Difference Between a Good and Gone Wrong Interview

The hiring journey can involve several stressful moments, but the interview is often the one that causes the most anxiety. After it ends, you may find yourself replaying every answer and wondering how it went. In this guide, we look at some common signs that your interview may have gone well.

Concerned that an employer may “ghost” you? You’re certainly not the only one. Candidates being left without any response after an interview has become increasingly common. According to a Glassdoor report, this worrying pattern has more than doubled since the pandemic.

After completing what may have been a demanding interview process, receiving no update can feel discouraging. An even worse situation is believing you have the position secured, only for the recruiter to contact you with disappointing news. So, how can you tell whether your interview was successful?

You cannot know exactly what the interviewer is thinking or predict what will happen next. Still, there are certain clues you can watch for after a positive interview. In the guide below, we will cover these main areas:

• The 13 strongest signs your interview went well
• Warning signs that could suggest your interview did not go well
• Ways to strengthen your interview performance

Want to perform better in your next interview? You’re in the right spot. Take a look at our complete interview guide for practical, expert-supported advice that can help you prepare.

13 Clues That Your Interview Was Successful

Let’s begin by looking at the possible signs of a successful interview. If you put a lot of effort into this part of the hiring process, you may naturally want to know whether it paid off. Here are some of the key things you may want to notice.

1. The interviewer showed positive body language

A large part of communication happens without words. People give signals, including facial expressions and physical movements, that can reveal how they actually feel. While speaking with an interviewer, take note of their body language. Does it seem positive? Do they appear friendly? Does their posture make you feel welcome? If the answer is yes, that could be an encouraging sign.

2. The interview continued for some time

One of the clearest signs of a positive interview is that the discussion lasted longer than expected. We have all heard the saying “time is money”. If a potential employer spent plenty of time talking with you, they have already given you valuable attention. This may mean they felt it was worthwhile to understand you better, learn more about your abilities, and explain the position in greater detail.

3. The discussion felt natural

Time can pass quickly when a conversation moves easily. During an interview that feels positive, you may barely notice how much time has passed. You and the interviewer both have plenty to discuss, and each part of the conversation seems to follow naturally from the one before it. Feeling relaxed and at ease throughout the meeting can be one of the signs that the interview went well.

4. You got to meet other team members

Were you introduced to other people after the main interview? Maybe the hiring manager brought in the person who could become your supervisor, or perhaps you were shown around the workplace. When this happens as part of your interview, it can often suggest that things went well. The interviewer may already want you to meet the people you could soon be working alongside.

5. The interviewer explained the position in detail

In every interview, you should use the chance to ask about the exact responsibilities involved in the position. The more you understand about what the job may require, the more useful the information will be. Pay attention to the interviewer’s response. A very general answer may not be encouraging. However, if they explain the day-to-day duties in detail, it could mean they see you as a suitable person for the role.

6. They talked about future growth

Most of us hope to progress in our careers. If you are trying to figure out whether an interview went well, this is one sign worth noticing. When an interviewer discusses opportunities for professional growth, it may show genuine interest in you. It can also suggest that the hiring manager wants you to view any possible offer as a serious long-term opportunity.

7. Your questions received detailed answers

During a standard interview, you will usually have a chance to ask questions of your own. When that time comes, notice whether the interviewer makes an effort to answer each question properly. If you are a strong candidate, they may want to share as much useful information with you as possible. In contrast, if they dismiss your questions or provide very little detail, that may be less encouraging.

8. You Felt Comfortable Throughout the Interview

Think about how you felt during the interview itself. If the atmosphere seemed calm and you were able to relax, this can be a strong sign that the interview went well. It may show that the hiring manager made an effort to put you at ease and create a comfortable setting. Besides suggesting that you have a genuine chance of moving forward, it can also point to a healthy and welcoming workplace culture.

9. The Interviewer Showed Real Interest

Although several people may be involved in the final hiring decision, pay attention to the way the interviewer reacts to you. If they appear truly interested in your background and experience, it can be one of the signs that the interview was successful. For instance, you may notice that the conversation feels easy and that you naturally connect with the interviewer. In that situation, the hiring manager may have formed a positive impression of you.

10. Your Answers Received Encouraging Reactions

Speaking of the interviewer’s behavior, this is another possible sign that your interview went well. Once you have answered some challenging interview questions, notice how the interviewer reacts. If they respond positively, such as smiling or nodding while you speak, that can be encouraging. It is an even better sign if the hiring manager asks you to explain or provide more detail about an answer you have already shared.

