5 Signs your interview went badly (and how to do better next time!)

It happens: You walk into an interview feeling prepared and confident, but you leave an hour later feeling like you’ve totally blown it. But are you just imagining the bad vibes, or did the interview really go poorly? 

In this article, we’ll go over five signs that your interview went badly, along with tips you can use to do better next time—and there will be a next time!

5 Signs that your interview went badly

Sometimes it’s hard to gauge your performance in an interview, especially if you tend to be your own harshest critic. The answer you’re beating yourself up over may have sounded perfectly fine to the interviewer.

However, there are a few ways that you can tell if an interview didn’t go as you hoped. While any one of these signs may not signal a bad interview on its own, a few of them added together might indicate that you should keep sending out applications. 

Here are five signs that your interview went badly:

1. Negative body language

Body language often tells us more about how a person is feeling than their actual words. An interviewer’s body language can signal disinterest or a lack of enthusiasm. If you notice this type of body language, it may mean that your responses aren’t resonating with them.

Some common signs of negative body language include:

• Leaning away from you

• Not paying attention to you

• Looking at the clock or checking their phone

• Fidgeting, tapping, or appearing restless

• Sighing or yawning

• Having blank facial expressions or not smiling

When assessing body language, keep in mind if you’ve never met the interviewer before. They may be acting normally and you’re simply not familiar with their demeanor.

How to improve

The next time you’re in an interview where the employer seems disengaged, try asking open-ended questions to draw them into the conversation. In your responses, show interest and enthusiasm to shift the energy back in your favor.

2. One-sided conversation

Another sign that your interview went badly is if the conversation is too one-sided. Ideally, an interview involves developing rapport with the hiring manager. A good interview becomes more of a dialogue and less of a question-and-answer session. 

If the interview feels more like an interrogation where you’re doing all of the talking, it might mean that the interviewer doesn’t see you as a fit for the role.

How to improve

If this happens to you in another interview, actively try to engage with the interviewer. Request clarification if the interview feels one-sided, or ask follow-up questions if you suspect the employer may just be checking questions off a list.

3. Too short

A successful interview usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. If your interview was much shorter than expected, it may indicate that the interviewer wasn’t interested or didn’t prepare for the meeting. 

It may also signal that they’re interviewing many candidates in a short timeframe, and not taking the time to dig deeply into each person’s qualifications.

How to improve

If an interview feels rushed or incomplete, ask the interviewer whether there’s any additional information they’d like to know about you. Provide detailed, thoughtful answers to encourage them to learn more about your experience and qualifications. 

After a short interview, you can also follow up with a thoughtful thank you email to restate your interest and ask about the next steps.

4. Focus on the negatives

An interviewer should want to sell you on the company and the position. But if they continually downplay the role or discourage you from the job itself, it might be a sign that you’re not their top candidate. 

Similarly, if a hiring manager consistently mentions your lack of experience, they may be implying that you’re not right for the job without directly telling you so.

How to improve

While this situation can be frustrating, stay positive and enthusiastic. Show confidence in your ability to succeed in the role. If an employer brings up gaps in your experience or skill set, acknowledge their concerns and explain how you plan to overcome those challenges quickly.

5. No clear next steps

When an interview goes well, the hiring manager generally provides you with a timeline for the next steps. If they’re vague or noncommittal after the interview, it might be a hint about which way they’re leaning. 

Walking out of an interview with no idea about when (or if) you’ll hear from them again can be a sign that they aren’t prioritizing you for the role.

How to improve

Before you leave an interview, ask directly about the next steps in the hiring process. If you don’t get a clear answer from them, follow up to ask for an update. If they still aren’t transparent about their hiring timeline, keep applying for other jobs.

Tips for how to do better in your next interview

If you notice any of these signs that your interview went badly, don’t be discouraged. While a bad interview can feel devastating, it can also be a good learning experience. Think about areas where you can improve so that you can ace your next interview. 

Follow these tips for a better next interview experience:

Avoid common mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but you might be jeopardizing your chances of getting a job without even realizing it. Make sure that you avoid these common interview mistakes:

• Arriving late

• Being unprepared

• Displaying poor body language like slouching

• Speaking negatively about a past employer

• Dressing inappropriately for the company culture

Do your homework

Before an interview, learn everything you can about the company and the role. Research the company mission, values, goals, and projects. Review the job description thoroughly and practice interview questions that you expect to get asked.

Reflect, but don’t dwell

After an interview, take a moment to reflect on the experience. Consider what went well and what could have gone better. Make a note of any questions that caught you off-guard, so that you can practice them for future interviews.

Also, don’t forget to write a thank you note to the interviewer. Express your gratitude for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.

Ask for feedback

If you didn’t get the job, consider asking for feedback. Some hiring managers may be willing to share the areas where you can improve for future interviews. You might also learn that their hiring decision came down to factors beyond your control.

Be kind to yourself

More than anything, give yourself grace after an interview, particularly a tough one. Remind yourself that one bad interview doesn’t define your entire career.

Want to make sure that your next interview goes well? Get your confidence back up with career.io’s Interview Prep tool, where you can practice questions and get valuable feedback to improve!

Key takeaways

1. Signs that your interview went badly include disengaged body language, a one-sided conversation, and a lack of follow-up questions.

2. If you have a bad interview, consider it a learning experience and reflect on ways you can improve for future interviews.

3. Be kind to yourself and remember that one bad interview won’t make or break your career.