If an interviewer says they will call you, what does it mean?

Suppose an employer or interviewer states, “we will be in touch” following the interview process. That usually signifies that they plan to call you once they’ve made their official hiring decision. However, the wording might be vague since it doesn’t provide an exact indication of the hiring manager’s response following the interview or when you’ll receive a decision. It might also be an indication that you are not the right fit. And they found it the best way to say “no.”

What shall I do when an employer says they will call you? Does it mean I restart my job hunt in other companies?

 The best option is to search and then apply for other jobs. Anyways, after the Pandemic, many people lost their jobs. So there are fewer job openings than before. You cant rely upon one interview only. Due to this, applicants must apply to many jobs to be interviewed. Thus, receiving an offer to work is more complicated. “It’s only a numbers game when it comes to obtaining a job offer.

It’s essential to keep in mind that if an employer says they will call you following your interview, it may not mean that your interview went poorly. For example, an interviewer might have shortlisted 4-5 candidates for the same job. Some interviews might be scheduled for them as well over the next two weeks. In that case, the interviewer will indeed say that they will call you. It does not mean that you are not selected. To clarify the situation, it is possible to inquire with the hiring manager what timeframe you should expect to receive a response?

So how do you interpret the real meaning (Whether positive or negative) when an employer says they will call you?

You know how you performed during the interview. Your sixth sense must say if you gave exceptional answers that impressed the interviewer. Here are some checklists which will tell you if the interviewer wants to call you again.

The interviewer/ employer will call you if all the conditions apply.

• The interviewer was attentive.
• Suppose the interviewer made notes during the interview or shook at you in agreement as you spoke. That shows their interest in the things you said. This type of listening activity could signify that the interviewer enjoyed your personality and was genuinely impressed by the interview.
• There were verbal signals.
• Consider the words spoken by the interviewer during the interview or how they talked about the job you applied for. If they made clear statements about your employment in the company instead of phrases like “if you work here,” these clues in the language may indicate how the meeting went smoothly.
• The interview turned into a conversation.
• The sign of an enjoyable interview is if it is conversational yet professional. Maintaining a smooth and fluid conversation with your interviewer demonstrates your ability to connect and interact with other professionals in professional settings and proves excellent interpersonal skills. That could also indicate that you will expect a call soon.
• The interview extended beyond the expected time. In-depth discussions with the interviewer about the job may lead the interview to last longer than you originally planned. Perhaps, for instance, you showed your enthusiasm for the job by asking several questions towards the end during the meeting. 

The interviewer/ employer will not call you if any of the conditions apply.

• Engaging in eye contact with an interviewer is an excellent method to show your confidence during the interview. It’s equally important to keep the interviewer active during the interview by maintaining eye contact to show their excitement in your answers. Suppose the interviewer didn’t make any eye contact during your interview. The interviewer made minimal eye contact. It could indicate that the interview didn’t run smoothly. But, if they made less eye contact since they focused on their notes, it isn’t necessarily a sign that they were not as attentive.
• You could not answer some of the trade questions.
• You answered most of the questions into Yes or no and did not elaborate on the topic.
• You were late, and the interviewer asked you the reason to be late.
• The interviewer appeared distracted. The interview is an opportunity to get the interviewer’s complete attention to explain why you are the best competent candidate for the job. Suppose the interviewer appeared distracted in your interview. In that case, this might indicate that the interview did not perform as well in the way it should have. But, that’s not always the situation. The interviewer might be distracted by other reasons.

• Interviews were cut off. Note if the duration of the meeting was considerably shorter than what was initially planned. Likely, the interview didn’t take place as scheduled if it ended abruptly and if your interviewer gave you a couple of questions. It may also mean that there was a problem that the interviewer was required to address. In this scenario, you should inquire if you can come back later to continue your interview.
• Suppose the interview concluded in a shorter time than you expected. In that case, it could indicate that the interview was not successful. 

How do you be proactive and find the real meaning if an interviewer says they will call you?

At the end of the interview, you should ask, “When do you expect to have made a decision and how should I follow up?” In this instance, you can send them an email to thank them for their time interviewing and asking what they would like from your side.

There are several options. Either they have made a decision and did not let other applicants know, or they’re still making a decision, or something has changed. They’re no longer seeking someone to fill the job. Some employers are rude and don’t think they are obliged to give candidates who have completed their interview process a linear response.

What you didn’t mention is the length of time between the date of the interview. You didn’t even say whether you inquired when they’d be back in touch with you.

It is essential to ask the employer which next steps are and when they will be. That will ensure that your employer follows on with you. It allows you to contact your employer when this time is over.

How to follow up?

