The door closes. You shake hands (or bump elbows, depending on the vibe). You walk out of the building. And then, almost immediately, the overthinking starts.
Did they like me? Was that pause after my answer about teamwork too long? Why did they ask about my gap year like that? Figuring out whether your interview went well isn’t always easy. Although there can be obvious signs that you impressed the interviewer - like them offering you the job on the spot - others can be incredibly hard to gauge.
But whether it’s a sure-fire signal or a more subtle hint, there are usually giveaways that tell you whether an employer is seriously considering you. We've already covered six reasons you didn't get the job, but to save you from refreshing your inbox every five seconds, here’s our guide on how to tell if an interview went well (or badly).
10 signs an interview went well
While you can’t read minds, you can read the room. Here are ten signs you probably made a great impression:
1. You have an actual conversation
If your interview felt more like a casual chat than a formal interrogation, your skills and experience probably aren’t the only things that clicked with the interviewer.
Not only does it show that you’d fit in with their company culture, it also proves you’d have a good working dynamic if you got the job. So, if you notice that your interview starts to focus less on the formalities, and more on what kind of films you like (see also: laughs at all your jokes) - you’re probably doing well.
2. They give you positive affirmation
This may seem obvious, but if you’re focusing on getting your answers right, you might not be paying full attention to the interviewer’s reactions. And trust us, they mean a lot.
Whether it’s through their body language or how they respond to your answers, you can often gauge how an interviewer feels about you just by looking at them. If they’re fully engaged, nodding, and giving positive feedback, you can be sure you’re on the right track.
3. They’re making an effort to sell you the job
Although every hiring manager will talk about what the role is about, not everyone will make a real effort to spark your interest.
So, if you notice the interviewer is giving you a detailed explanation of what the job entails (including exactly what ‘you’d’ be doing) whilst listing the perks and benefits of working for them, you’ve probably made a good impression. It’s an even better sign if they actively link back to how that matches your skills and interests. It means they want to make the position work for you - not just anyone.
4. They include you in their future
How can you tell if your working relationship has a future? They’ll actually tell you where it’s going.
If your interviewer talks about how they’d use your expertise in their future projects, plans, and developments (or brings in other members of the team to discuss it), it’s likely that you’re a top contender for the role. Not only does it show that they can see you adding value by working there, it also means you’ve made a good enough impression to actually last.
5. They introduce you to the rest of the team
An invitation to meet the team is essentially a colleague trial run.
You’ve impressed in the interview, and the recruiter wants to know if you’ll interact well with the team before they make their final decision. So, all you have to do is keep impressing, by being polite and friendly with everyone you meet.
This is also the perfect opportunity for you to get a feel of the working environment. Something as simple as a tour of the office or a chat with your potential colleagues can often be enough to figure out if a workplace is really right for you.
6. It runs over the scheduled time
Let’s face it - interviewers are busy people.
Between interviews, appointments, meetings, and general tasks, their free time is probably rare. This means that they have to stick to their schedules and allocated timeframes... that is, unless it’s worth it.
So, if your interview runs over the scheduled running time, it’s almost always a positive sign. Not only do they want to learn more about you, they also don’t mind sacrificing their time for it.
7. They ask when you can start
The key to figuring out whether this question indicates your interview is going well is to focus on how it’s delivered.
For example, if your interviewer quickly asks this in addition to a number of other generic questions, they’re probably just going through the motions. However, if they ask it alone, and follow up with other questions and comments about your availability, it could be a sign that they’re considering employing you.
8. You get invited to a second interview
If you’re invited to a second interview there and then, you can be sure you did a good job - especially if they ask you before the interview’s even over.
And although it might seem daunting to go through this process again, don’t let nerves make you forget the positive. They already like you - so just keep doing what you’re doing, and you’re bound to continue to impress. Read our second interview tips and second interview questions and answers to prepare.
9. They give you a specific timeline
If a hiring manager is vague about when you’ll hear back (‘e.g. we’ll be in touch soon’), it can go either way.
But if they give you a concrete date or timeline - e.g. ‘we are finishing interviews tomorrow and will call you by Friday afternoon’ - it often means they are serious about moving you to the next stage and don’t want to lose you to another offer.
10. They ask about other interviews
Are they getting jealous?
If an interviewer asks if you are currently interviewing elsewhere or if you have any pending offers, they are trying to gauge how quickly they need to move.
It’s a classic buying signal; they want to know if you’re about to be snapped up by the competition.
