An interview for a new job, and especially a first job, is a nerve-wracking experience. You’ve been practicing possible questions and answers. You’re wearing a stuffy suit. You’re trying to focus on the questions you’re being asked while subconsciously lamenting the terrible answer you gave to a question that was asked five minutes ago.



Finally, the interview comes to a pleasant end and the interviewer takes you on a tour of the place. She even shows you where “your” office will be. What does this mean? Does it mean that you’ve got the job? Does it mean that you’re a top candidate? Does it mean anything at all?





Scenario #1: It Could Mean You’ve Got the Job in the Bag



The good news is that if you’re being shown around the office, you did reasonably well in the interview. Most interviewers or HR reps won’t bother showing someone around the office if they’ve completely bombed the interview portion. It’s not recommended that you read too much into it, though. While you could have the job in the bag at this stage, odds are there will be more interviewees after you.



The next person could be an even better match for the organization than you are. Hard to believe, right? At this point, you could ask how many more candidates will be interviewed for the position and if they’re planning second interviews for their top candidates. Second interviews are increasingly common these days, so wait until then to better gauge your potential to land the position.



Scenario #2: You Could Be One of the Top Candidates



More likely than the first scenario, if an interviewer feels that someone is a strong candidate for a job, he or she may take the interviewee around the office to get a feel of the work environment. You may even be introduced to some of the other employees. This is a good sign, but it is by no means a definite signal that the job is yours. It’s good to be optimistic at this point, but don’t break out the bottle of champagne just yet.



Scenario #3: It Means Nothing



Some companies simply have a standard procedure that they follow with everyone no matter how well or poorly they did during the interview. It’s possible that a tour of the office is part of that process. After all, anyone who interviews for a position would like to take a look around to see if the work environment seems orderly and friendly or if there are people standing on their desks waiting for the exterminators to finish mouse removal. Receiving a request for a second interview means much more than a tour of the office does.



The truth is, any of those three answers could ring true. Should you be invited on a tour post interview, just stay calm and professional — the best attitude no matter what it means.