How do you know if a behavioral interview went well?

Knowing if a behavioral interview went well can be tricky since you don’t always get immediate feedback. However, there are several indicators that can help you gauge your performance:

1. Engaged Body Language from the Interviewer

If the interviewer is nodding, smiling, or making eye contact while you answer questions, it’s a good sign that they’re interested and engaged in your responses. Positive body language suggests that they’re following your answers and finding them relevant.

• Signs to Look For:
  • The interviewer maintains eye contact and nods in agreement.
  • They lean slightly forward when you speak, showing interest.
  • They smile or give positive affirmations like "That’s a good point."

2. Follow-Up Questions

If the interviewer asks follow-up questions about your responses, it often means they’re interested in learning more about your experience or want to dive deeper into a particular point. This is usually a positive sign, as it shows they’re considering how you might fit into the role.

• Examples:
  • “Can you tell me more about how you handled that situation?”
  • “How did you decide on that approach?”

3. A Natural Conversation Flow

If the interview feels more like a conversation rather than a series of formal questions and answers, this indicates that both you and the interviewer are comfortable and engaged. A smooth, flowing conversation suggests that you’re building rapport.

• Signs to Look For:
  • The interviewer engages in casual, related topics or shares their own experiences.
  • The conversation flows easily without long pauses or awkward moments.
  • You feel at ease, and the interview becomes less formal as it progresses.

4. Positive Reinforcement

If the interviewer gives you verbal cues or positive feedback during the interview, such as saying "That’s a great example" or "I really like how you handled that," it’s a good sign that they’re impressed with your answers.

• Examples:
  • "That’s exactly the kind of initiative we’re looking for."
  • "It sounds like you handled that situation really well."

5. Time Overruns

If the interview goes longer than scheduled, it’s often a sign that the interviewer is interested in learning more about you. Interviewers will typically keep things short if they feel the candidate isn’t a good fit, but they may extend the interview if they’re impressed.

• Signs to Look For:
  • The interview runs over the allotted time, and the interviewer doesn’t seem in a rush.
  • They take extra time to dive deeper into your answers or the company’s culture.

6. The Interviewer Sells the Company or Role

If the interviewer starts talking about the benefits of working for the company, the team culture, or opportunities for growth, it could mean they’re trying to get you excited about the role. This is often a sign that they see you as a strong candidate.

• Signs to Look For:
  • "We’re really growing right now, and it’s an exciting time to join."
  • "You’d be a great fit for this team because we’re looking for someone with your skillset."

7. Inquiries About Availability or Next Steps

If the interviewer asks about your availability for the next round or when you’d be able to start, it’s a strong sign they’re considering you for the position. Asking about next steps suggests they’re moving forward with you in mind.

• Examples:
  • “What’s your availability like for the next few weeks?”
  • “We’ll be in touch soon to discuss next steps.”

8. You Answered Questions Confidently Using the STAR Method

If you felt confident in your answers and followed the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), that’s a good indicator that you provided clear and structured responses. If you were able to give concrete examples and connect them to the job requirements, you likely made a positive impression.

• Signs to Look For:
  • You were able to provide specific examples for each behavioral question.
  • You connected your actions to tangible results (e.g., increased sales, solved a problem, improved a process).

9. You Felt Good About the Interaction

Trust your instincts. If you leave the interview feeling confident, with the sense that you were able to showcase your skills and experiences effectively, that’s a positive sign. While it’s normal to second-guess yourself, having a generally good feeling is often an indication that things went well.

10. The Interviewer Takes Time to Answer Your Questions

At the end of the interview, if the interviewer takes time to thoroughly answer your questions about the company, role, or team, it shows they value the discussion and want to ensure you have a complete understanding of the opportunity.

• Signs to Look For:
  • The interviewer provides detailed answers to your questions.
  • They seem open and transparent about what it’s like to work at the company.

Summary of How to Know if a Behavioral Interview Went Well:

1. Engaged Body Language: Positive non-verbal cues from the interviewer.
2. Follow-Up Questions: The interviewer asks for more details on your responses.
3. Natural Conversation Flow: The interview feels more like a conversation than a Q&A session.
4. Positive Reinforcement: The interviewer gives you verbal affirmations.
5. Time Overruns: The interview goes longer than expected.
6. The Interviewer Sells the Company: They discuss benefits and the company’s culture in detail.
7. Inquiries About Next Steps: They ask about your availability and next steps in the process.
8. Confidence Using STAR Method: You gave structured, clear answers using the STAR method.
9. Positive Gut Feeling: You leave the interview feeling confident and good about the interaction.
10. Thorough Answers to Your Questions: The interviewer takes time to answer your questions in detail.

If you’re preparing for behavioral interviews, it’s always helpful to practice answering questions using the STAR method. Resources like Grokking Modern Behavioral Interview can help you refine your answers and improve your chances of success.