How do I know if an interview went badly?

How to tell if an interview went poorly?

So, you wanna know if that interview bombed? Dude, I’ve been there, so many times. A short interview, like, way shorter than expected? That’s a bad sign. Really bad. No chatting with other people? Yeah, that’s a total red flag. They didn’t even bother introducing me to anyone at my last one, and I definetly didn’t get the job.

They didn’t give you many details about the job itself? Sketchy, man, super sketchy. They focused on the downsides instead of the cool parts? Run. Seriously. Run far, far away from that company.

Interviewer looked bored? Like, total disinterest? Their body language was all off? Yeah, that’s a big no. No talk about the future, no “we’d like you to come back”? That means they’re not interested. They were all, “concerned”? Yikes. That’s not good.

Here’s the thing: a bad interview is usually pretty obvious. It feels off, you know? My gut feeling is usually right on these things.

Key indicators of a bad interview:

• Shorter than expected: A really, really short interview is a giant red flag.
• No team introductions: They didn’t even care to show you around?
• Vague job description: Lack of specifics? Big problem.
• Negative focus: Only discussing the bad stuff? Run!
• Unengaged interviewer: Body language speaks volumes.
• No future discussion: They didn’t even hint at a next step?
• Concerns expressed by the interviewer: They voiced doubts? Not a good look.

Remember my interview with that tech startup last month? Total disaster. They spent like, five minutes asking me questions then talked endlessly about how stressful the job was. I knew right then. No job offer came, obviously. I even forgot to ask about benefits! I was so preoccupied with their attitude. It was awfull.

How do you know if you are rejected in an interview?

You’re ghosted? Classic. Like a bad date, only with more paperwork. No follow-up email? That’s your neon sign. Forget subtle clues, honey, this is blunt force trauma.

The interview felt like a three-legged race with a sloth – awkward and slow. They asked about my stamp collection. My stamp collection. Really? Irrelevant questions are a big red flag, waving like a frantic octopus.

Did they abruptly cut the conversation short? Imagine a deflated balloon. Poof. That’s you, darling, gently eased out the door.

My friend, Sarah, once interviewed for a marketing role and they only discussed her cat’s Instagram. She didn’t get it. Coincidence? I think not.

Here’s a handy checklist for the emotionally battered:

• Radio silence: A deafening lack of communication.
• Vague promises: “We’ll be in touch.” Translation: “We’ll be ignoring you.”
• Sudden shift in tone: Like a rollercoaster plummeting into a ditch.
• Irrelevant interrogation: Questions about your astrological sign? Run.
• The “we’ll keep your resume on file” dodge: Translation again: “We’re politely telling you to shove it.”

Seriously, the job hunt is a minefield of passive-aggressive silence. But hey, at least it gives you more time to perfect your stamp collection. Or start an Instagram account for your goldfish. Who needs a marketing job anyway? Maybe I’ll just write a screenplay about my life. It’ll be a rom-com. With a tragic ending. Obviously.

How can I tell if an interview went well?

Okay, so, interviews… did it go well? Ugh, that’s always the question.

• It was long, that’s gotta be good, right? Like, they weren’t bored instantly. I remember that time with the software job – lasted 15 mins. Disaster.

• Introductions to the team…yes! Happened at that design firm. Felt promising. Is this like the apartment viewings? If they like you, they show you everything?

• Lots of smiling and nodding from the interviewer, duh. Like, they actually agreed with my solutions. Weird.

• They mentioned the next steps and timeline explicitly. Sounds like they’re actually thinking of hiring me.

• They sold the company to me – benefits, culture, the amazing coffee machine… maybe they’re desperate?

• We had a real conversation, not just Q&A. Like, joking about my cat, Mittens. Is that professional enough?

• They asked about my salary expectationsearly on. Does it mean they already want to hire me and are just checking?

• They asked for referencesimmediately. Definite plus.

• They showed me the work space. The light was terrible tho. Maybe they are just showing everyone?

• They talked about growth opportunitiesspecifically. Not just, “room for growth” nonsense.

• The job offer was discussed in detail. But… no real number was said.

• They asked about my start dateimmediately. Wait, did I even get the job?

• They maintained eye contact and seemed genuinely engaged.

• There was positive body language from their side of the table.

• They asked me follow-up questions to my questions.

And… that time, I wore the wrong shoes. Never underestimate the power of footwear. Did I talk too much about my stamp collection? Damn, I always ramble. But hey, if they liked my stamp collection story, maybe it did go well. Maybe.

Is it normal to feel uncertain after an interview?

Uncertainty after an interview is perfectly normal. It’s a post-interview paradox, almost a rite of passage.

• You analyze your answers.
• You rehash interactions.
• You question everything.

This feeling, though annoying, is incredibly common.

The self-doubt stems from high stakes and the desire for validation. I mean, who doesn’t want that sweet job offer?

Post-interview anxiety is fueled by the unknown. We crave control, and interviews are inherently unpredictable. You prepare, you present, and then… you wait. That pause is anxiety’s playground.

Think about it, you’ve laid yourself bare, professionally speaking. It’s natural to feel a little vulnerable.

Focus on what you can control, like sending a thoughtful thank-you note or preparing for your next interview, and maybe not dwell on past questions.

Remember: You showed up, you answered questions, and you put yourself out there. That’s an achievement in itself. So cut yourself some slack, ok?

What is a red flag in an interview?

An interview red flag? Hmm, that’s basically anything that makes an interviewer pause and think, “Uh oh.” It’s like a tiny alarm bell going off.

• Overly negative remarks about past employers. Shows a lack of professionalism, right? And it’s rarely just the employer’s fault, is it?

• Lack of preparation. Did you even research the company? Seriously? I mean, I did before my interview with the dog groomer.

• Vague answers or dodging questions. Are you hiding something? Honesty, even uncomfortable honesty, is usually better. Ambiguity is like quicksand for trust.

• Arrogance. Confidence is good, but a know-it-all attitude? Turn-off! Humility shows a willingness to learn. Plus, nobody likes a show-off.

• Poor communication skills. Are you articulate? Can you actually listen? Communication is the foundation of, well, everything.

Of course, one red flag isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it does warrant further investigation. It’s all about judging the whole picture and trust your gut. After all, hiring the wrong person? That’s a huge red flag for the company. It’s not a science; it’s more of an art of reading between the lines.