They Asked About My Notice Period and Holidays. Does That Mean I Got the Job?

It is one of the most common worries after a first interview. The panel asked about your notice period, whether you have holidays booked and what salary you are after, and now you are lying awake wondering if that is a buying signal.

Honest answer: usually, not really. Lots of employers use a fixed list of questions for every candidate so the process is fair, and HR often decides what goes on that list, not the person across the table. Logistics questions are also a quick way to avoid taking someone forward who cannot start for four months or has a two-week trip booked.

What it can mean

It can mean you are in the running, because they would not bother checking your start date if they had already ruled you out. But it can equally be box-ticking. Treat it as neutral.

What is a stronger sign

Being asked for references is a better signal, and in most UK recruitment references are only requested once an offer is about to be made. A second interview invitation, or a manager talking you through what your first week would look like, also counts for more than a notice period question.

How to answer so you do not hurt yourself

• Notice period: give your contractual notice, and say whether you think it could be shortened. Do not promise something you have not checked with your current employer.

• Holidays: be honest and brief. A pre-booked holiday is normal and rarely a problem if you mention it early.

• Salary: if you do not want to name a number yet, you can say you would like to understand the full role and package first, and ask what range they have in mind.

None of this is a verdict on how the interview went. Try to leave it there and get on with your week.

If you want to practise the answers out loud before the next one, the question banks on this site include the logistical questions as well as the main ones.