Wondering if your interview went well? Here are 4 signs you’re likely to get the job—plus tips on what to do next while you wait for that callback.
You walk out of the interview room (or log off from Zoom) feeling confident. You answered the questions well, connected with the interviewer, and even shared some laughs. But now comes the waiting. You might be wondering whether you’ll get the job. You’re not alone! It's completely normal to second-guess everything after an interview. While there’s no way to predict the outcome with certainty, there are some strong signs that can tell you that things may have gone well.
Here are four clear indicators that you might be getting that job offer soon, and some things you should do while you wait.
1. The Interview Felt More Like a Conversation
One of the best signs you might be getting the job is if the interview felt more like a conversation than a strict question-and-answer session. When an interviewer is truly interested in hiring you, they tend to relax, shift into a more casual tone, and make the conversation feel more natural. They may ask follow-up questions based on your answers, share insights about the team or the company, and seem genuinely engaged in the discussion.
For example, let’s say you’re applying for a hospitality internship through Placement International, and your interviewer starts talking about how past interns have thrived in the program or even asks you about the kind of properties you’d be excited to work at. This suggests that they’re already picturing you in the role. They might be imagining how you’d fit in, which is a positive sign.
2. They Talked About “When,” Not “If”
Pay attention to the language the interviewer uses when discussing the job. If they begin talking about the position with phrases like “when you join the team” or “you’ll be working with our front office staff” rather than “if you’re selected,” that’s a big clue that they’re seriously considering you for the role.
This shift from "if" to "when" can be a subtle but powerful signal. When an interviewer is confident enough to talk about your future in the role, it’s often an indication that they’re already imagining you as part of their team. Here are some things to look out for:
- Mentioning your potential start date or schedule
- Talking about onboarding or training processes
- Asking about your availability for orientation
If you notice these signs, you’re likely at the top of their candidate list, or perhaps even their first choice.
3. They Introduced You to Other Team Members
If your interviewer brought in someone else during the interview—whether it’s another manager, a team member, or even a tour of the office or hotel—take that as a good sign. Employers don’t usually take the time to introduce candidates to other people unless they’re seriously considering them for the position.
In hospitality, this can be especially important. For example, if you’re interviewing for a hospitality internship and they show you around the hotel or restaurant, or introduce you to some of the team members, it’s likely because they want to see how you’d fit in with the company culture. This suggests that they’re picturing you as part of the team, which is a clear indicator that they’re considering you for the role.
4. They Followed Up with a Clear Timeline
While it’s common for interviewers to end with a vague “We’ll be in touch,” if they gave you a specific date or timeline for the next steps—like “You’ll hear from us by Friday” or “We’ll send an offer letter early next week”—that’s a great sign. A clear follow-up timeline shows that they have a plan in place for moving forward with you. This suggests that they are already taking the next steps to bring you onboard.
Bonus Sign: If the interviewer sends you a follow-up email shortly after the interview, thanking you for your time, sharing additional information, or even asking a follow-up question, it often means that they’re keeping you in mind and moving forward with your application.
What to Do After the Interview (Even If It Went Well)
While these signs are positive, nothing is official until you get that offer in hand. So what should you do in the meantime while you wait?
Send a Thank-You Email
One of the best things you can do after an interview is send a thank-you email. Ideally, this should be sent within 24 hours of your interview. In the email, thank the interviewer for their time and mention something specific from your conversation to make it more personal. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the position. A quick thank-you note can go a long way in leaving a good impression.
Stay Professional and Patient
It can be tempting to follow up immediately after the interview, but it’s important to give the interviewer the time they mentioned. If they said you’d hear from them by Friday, don’t check in until at least Monday. Respecting the timeline shows patience and professionalism.
Keep Applying
While it's easy to get excited about one specific opportunity, it’s important not to stop your job search entirely. Keep applying to other roles, especially if they align with your career goals. This way, you’ll have options, and you won’t be overly anxious about the outcome of one interview.
Reflect on the Experience
Even while waiting to hear back, take some time to reflect on the interview itself. What went well? What could you improve next time? Reviewing your performance will help you feel more prepared for future interviews, regardless of whether you land this particular job or not.
Start Your Dream Hospitality Job with Placement International!
Getting a job offer isn’t just about your qualifications, it’s also about the impression you leave during the interview. If the interview felt like a natural conversation, the employer talked about “when” instead of “if,” you were introduced to other team members, and they followed up with a clear timeline, these are all positive signs. It suggests that you’ve made a strong impression and are a serious contender for the position.
And even if you’re still in the process of applying for jobs or internships, Placement International can help connect you with exciting global opportunities in hospitality. Whether you're just starting your career or are looking for your next step, we can guide you to roles that match your skills and ambitions.
Don’t wait—start your journey with Placement International and take the next step toward your dream job today!
