Think You Got the Job? Here’s How to Tell

The interview felt good. You connected with the hiring panel, the conversation flowed naturally, and they even mentioned “when” rather than “if.” Now you’re stuck in the waiting game – refreshing your inbox and replaying every detail. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Think the job is yours? Spot the signs, fine-tune your resume, and get ready to lead. Decode your interview outcome – and take the next step with confidence.

For executives and senior professionals, the post-interview silence can be filled with both optimism and anxiety. It’s a uniquely tense moment where you’ve shared your best self – and now, the outcome is out of your hands. Understanding what happens between the final handshake and the final offer can help ease the uncertainty. But what if there were actual signs you could look for – tangible, behavioural, and verbal indicators that you might be their top pick? 

This guide breaks down those subtle (and not-so-subtle) clues that suggest you may have landed the job, along with what to do next while you wait. If you’re preparing for another big interview, understanding the stakes and pacing is key – especially for roles with long, layered processes. Read our breakdown of what that looks like in our article on “Advance First String Job Interview”, along with what to do next while you wait. From decoding casual comments to interpreting hiring manager behaviour, we’ll show you how to separate hopeful signs from empty gestures. You’ll also learn what you can do in the meantime to keep momentum on your side and stay ready for the next step. 

Verbal Cues: When the Words Say More Than They Should

Some of the most telling signs come straight from the interviewer’s mouth. If they: 

• Start talking about “your first month” or “your team”
• Ask when you could start
• Refer to the role as if you already have it
• Use inclusive phrases like “when you’re leading the team”
• Mention specific upcoming projects they want you to take ownership of

…then you’re likely in strong contention. 

Language that shifts from “if we move forward” to “when you start” is a psychological green light. It signals that they’re mentally placing you in the role. This type of phrasing often reflects growing internal consensus and confidence in your fit. According to Business Insider, this kind of language is one of the top signs that a hiring manager is picturing you in the role. If the hiring manager is already using future-oriented language, they may just be finalizing logistics. For a deeper dive into the nuances of senior-level interviews, discover our article on “What to Expect in a Senior-Level Job Interview”. 

Behavioural Clues from the Interviewers

Words are powerful, but body language can be even more telling. Here are a few high-impact behavioural cues: 

• The interview runs over time
• Multiple senior leaders are looped in
• You’re introduced to potential team members
• They share confidential or strategic plans

These actions show investment. When a company starts giving you insider views, they’re likely gauging not just skill but interpersonal skills examples and cultural fit. It’s also a strong indicator that they’re visualizing you in the role and measuring how well you’d align with their leadership team. If you’re wondering more about this topic, read our guide on “Classic Interview Questions for Senior Management Positions” to learn how top-level conversations reveal deeper hiring intentions. 

Post-Interview Follow-Ups: More Than Just Courtesy

What happens after the interview can often be the biggest indicator. Some signs to watch for: 

• You receive prompt, personalized follow-up emails
• They ask for references or an updated resume
• You’re kept informed of next steps and timelines

These communications suggest that the process is active and you’re still in focus. A simple “thank you for your time” is standard. But a message like, “We really enjoyed our conversation and are discussing next steps internally” is far more meaningful. 

This is also the time to send your own thoughtful follow-up. Keep it confident, express gratitude, and reaffirm interest – while using professional language and a polished email sign off job. Personalization matters here; mention something specific from the conversation to reinforce your engagement. If you’re unsure how to craft the perfect follow-up, especially for executive-level roles, read our guide on “Thank You Email After Interview” to get actionable tips and templates that make your message stand out. 

Red Flags Disguised as Positives

Not every friendly signal means you’re about to get an offer. Be cautious of these statements: 

• “We’re still interviewing a few more candidates”
• “We should have a decision in a few weeks”
• Excessive delays with no clear communication

These don’t necessarily mean you’re out, but they could point to internal indecision or a competitive pool. Stay professional, keep momentum, and remain visible in other job application processes. A single, thoughtful follow-up can show initiative – just avoid overdoing it. It’s also a good time to reflect on your answers and whether they fully matched the company’s expectations. Were you clear, concise, and aligned with their needs? For honest insight into striking the right tone, check out our article on “Honesty in Job Interviews: How Much Is Too Much?”. 

