Recognizing When You May Have Had a Poor Interview Performance

It is not always easy to gauge the outcome of an interview just by your impression immediately after the interview. Sometimes valuable insights only come later, while other times, subtle cues can signal that the interview may not have gone as planned.

The Importance of Paying Attention to Subtle Cues

In my experience, interviews are often an opportunity to build rapport and skills. Just when you feel you're doing great, the subtle cues from the interviewer might suggest otherwise. For example, as a retired veteran seeking a career in law enforcement, I had two interviews for two different agencies on successive nights. I felt confident about the first interview, but I was not hired. Conversely, the second interview felt strained, and the interviewer ended the session abruptly with an unenthusiastic promise to follow up with a decision. After researching and reflecting, I realized the company had several other candidates at that time and likely decided on their final choice.

Common Signals That You Might Have Struggled in an Interview

One of the key signs that you may not have performed well in an interview is if the interviewer seems disengaged or ends the interview abruptly without much further discussion. For instance, as a member of the interview panel, it did not take long to assess candidates, and the verbal and non-verbal cues often gave away whether a candidate would be successful. Furthermore, here are some additional common signals indicating that an interview did not go well:

Partnership of Bribery.** If the interviewer abruptly suggests taking short breaks or ends the interview abruptly, it may signify that they have already made key decisions that the interview questions are now just a formality. Subtle Mood Indicators.** The overall tone and demeanor of the interview often provide clues about the interviewer's interest. A disinterested interviewer or one who constantly asks for clarification on your answers might indicate issues with your performance. In my previous experience, I could sense that the interview's pace was winding down quickly, suggesting the need to hurry up the rest of the questions and move onto the next candidate. Immediate Feedback.** If during the interview, the interviewer cuts you off or shows signs of losing interest, it may indicate that you have not met their expectations or their threshold for the candidate they are looking for.

Following Up on Feedback

Often, the interviewers provide feedback, but they might not always do so. If you suspect the interview has not gone well, it's crucial to ask for feedback. Many hiring managers are willing to provide a candid evaluation to help you improve for future interviews. If you did not get the role, it's essential to understand why. Not everyone provides feedback, but most hiring managers will appreciate your initiative and respect for the feedback process.

When to Take Proactive Steps

Here are some specific situations you should consider taking proactive steps to find out your interview performance:

Interviewer’s Lack of Engagement.** If the interviewer seems disinterested, ends the session abruptly, or asks many clarification questions, it could be a sign of a poor performance. Regardless, always request feedback from the interviewer if possible, as this can provide valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Poor Reactions.** If you felt uncomfortable, unconfident, or that you did not perform well during or after the interview, this could indicate a problem. However, it's important to remember that your perception may not always be accurate, and sometimes these feelings are influenced by external factors or the lack of immediate confirmation. Short Interviews.** If the interview is brief and the interviewer quickly moves through the questions, they may have made up their mind early on, and the interview is a mere formality. In this case, it's crucial to seek feedback to understand what could be improved for future interviews.

Conclusion

Interpreting the outcome of an interview can be challenging, but paying attention to subtle cues and asking for feedback can provide clarity. Remember, even if you feel like you bombed an interview, your interviewers may still be willing to provide feedback, which can be invaluable for growth and development. Taking proactive steps to understand your performance and seek improvement is crucial for future success.