Job search guide
Signs your interview went well
You logged off, replayed every answer in your head, and now you are trying to decode a smile and a "great chatting with you." Here are the signs that actually tend to mean something, the ones that do not, and how to spend the waiting period without refreshing your inbox every four minutes.
Good signs
- They talked about next steps in detail, with names and dates.
- They asked about your availability, notice period or start date.
- The interview ran over time because the conversation was going well.
- They introduced you to someone extra who was not on the schedule.
- They sold you on the role, the team or the benefits.
- They asked about other interviews you have going.
- They followed up quickly with a thank you or a next step.
Signs that mean less than you think
- "We will be in touch." Everyone says this, to everyone.
- A friendly tone. Good interviewers are friendly with every candidate.
- A short interview. Sometimes they simply had what they needed.
- No follow up for a week. Hiring often takes longer than anyone says.
Not great signs
- They could not say what the next step is or who decides.
- They spent a lot of time on a gap between the role and your experience, without moving past it.
- They mentioned they are early in the process and seeing many candidates.
What to do while you wait
- Send a short thank you email within 24 hours.
- Note the timeline they gave you, then add a week.
- If you hear nothing by then, send one polite follow up.
- Keep applying elsewhere. The best way to stop waiting on one company is to have another conversation.
Need a laugh before the next application?Get professionally rejected with our free rejection letter generator, or enter the Worst Rejection Contest for a chance to see yours printed on a shirt.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after an interview should I hear back?
Often one to two weeks, but it varies a lot. Ask about the timeline at the end of the interview so you know when a follow up is reasonable.
Is a long interview a good sign?
It can be, especially if it ran over because of conversation. But a short interview is not automatically bad.
What does it mean if they say they will be in touch?
Not much on its own. It is a standard closing line. Look for concrete next steps instead.
