How to Know if You Have Been Accepted for a Job

After your interview, it is most likely that you will hear the ever familiar “Don’t call us. We’ll call you.” But when will they ever call you? The truth of the matter is that most recruitment officers will only call you if they have good news. If you did not meet the criteria, it is most probable that they will not give you a ring. In fact, there are some I know “who won’t be around” if you called to follow-up on the status of your application. Only when you make repeated follow-ups would they finally break the bad news.

Recruitment officers usually buy time to deliberate who among the numerous applicants would fit in their organization. However, this does not mean you have to keep waiting for them to call you, or else you might find yourself waiting forever. Even if your application and interview went well, it is no guarantee that you will be called back for contract signing.

You may feel that the interviewer seems to be giving you positive remarks on your skills and accomplishments. Still, this can mean anything. Remember, being selected for the position also depends on the other candidates who applied for the same position. You may be competent, but the company is looking for the best candidate to fill the post.

How will you know how you fared? Below are some signs that could indicate that you have a good chance of being hired:

• If they told you to come for a second interview. This is a good indication that you are being considered for the position. Otherwise, they will not waste time asking you back for another meeting. You would probably be presented to another manager for final decision.

• If your interview lasted longer than the other applicants. If you saw that the previous applicants were given only a few minutes while you were interviewed for half an hour, you may assume that they are more interested in you.

• If they confirmed how they can get in touch with you. You would know you have a good chance if the interviewer verified your contact number, and asked for the best time to call you.

• If they gave you a tour of their department or office. Employers must be seriously considering you to be a part of their team, if they introduced you to their other employees. If you felt you were warmly received, and all of the people in the office are smiling, this may mean you might be probably starting soon.

• If the interviewer was nodding and smiling as you spoke. These gestures may be considered as signs of approval. This translates to her / his support and agreement, and may mean a positive endorsement for the position you are applying for.

• If the staff and the interviewer seem to anticipate your presence in their office. If they are expecting your appearance for the interview, it may mean that they were impressed by your résumé, and are eager to meet you.

• If you were asked how soon you can start if hired. This is an affirmation that you are being seriously thought of to fill the vacant position. This may also mean that they need an applicant that is ready to fill up the position on short notice.

• If salary and benefits were discussed in the interview. Most recruitment officers find it unnecessary to talk about these matters if they are not interested in the applicant. If they consider hiring you, they will discuss remuneration and perks to assess if you will be amenable to their offer.

• If you learn that the company checked on your background and references. There are companies that will go as far as calling your references and talking to people in your neighborhood to know your character, if you already passed their standards.

• If they made comments like “We’ll see you soon” or “We’re looking forward to having you as part of our organization”. These increase the odds that you will most likely be hired. Saying these is analogous to welcoming you on board.

There may be other hints that would give you an inkling that you are “the one” chosen for the job. But the truth is, you never really know if you have been accepted for a job unless you receive a call, or in some cases, a letter, stating that you were the one preferred for the position.

Despite all these encouraging signs, the only time you may conclude that you were the one selected for the job is when you are actually invited to sign the employee contract. Since you may never know for certain, it is highly recommended that after applying to a certain company, never stop job hunting. Do not assume that you got the position, or you may just miss the opportunities offered in other companies.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.

You might also like:

And Why Should We Hire You? »
Choosing the Right Job References »
How do you do a job search while still employed with another company – without being unethical? »
The Right Job for Me »
Good English Equals Good Job »