we will call you

This a standard line said by the interviewer but it does not always mean that you were not selected for the job. It simply means that your application will still be evaluated and compared with other applicants. The process of selection is usually long and complicated specially if the company also administers screening examinations/personality tests in order to have a comprehensive assessment of all the applicants. The candidates are narrowed down to about 5 or a little more "shortlisted" candidates and these are the ones that they call for further evaluation/interview. If you get that call that means you're one of the those who are seriously being considered to fill in the job vacancy.

"We will call you after a while" does not mean that you are not being considered for the position you are applying for. That is only the standard reply to the applicant after the interview but HR do make calls. After the interview, the resume and recommendations of the interviewer are forwarded to the department head who is in need of a worker or employee. The decision relies on the department head on who among the applicants is the best qualified for the vacant position. After deciding, the resume is returned to the HR Department who will make the call. In the company that I used to work for, it is very rare that you will be hired right after the interview, However, we really do make calls to the lucky applicants to inform them to report for orientation and submit the requirements.

(its a psyche thing, if you really feel fit for the job, you would not settle for a call you later scheme) A lot of applicants would respond by saying thank you or thanks a lot. NO that is wrong, as a human resource personnel, The best way to respond to, Ask the officer politely, that you need a prompt answer, say like you have a lot of job offers but your first choice is this particular job. nothing beats the HR dept for a prompt applicant. most likely you'll have your answer at that very moment and most probably if you do fit in the job description you will get hired and start working the next day.

It is just for formality and not to offend the applicant the they are not get hired.I the interviewer said it to you,you must assume that you didn't get the job,for sure.

It may well be the truth as after they have done all the interviews, they will select one or more applicants to fill the vacancy then they will call the successful applicants. If they won't call to inform the unsuccessful applicants, then we can just take the "We will call you later" as a polite way to say "No, you are not selected". Life is full of such codes to mean something else different from what is said. "I will look for you to have lunch when I am free" means "you are not really that important to me". When we are old enough and with certain life experience, we will know that. I think it is a way of language to make a not so nice situation to appear better. It is only when some people take it seriously that may complicate things.