It is appropriate to follow up with your primary contact person (by telephone and not via email). “You stated that you would return to me after you’d made your final choice. Could you inform me of the timeline of your choice?” And, if you’re brave enough to make that request, Also ask: “Where do I currently rank in relation to the position?” You might not receive the answer you’re looking for, but it should be honest. It’s either #1, or we are still deciding. If you are in the latter, don’t bother contacting back. Look for other jobs. If you are lucky, they may call you.

There are many reasons that an employer may delay a hiring decision, some of which have nothing to do with you specifically:

1. Internal candidates are being considered.
2. Workforce changes/restructuring pending.
3. Budget changes are pending.
4. External candidates who have not yet been scheduled.
5. Offer made to someone else, but you are the backup.
6. Hiring for this role is not as high a priority as other roles or other businesses, etc.

That means that the process could take weeks and sometimes months. A “second place to no one” situation can be highly stressful because you’re technically the best candidate if someone is better than you.

The best way to deal with the non-action reaction is to have alternatives to make a decision. Suppose you receive an offer from a different employer. In that case, you may call to inquire about the timing of the employer that has, until now, had no intention of making an announcement. Tell them you’ve got another offer. You could also have two options to think about in the week before you didn’t have any.

Does it mean that the interviewer will call you if they say they will call you within a few days at the end of the interview?

When you are looking for a job with many applicants for it, you’ll get pretty much get the same responses. All you have to do is try your best effort, but don’t display desperation. Be confident and continue searching for alternatives as your prospective employers are doing. Simple, they’ve got a list of candidates to consider and will decide when they’ve agreed. They might not call you back if you are not the best fit for them.

What time can you expect to receive to hear back from an interview?

Following an interview, the employer might give you a rough period to determine the next steps in your hiring procedure. You should hear from the interviewer on their decision to hire at the end of the deadline they’ve set for you. It is advisable to send your interviewer a thank you mail within 24hrs after your interview. There may be a response to this email. Still, hiring managers typically stick to a specific timeframe in making formal, binding hiring decisions.

If you’re not the last candidate interviewed, you may need to wait a bit longer than if there are interviews following you. It could take up to 30 days to receive a response, but it may be just up to a week or a few days when the company is in a hurry to fill a vacant position.

When should you contact us to verify your status on your application?

Take at the very least ten days following your interview to inquire regarding the selection. Consider the possibility that the hiring manager has scheduled additional interviews during the week before deciding to hire. Suppose you haven’t received a response from the manager who hired you by the end of the timeframe they shared with you. In that case, you may want to call to inquire about how your applications are progressing.

If an interviewer says they will call you, what does it mean?

Suppose an employer or interviewer states, “we will be in touch” following the interview process. That usually signifies that they plan to call you once they’ve made their official hiring decision. However, the wording might be vague since it doesn’t provide an exact indication of the hiring manager’s response following the interview or when you’ll receive a decision. It might also be an indication that you are not the right fit. And they found it the best way to say “no.”

What shall I do when an employer says they will call you? Does it mean I restart my job hunt in other companies?

 The best option is to search and then apply for other jobs. Anyways, after the Pandemic, many people lost their jobs. So there are fewer job openings than before. You cant rely upon one interview only. Due to this, applicants must apply to many jobs to be interviewed. Thus, receiving an offer to work is more complicated. “It’s only a numbers game when it comes to obtaining a job offer.

It’s essential to keep in mind that if an employer says they will call you following your interview, it may not mean that your interview went poorly. For example, an interviewer might have shortlisted 4-5 candidates for the same job. Some interviews might be scheduled for them as well over the next two weeks. In that case, the interviewer will indeed say that they will call you. It does not mean that you are not selected. To clarify the situation, it is possible to inquire with the hiring manager what timeframe you should expect to receive a response?

So how do you interpret the real meaning (Whether positive or negative) when an employer says they will call you?

You know how you performed during the interview. Your sixth sense must say if you gave exceptional answers that impressed the interviewer. Here are some checklists which will tell you if the interviewer wants to call you again.

The interviewer/ employer will call you if all the conditions apply.

• The interviewer was attentive.
• Suppose the interviewer made notes during the interview or shook at you in agreement as you spoke. That shows their interest in the things you said. This type of listening activity could signify that the interviewer enjoyed your personality and was genuinely impressed by the interview.
• There were verbal signals.
• Consider the words spoken by the interviewer during the interview or how they talked about the job you applied for. If they made clear statements about your employment in the company instead of phrases like “if you work here,” these clues in the language may indicate how the meeting went smoothly.
• The interview turned into a conversation.
• The sign of an enjoyable interview is if it is conversational yet professional. Maintaining a smooth and fluid conversation with your interviewer demonstrates your ability to connect and interact with other professionals in professional settings and proves excellent interpersonal skills. That could also indicate that you will expect a call soon.
• The interview extended beyond the expected time. In-depth discussions with the interviewer about the job may lead the interview to last longer than you originally planned. Perhaps, for instance, you showed your enthusiasm for the job by asking several questions towards the end during the meeting. 

