First, certain signs are obvious indications that a meeting went favorably. The interviewer schedules a second appointment. He tells you that he wants you to take some tests or meet with the company psychologist. He makes a point of introducing you to his boss or states that he wants you to meet with him or with some of the key people in the department. He speaks enthusiastically about the position and/or the company. He discusses starting salary. He asks for references. Or he concludes the interview by saying something such as, "I won't be able to finalize things for a few weeks, but if anyone makes you an offer in the meantime, call me at once."
There are questions the interviewer can ask that also indicate a high level of interest: "Do you think you'd like to join us?", "When would you be able to start?" and "How much notice do you have to give your employer?"
In most cases, though, interviewers will have other applicants to meet and won't be that specific about where you stand. They frequently end conversations by saying, "I've enjoyed talking with you and we'll be in touch."
Job-seekers always want to know what "we'll be in touch" really means and when they can expect to hear from a company. To find out, you can ask one or two of these questions: "Do you feel I have the qualifications you're looking for?" "Is there any additional information you'd like about me?" "What is the next step?" "When do you want the new person to start?" and "When do you plan on making your hiring decision?" An interviewer's response to any of these questions will give you a better indication of your chances of being hired.
One additional question is particularly effective: "Is there any area in which you feel I fall short of your requirements?" Not only does this question probe an interviewer's level of interest, it also provides the opportunity to correct a misconception about your qualifications, should this be the case.
Another way to determine an interviewer's enthusiasm for you is to tell him that you want the job. For example, if you were to say, "I know I can meet the demands of the position, would make an outstanding contribution, and I'd like the offer," an interviewer can't be vague. He must make a statement about your chances of being hired. If he doesn't, he isn't interested in you at all.
If you decide to ask for the job, be sure the interviewer has the authority to hire you or is one of the key decision-makers. Otherwise, he'll tell you that the decision isn't up to him and he can't speak for the other parties involved. Also consider the level of the position, the number of interviews that's reasonable for such a responsibility and the number of meetings you've had. For example, if you're pursuing a vice-presidential position, it would be inappropriate to state that you want the job after the first interview. Doing so would demonstrate naiveté as well as the tendency to make hasty decisions.
A step that's proven effective for many job-seekers is to tell the interviewer that you're interested in the position, but you have an offer from another company and must give a decision within a few days. The interviewer's response to this time constraint will reveal his level of interest.
Before you leave, make sure to let your interviewer know that if he or she has any questions or needs any additional information or clarification, he or she will be able to contact you at any time. This expresses your interest and shows your eagerness to make the interviewer’s job easier and the process quicker.
