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 indica tion 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 final 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.
Appearance
If you have a poor appearance, an interview will never even get off the ground. An interviewer will give you a few minutes out of courtesy and then end the meeting.
Always be neat, clean, and well-groomed. Although all job-seekers claim to know this, it's shocking how often they forget when it comes to their own interviews. Also, dress appropriately for the position and the company For example, what would be proper attire for a vice-presidential responsibility at a bank would be inappropriate for a creative job at a small advertising agency The reverse is also true.
Your appearance will never win you the job (unless you're applying for one of those rare positions where it happens to be the most important criterion), but it can easily cost you the job. Make sure your clothes fit well, collars aren't frayed, colors are well coordinated, shoes polished, and fingernails clean. It's best to dress on the conservative side and to select clothing that resists wrinkling. Stripes will make you look taller and leaner, while plaids will have the opposite effect. Don't wear jewelry, pins, or cuff links that indicate membership in a religious, fraternal, or service organization (unless you have advance information that your prospective manager is such a member).
Men should wear only functional jewelry and never any that would make them look feminine. A suit and tie is appropriate for most positions. Cologne should be used sparingly and hair should always be combed.
Women should usually wear a dress or suit. Large jewelry, strong perfumes, excessive makeup, and exotic hairstyles are to be avoided.
