How do I know if my coding interview went well?

After a coding interview, it can be challenging to determine how well you performed, but there are several indicators that suggest things went positively. Here’s how you can gauge your performance:

1. You Completed the Coding Problem

• If you successfully solved the problem within the allocated time and met the requirements, it’s a strong indicator of success.
• Bonus: If you had time to optimize your solution or discuss alternative approaches, it likely left a good impression.

2. You Explained Your Thought Process Clearly

• Interviewers value clear communication. If you verbalized your thought process, explained your decisions, and answered clarifying questions well, it’s a good sign.
• If the interviewer seemed engaged or complimented your problem-solving approach, that’s another positive.

3. You Handled Challenges Gracefully

• If you encountered a tricky part and either resolved it or made progress with hints from the interviewer, it shows resilience and adaptability.
• Positive feedback during the session, like "Good approach" or "That makes sense," often means you’re on the right track.

4. You Had a Good Rapport with the Interviewer

• If the conversation felt natural and the interviewer seemed interested and supportive, that’s a sign of good interpersonal dynamics.
• Friendly or encouraging comments about your solution or work ethic can be indicators of a favorable impression.

5. You Addressed Edge Cases

• If you discussed or handled edge cases and thoroughly tested your solution, it shows attention to detail and a strong engineering mindset.

6. You Asked Intelligent Questions

• Asking insightful or relevant questions about the problem, company, or role demonstrates curiosity and preparation.
• If the interviewer engaged positively with your questions, it’s a good sign.

7. You Didn’t Struggle with Basic Concepts

• Handling the basics confidently, even if you needed help with advanced parts, indicates solid foundational knowledge.

8. The Interviewer Provided Positive Feedback

• Direct comments like “Good job,” “Great solution,” or “Nice approach” during or after the interview are strong signs of success.

9. You Finished with Time to Spare

• Completing the problem with enough time to discuss optimizations or additional challenges shows strong coding efficiency.

10. Follow-Up Details

• If the interviewer mentioned next steps or seemed enthusiastic about your application, it’s a sign they see potential in you.

Signs It May Not Have Gone Well

• You couldn’t complete the problem or made significant mistakes without correcting them.
• The interviewer had to guide you extensively without much progress on your own.
• You struggled with communication or failed to explain your thought process.
• There was little engagement or encouragement from the interviewer.

The Bottom Line

While these indicators can help you assess your performance, interviewers often consider your overall problem-solving skills, communication, and adaptability, not just whether you got the “right” answer. Even if you feel uncertain, every interview is a learning experience that helps you improve for the next one. Stay positive and focus on what you can do better next time.