11. The Interviewer Promotes the Workplace

An interview works both ways. The interviewer is deciding whether you would suit the position, but you also need to decide whether the job is right for you. As you move through the discussion, consider whether the interviewer tries to make the company appealing to you. If they speak enthusiastically about the role and the organization, there is a good possibility that they would like you to join the team soon.

12. They Explain What Happens Next

The interview is nearly finished, so what comes after that? If the interviewer clearly explains the next parts of the hiring process, you can take it as a promising sign that you have progressed successfully. They are giving you an idea of what you should expect after leaving the interview. When trying to understand whether an interview went well, this is one of the clearest clues to watch for. It is particularly encouraging when the hiring manager shares this information without you having to ask.

13. They Personally Say They Will Contact You

Near the end of the hiring process, the hiring manager may explain who will contact you next. If they mention that a recruiter will reach out with feedback, it could suggest that you are not the strongest match for the role. On the other hand, if they tell you that they will contact you themselves, this may be one of the stronger signs that the interview went well. It becomes even more positive when they give you a clear timeframe, such as “in a few days” or “by the end of the week”.

Not sure how your interview turned out? Try our interview preparation tool to improve your chances and understand the signs of a positive result. You can get ready for upcoming interviews through our career tools dashboard.

Warning Signs to Watch for During an Interview

We have looked at the main indicators of a successful interview, but what if things did not go as planned? When an interview is not moving in a positive direction, there may be warning signs that become noticeable quite quickly. Let’s look at some clues that could suggest the hiring manager is not particularly interested in your application.

The Interview Was Brief and Felt Hurried

Did the interviewer move quickly from one question to the next? If it seemed like they simply wanted to finish the meeting as soon as possible, that may not be encouraging. It could suggest that the interviewer was not interested in learning more about you or determining whether you suited the position. Although this can be disappointing, try not to take it personally. There may be many possible reasons behind their behavior.

You Received Very Few Details

It can also be a warning sign when the hiring manager seems unwilling to share much information. If an interviewer sees you as a serious candidate, they will usually want to explain the position in more detail at this point. Therefore, if most of their responses are brief or unclear, it may mean they do not see you as the right match for this specific role.

The Interviewer Appeared Distant

Let’s return to the subject of body language. If an interviewer seems distant, for example, by sitting with their arms folded for most of the conversation, it may not be a positive sign. Ideally, you want the hiring manager to respond warmly and communicate with you in a friendly manner. If there is no sign of that connection, it could suggest that this position may not be the right fit for you.

The Interviewer Raised Specific Doubts

Naturally, one of the clearest warning signs is when the interviewer openly tells you about their concerns. During the discussion, they may directly say that they are uncertain whether you are suitable for the role. Hearing this can be difficult, particularly when you have placed a lot of hope in getting the job. If this happens, ask them to explain further. Their feedback may help you learn, build your skills, and perform better when applying for similar positions later.

 

Ways to Build Better Interview Skills

Want to improve your chances of getting hired? Of course you do. If you want to stand out from other applicants, working on your job interview skills is a sensible step. Let’s look at some straightforward methods that can help you improve your performance.

• Prepare beforehand: Once you receive an interview invitation, your preparation should begin. Take time to get ready, practice answering common questions, and research the company as well.
• Show confidence (even if you have to pretend!): Confidence can make a difference during an interview. Employers generally want someone who can communicate with assurance. Find ways to build your confidence or, if necessary, fake it until you make it.
• Show appreciation and genuine interest: Throughout the interview, make it clear that you are sincerely interested in the position. You should also let the interviewer know that you appreciate being given the opportunity.

After the interview has finished, remember to send a short follow-up email or letter. You can send it a few days later to help keep your application fresh in the hiring manager’s mind while they make their decision.

Key Takeaways 

• The reality is that it can be difficult to tell whether an interview was successful. Many interview statistics support this fact. Still, there are certain signs that may give you a better idea of how things went.
• When the interview continues for a long time and the interviewer shares plenty of information about the position, your chances of receiving an offer may be stronger.
• Remember that many different factors affect whether you get a job. If you are unsuccessful this time, keep applying and continue improving with every new opportunity.
• Make sure you work on your interview skills before attending your next job interview!