What to Do While You Wait

That waiting period can be frustrating, but it’s also an opportunity. Here’s how to use it wisely: 

1. Polish Your Resume Further

If you’re asked for an updated version, make sure it reflects everything you highlighted in the interview. Experteer’s Resume Builder can help you align your content with the role, using executive-appropriate formatting and phrasing. 

2. Reinforce Your Strengths

Now is a good time to reflect on what strengths for job interview were emphasized. If you’ve noted gaps or opportunities to better tailor your story to the job description, now’s your chance to recalibrate. For practical examples on refining your narrative to match employer expectations, explore our article on “How to Tailor Your Resume for a Job Application”.. Did you highlight your ability to lead through change? Build teams? Drive results? 

3. Prepare to Negotiate

Just in case the offer comes in, use this time to research compensation. Knowing your worth helps set realistic expectations. You can use our Salary Calculator to benchmark your current career stage or target role based on industry, location, and title. It’s a simple but powerful way to walk into negotiations with data-backed confidence. 

Crafting a strong resume isn’t just about formatting – it’s about telling a clear leadership story. Take a few minutes to refine the accomplishments you highlighted during the interview. A small update can make a big difference if your resume is shared with key decision-makers. For expert guidance, read our guide on “Elevate Your Executive Resume: Must-Have Keywords & Tools”. 

The Resume Behind the Interview

Let’s be honest: if you’re seeing these signs, it’s because your application made a strong first impression. But resumes don’t just get you through the door – they also shape how you’re remembered. This is especially true at the executive level, where every line must convey strategy, results, and leadership. For a deeper dive into executive-specific qualifications and how to sharpen them, don’t miss our article on “The Best Skills in Senior Leadership and How to Develop Them”. Your resume opened the door – so don’t let it become an afterthought now. 

Using the Resume Builder, you can: 

• Reinforce your executive brand
• Highlight great skills and abilities for resume alignment
• Tailor your story for the final decision-makers

Want your resume to make a lasting impression beyond the interview room? The way you structure your experience and achievements can reinforce key takeaways for decision-makers reviewing your candidacy. Consider using active, results-oriented bullet points to highlight leadership impact, strategic wins, and measurable outcomes. For inspiration and best practices, explore our article on “Enhance Your Executive Resume with Powerful Bullet Points”. 

Signs You’re NOT Getting the Job (But You Can Recover)

Even if things don’t go as expected, it doesn’t mean the opportunity is lost forever. Common signs include: 

• One-word responses or lack of engagement
• Lack of clarity on next steps
• Unanswered follow-up emails

If that happens, reflect and refine. Consider getting a free resume review or revisiting your job skills list to identify gaps. You might find that your resume needs to be repositioned for greater impact or better alignment with executive roles. To go further, assess whether your narrative highlights key leadership strengths and accomplishments. For more actionable insights, read our article on “Creating a Resume That Gets You Hired”. 

Read the Signals, Then Prepare to Respond

Most executives don’t realize how much feedback is embedded in every phase of the interview process. From verbal cues to follow-up emails, the signals are there – you just must look. 

And while nothing is guaranteed until the contract is signed, if you’re seeing multiple green flags, there’s a good chance you’re close. 

Make sure your documentation (and your mindset) is just as prepared. And if the offer doesn’t come? You’re already positioned for the next opportunity. 

Ready to make every impression count – on paper and in person? Use Experteer’s Resume Builder to tailor your leadership story and stay one step ahead. And when the offer comes in, make sure you’re negotiating with confidence. Use our Salary Calculator to benchmark your worth and align expectations from day one.