Post-interview anxiety: how to tell if I did well before hearing back?

[u/squeans]

Just had an interview for the first time in a couple years with a company. The same day I applied, I got an email requesting a phone interview, which I scheduled and did earlier today! I did my best to research the company and prepare responses but I feel like I didn't get to communicate everything I wanted to. Trying not to get my hopes up but this opportunity is something I am genuinely excited to have.

Some details about the meeting:

- The meeting was supposed to run 30 minutes long but we ended up going about 6-7 minutes over time. It was a phone interview so we didn't get to see each other's faces or body language, which I rely on really heavily to read someone's tone.

- I think the recruiter liked my answers but she mentioned that the job would lean towards more administrative work rather than clinical (which is what I have more experience with), and said that it's dependent on the team after she communicates with them, whether or not they would have additional time/resources to train me before I step into the position fully.

- She talked in detail about the team/boss I would be working under before I asked about the work environment there. It seems like people there are close, and they have a low turnover rate.

- There was a lot of "you" language that the recruiter used with me in the way of responsibilities I would have.

- The recruiter also mentioned that she would forward my information to the hiring manager today, before Labor Day weekend and that I could expect a response at the latest in 7 days.

- I gave very detailed answers to all of her questions but am second-guessing myself that I was being too thorough? Because I am trying to get my foot in the door working professionally in this field for the first time, she said that even though I don't have all the experience they would be looking for, the fact that I recently graduated from my relevant program means that I am new and "moldable." She also mentioned that I seemed "excited" about this opportunity, but I was so nervous I couldn't really read her tone of voice when she said that.

- I sent a thank-you email afterwards to the recruiter that I appreciated her guidance and thoroughness during our conversation, and that I was thankful for the additional time despite the fact it was only supposed to run a half hour; that I hoped that what she learned about me made her feel like I had a lot to offer.

- I think it was only rushed in the last couple minutes of the phone interview so she could move onto her next obligation?

- I felt that all my answers were honest. I have trouble selling myself but I told her I was confident in my ability to empathize with other people, communicate clearly, and remain professional because of my previous experience working with vulnerable groups. Because a lot of the clients that work with the company are ones in distress and pain, I thought that that would be relevant to mention.

I guess I have trouble hiding when I'm eager/enthusiastic about something and I don't know if I should have seemed less excited, or if I should have shortened all my responses. I wanted her to get a good idea of who I am as a person and as a worker, how my values align with the goal at the company. Sort of short-circuited near the beginning but warmed up as we continued talking. I was worried I wouldn't be able to fill up 30 minutes but she was as communicative as I was!!

Any and all advice/info/thoughts help. Is coming across as eager not a good thing? Still can't really tell if I did what I needed to do correctly. Thank you in advance for replying!! :⁾

[u/beamdog77]

Did they go into detail about the next steps? If not, bad sign. They should have spent a lot of effort explaining the next step, if they planned to send you to the next step.

"We will reach out" you didn't go forward.

"The next step is xxx, with xxx, it's a panel, likely be in the next two weeks, do you have any scheduling restrictions?" ....that's a good sign.

It's that simple.

[u/squeans → u/beamdog77]

She was thorough about explaining next steps, yes! And what to expect, the timeline, before I even had a chance to ask lol. Trying to curb my expectations though

[u/Traditional-Equal-62]

Interviewing is draining. I feel the same as you. Nerves really affect me during an interview. I practice religiously and I still kind of "lock up" and blank out.

I think the best course of action is exactly what you did. Research the position ahead of time. Have an upbeat and enthusiastic attitude. Be prepared to answer any and all questions you think they may ask.

One thing that helped me is using a laptop for interviews (if they're virtual). Use the sticky note app. Place notes directly under the camera. That way you have a backup if needed and you still appear to be making eye contact.