedIn invite pops into your email

Perhaps you receive a LinkedIn invitation from the hiring manager after the meeting or a notification that they viewed your profile. This means they’re working to learn more about you, which can reflect a higher degree of interest in offering you the job.

20. You receive a phone call instead of an email

Phone calls take more time and energy than sending a follow-up email, and they’re usually more personal. If you receive a phone call from the hiring manager rather than an email, it could mean that you’re one of their top candidates.

Although nothing is guaranteed, you could be just a few days away from receiving a job offer if you get a phone call from the recruiter after your initial interview.

21. You feel like you aced it

Sometimes a gut feel is a great indicator of success or failure. Knowing you presented yourself well and didn’t slip up is certainly positive. Ending on a high note with smiles all around and friendly handshakes (or nods and waves if virtual) can also be an optimistic signal.  

How long after an interview is a job offer made?

Although the above indications can be promising and show you’re a strong contender for the role you’re interviewing for, they aren’t conclusive. Don’t start celebrating until you get the formal offer. When can you expect that to happen?

On average, the hiring process lasts between a month and six weeks. This time frame can vary depending on the open position’s level or rank within the company and the number of applicants.

That said, every company has its own timelines and processes when it comes to hiring. When you hear back can depend on factors like job competitiveness and in-house HR policies. The type of job you’re hiring for also makes a difference. For instance, seasonal jobs tend to have a shorter hiring time frame since they’re only temporary and may require last-minute staffing due to time constraints.

It’s OK to ask the interviewer when you can expect their decision. You may also want to reach out to the interviewer for an update a week or so after your thank-you email.

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Know when a hiring manager is interested in you as a potential worker

Recognizing positive signs that a hiring manager is interested in you as a prospect is just half the battle when it comes to getting the job. From nonverbal cues like eye contact to asking about your availability, the above list covers many of the signs that indicate a potential job offer is on the horizon.

These indicators suggest an interviewer is interested in you on both a personal and professional level and that your skills, experience, and personality are a good fit for the hiring organization.

If you’re a freelancer who frequently works on multiple various short- and long-term projects, you may do interviews on a regular basis. While interviews can be nerve-racking, they’re also a great way to build your communication skills. Plus, the more you do, the better you’ll get!

For more job and interview opportunities for freelancers, check out Upwork. You can connect with brands and businesses all over the world looking for specialists in design, marketing, finance, legal, and more. Find your next gig on Upwork today.