Every interview is daunting, stepping out of your comfort zone and into an unknown. No matter how much preparation you have done there is always the worry that you will be caught off guard. But what if you could read your interview? Subtle cues that reassure you that you’re doing well.

 

1.       Casual Conversation

On greeting your interviewer you gain a quick sense of who they are. Are they warm and engaging or do you feel they are in a hurry to push on. If casual conversation, however brief, continues into the meeting room then it’s an early indicator that you’re interviewer wants to know more about you and not just your experience.

 

2.       Positive Affirmations

If your interviewer follows your sentences with ‘exactly’, ‘I agree’ or a nod of satisfaction then it’s clear they approve. If it appears you share similar views then you should quickly see your interviewer’s body language light-up and they will most likely voice their delight.

 

3.       Choice of Words

Does your interviewer say ‘you’ll be working with…’ or are they less familiar? If they choose words that place you within the team then it’s a cue that they are starting to imagine you working there.

 

4.       The big sell

Telling you about the company is one thing but if it feels more like a sales pitch then this is a good sign your interviewer is keen. They will most likely re-iterate the company perks and culture, so take note as these can be key to making that all important career decision if offered.

 

5.       End of Interview Specifics

If your interviewer asks ‘do you have any other interviews lined up?’ then they are trying to gauge how much competition they are up against. Similarly, if you’re asked about your notice period then it’s a good sign things have gone well. Typically, interviewers will close with a vague ‘we’ll get back to you soon’ if they’re not interested, but outline clear next steps if they are. The end of a discussion can often be the most telling.

 

6.       Interview Length

Is your interviewer keen to finish on time? Or are you still going after times-up? If conversation is still comfortably flowing then it’s a positive sign. Plus, if you’re given a quick tour of the office afterwards then it’s pretty clear your interviewer is keen to show you off and perhaps introduce you to a couple of colleagues.

 

Good Luck with your future interviews, and although not every interview will be easy to read hopefully some of these cues will give you the reassurance you’ve done a great job!