The interviewer/ employer will not call you if any of the conditions apply.

• Engaging in eye contact with an interviewer is an excellent method to show your confidence during the interview. It’s equally important to keep the interviewer active during the interview by maintaining eye contact to show their excitement in your answers. Suppose the interviewer didn’t make any eye contact during your interview. The interviewer made minimal eye contact. It could indicate that the interview didn’t run smoothly. But, if they made less eye contact since they focused on their notes, it isn’t necessarily a sign that they were not as attentive.
• You could not answer some of the trade questions.
• You answered most of the questions into Yes or no and did not elaborate on the topic.
• You were late, and the interviewer asked you the reason to be late.
• The interviewer appeared distracted. The interview is an opportunity to get the interviewer’s complete attention to explain why you are the best competent candidate for the job. Suppose the interviewer appeared distracted in your interview. In that case, this might indicate that the interview did not perform as well in the way it should have. But, that’s not always the situation. The interviewer might be distracted by other reasons.

• Interviews were cut off. Note if the duration of the meeting was considerably shorter than what was initially planned. Likely, the interview didn’t take place as scheduled if it ended abruptly and if your interviewer gave you a couple of questions. It may also mean that there was a problem that the interviewer was required to address. In this scenario, you should inquire if you can come back later to continue your interview.
• Suppose the interview concluded in a shorter time than you expected. In that case, it could indicate that the interview was not successful. 

How do you be proactive and find the real meaning if an interviewer says they will call you?

At the end of the interview, you should ask, “When do you expect to have made a decision and how should I follow up?” In this instance, you can send them an email to thank them for their time interviewing and asking what they would like from your side.

There are several options. Either they have made a decision and did not let other applicants know, or they’re still making a decision, or something has changed. They’re no longer seeking someone to fill the job. Some employers are rude and don’t think they are obliged to give candidates who have completed their interview process a linear response.

What you didn’t mention is the length of time between the date of the interview. You didn’t even say whether you inquired when they’d be back in touch with you.

It is essential to ask the employer which next steps are and when they will be. That will ensure that your employer follows on with you. It allows you to contact your employer when this time is over.

How to follow up?

It is appropriate to follow up with your primary contact person (by telephone and not via email). “You stated that you would return to me after you’d made your final choice. Could you inform me of the timeline of your choice?” And, if you’re brave enough to make that request, Also ask: “Where do I currently rank in relation to the position?” You might not receive the answer you’re looking for, but it should be honest. It’s either #1, or we are still deciding. If you are in the latter, don’t bother contacting back. Look for other jobs. If you are lucky, they may call you.

There are many reasons that an employer may delay a hiring decision, some of which have nothing to do with you specifically:

1. Internal candidates are being considered.
2. Workforce changes/restructuring pending.
3. Budget changes are pending.
4. External candidates who have not yet been scheduled.
5. Offer made to someone else, but you are the backup.
6. Hiring for this role is not as high a priority as other roles or other businesses, etc.

That means that the process could take weeks and sometimes months. A “second place to no one” situation can be highly stressful because you’re technically the best candidate if someone is better than you.

The best way to deal with the non-action reaction is to have alternatives to make a decision. Suppose you receive an offer from a different employer. In that case, you may call to inquire about the timing of the employer that has, until now, had no intention of making an announcement. Tell them you’ve got another offer. You could also have two options to think about in the week before you didn’t have any.

Does it mean that the interviewer will call you if they say they will call you within a few days at the end of the interview?

When you are looking for a job with many applicants for it, you’ll get pretty much get the same responses. All you have to do is try your best effort, but don’t display desperation. Be confident and continue searching for alternatives as your prospective employers are doing. Simple, they’ve got a list of candidates to consider and will decide when they’ve agreed. They might not call you back if you are not the best fit for them.

What time can you expect to receive to hear back from an interview?

Following an interview, the employer might give you a rough period to determine the next steps in your hiring procedure. You should hear from the interviewer on their decision to hire at the end of the deadline they’ve set for you. It is advisable to send your interviewer a thank you mail within 24hrs after your interview. There may be a response to this email. Still, hiring managers typically stick to a specific timeframe in making formal, binding hiring decisions.

If you’re not the last candidate interviewed, you may need to wait a bit longer than if there are interviews following you. It could take up to 30 days to receive a response, but it may be just up to a week or a few days when the company is in a hurry to fill a vacant position.

When should you contact us to verify your status on your application?

Take at the very least ten days following your interview to inquire regarding the selection. Consider the possibility that the hiring manager has scheduled additional interviews during the week before deciding to hire. Suppose you haven’t received a response from the manager who hired you by the end of the timeframe they shared with you. In that case, you may want to call to inquire about how your applications are progressing.