How do you know an interview went bad?

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There are several signs that may indicate an interview didn't go well, though it’s important to remember that interviewers can have different styles, and sometimes what feels like a bad interview isn’t as negative as it seems. However, here are common indicators that your interview might have gone poorly:

1. Short or Abrupt Interview

What it means: If the interview ends significantly earlier than scheduled, this could be a sign that the interviewer has lost interest or feels that you're not a good fit.
Exceptions: Some interviewers are very direct and might ask fewer questions if they already have the information they need.

2. Lack of Engagement from the Interviewer

What it means: If the interviewer seems disinterested, distracted, or doesn’t engage in the conversation (e.g., little eye contact, short answers), it could mean they aren’t impressed.
Exceptions: Sometimes interviewers are just having a busy day or may have a quiet demeanor, so this is not always a sure sign of a bad interview.

3. No Follow-Up Questions

What it means: If the interviewer doesn’t ask follow-up questions or dig deeper into your answers, they may not feel your responses are worth exploring further or they’ve already decided you're not a good fit.
Exceptions: In technical interviews, this may not always happen if your answers are clear and complete.

4. Body Language or Tone Shifts

What it means: If the interviewer’s body language suddenly becomes closed off (e.g., crossed arms, less eye contact) or their tone shifts to more formal or disinterested, this could be a sign the interview is going south.
Exceptions: The interviewer may just be deep in thought or reviewing notes, so don’t immediately interpret a shift in body language as a bad sign.

5. You Struggle with Basic Questions

What it means: If you found yourself stumbling over basic questions or failing to articulate clear answers, it may indicate to the interviewer that you're unprepared or lack the necessary skills for the role.
Exceptions: Everyone makes mistakes, and it’s how you recover that matters. If you corrected your mistakes or handled the situation well, it may not be as bad as you think.

6. No Mention of Next Steps

What it means: If the interviewer doesn’t discuss the next steps or timing for follow-up after the interview, it could be a sign they aren’t planning to move forward with you.
Exceptions: Sometimes interviewers are busy or forget to mention next steps, and you can always follow up yourself to ask.

7. The Interviewer Seems Uninterested in Your Questions

What it means: If the interviewer doesn’t show much enthusiasm when you ask questions or rushes through their answers, it could be a sign they’ve already made up their mind.
Exceptions: The interviewer might be having a long day, so they could still be interested even if they seem a bit tired or distracted.

8. You Didn’t Finish or Struggled in a Technical Task

What it means: If you struggled significantly or couldn’t complete a technical challenge, the interviewer might think you don’t have the necessary skills.
Exceptions: Interviewers value problem-solving and resilience, so if you demonstrated a good approach and explained your reasoning, you may still have left a positive impression despite challenges.

9. No Connection with the Interviewer

What it means: If the conversation felt awkward, disconnected, or if you didn’t build any rapport with the interviewer, it might suggest that the interview didn’t go as well as it could have.
Exceptions: Some interviewers are naturally quiet or reserved, and the lack of connection doesn’t always mean they won’t recommend you for the role.

10. The Interview Feels Too Easy

What it means: If the interview questions felt overly simple or you weren’t challenged, it could mean the interviewer doesn’t see you as a strong candidate and has given up on asking more complex questions.
Exceptions: Sometimes interviewers start with simple questions to see how you think, and the ease of the questions doesn’t necessarily indicate their final decision.

What to Do If You Think the Interview Went Bad

Reflect on What Went Wrong: Think about where you struggled and why. Did you miss key points? Were you unprepared for certain questions? Identify areas for improvement.

Follow Up with a Thank-You Email: Even if the interview didn’t go well, following up with a thank-you email can leave a positive impression. You can also use the opportunity to clarify any points you didn’t explain well during the interview.

Example:

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed learning more about [Company Name] and the work your team is doing on [specific project]. Upon reflecting on our conversation, I realize I could have explained my approach to [specific problem] more clearly. I would be happy to further discuss my experience or clarify any points.

Prepare for Future Interviews: Use this experience as a learning opportunity. Practice responses to difficult questions, work on areas where you struggled, and improve your communication for future interviews.
Don’t Overthink It: Sometimes interviews feel bad but weren’t as negative as you think. It’s possible you performed better than you realized, and you should wait for official feedback before making conclusions.

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Conclusion

While there are signs that may indicate an interview didn’t go well—like lack of engagement from the interviewer, struggling with basic questions, or no mention of next steps—remember that not all hope is lost. Interviews can sometimes feel worse than they actually are, and the key is to stay positive, reflect on what you can improve, and use it as a learning experience. Resources like Grokking the Coding Interview can help you refine your skills and perform better in future interviews.