10 signs your interview went badly (and employer red flags)
Sometimes, even with your best efforts (and your lucky socks), things just don’t click. Here’s how to spot when an interview isn’t going your way - and what those interview red flags could mean for you:
1. It was cut short
If you were scheduled for forty-five minutes and find yourself back outside in fifteen, it’s rarely a sign of wild success.
Unless there’s a genuine emergency (which they’ll usually mention), a rushed interview often means they’ve already decided you’re not the right fit. You might notice the interviewer picking up the pace, skipping key questions, or cutting answers short just to get things over with.
2. They seemed distracted or bored
Interviewer checking their watch more than their notes? Scrolling through emails? Or worse, taking calls during your interview?
If you’re getting distracted eye contact, half-hearted responses, or long stretches of awkward silence, you’re probably not holding their interest. A lack of follow-up questions - or polite chuckles at your attempts to be relatable - are additional clues.
3. They didn't ask you any questions
Great interviews are like tennis matches: a bit of back and forth.
If they simply skim your CV, nod along, and barely ask you about your experience or skills, they may have already made up their mind. You might experience a one-sided chat where you’re doing all the work, or worse, just reading your own CV back to them.
Not exactly confidence-boosting.
4. They focused on the negatives
Nobody enjoys being grilled about every gap on their CV or hearing only about the hardest, least glamorous part of the role.
If the interviewer spends excessive time probing your weaknesses, reasons for leaving previous jobs, or discussing company challenges, they might be testing your resilience - or, more likely, signaling the role is more headache than opportunity. If you’re starting to feel like you’re on trial, take note.
5. Their body language was cold
Communication isn’t just what’s said out loud.
Crossed arms, little eye contact, distracted fidgeting, or even turning away from you are classic indicators of a lack of connection. If you can’t get a smile or some open, relaxed gestures, it’s a sign your rapport just isn’t there.
Bonus red flag if they lean back, physically creating distance.
6. You didn't get a chance to ask questions
A strong interview usually wraps up with ‘What would you like to ask us?’
If, instead, you’re hustled out with a rushed ‘Thanks for coming in’ or find yourself standing outside with your questions still in hand, it indicates they aren’t interested in your engagement with the role or company. This shortcut shows they’ve mentally moved on.
7. They were vague about the role
Leaving the interview with less clarity than you arrived with? Not great.
If your interviewer can’t explain what success in the role looks like or dodges questions about team structure and responsibilities, the position may be poorly defined - or there are internal issues they’d rather keep hidden.
Vague answers about salary, benefits, or working hours are also worth flagging.
8. They badmouthed the previous employee
If your potential boss spends part of your interview complaining about the person you’d be replacing - maybe calling them 'unreliable' or 'difficult' (or worse) - that’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
Not only is it unprofessional, but it suggests you might be on the receiving end of similar talk down the line. No one wants to inherit workplace drama from day one.
9. There was no mention of next steps
Did they shuffle your CV into a pile and end with a vague 'We’ll be in touch'?
Or maybe they didn’t mention timelines, follow-up interviews, or what comes next at all. If you’re not given any indication of what to expect, or they sound non-committal ('We have a lot of people to see'), it’s likely you’re not on their finalist list.
10. You have a bad gut feeling
Sometimes, your instincts know before you do.
If you leave feeling uncomfortable, unappreciated, or something just feels 'off' (even if you can’t put your finger on it), take it seriously.
Maybe it was the way they spoke to staff, the office vibe, or an answer that set off alarms. Big or small, your gut feeling is worth listening to.
Eight signs an employer is not the one
Interview answers that quietly ruin your chances (and what to say instead)
Six reasons to reject a job offer
What to do after an interview
Whether you think you nailed it or failed it, the post-interview period is crucial. Here’s your game plan for what to do after an interview:
Send a thank you email
Always send a follow-up email within 24 hours. It’s polite, professional, and keeps you fresh in their mind. Keep it short: thank them for their time, reiterate your interest in the role, and reference something specific you discussed.
Reflect (but don’t obsess)
Take a few minutes to jot down what went well and what didn’t. Did you struggle with a specific question? Did you bond over a shared interest? Use this as a learning experience for next time, but don’t beat yourself up over every tiny detail.
Keep applying
Even if you think this is ‘the one’, don’t stop your search until you have a signed contract in hand. Anything can happen, and having other options will keep you from feeling desperate (and help you negotiate better if you do get the offer). Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now.
Follow up (once)
If you haven’t heard back by the date they suggested, it’s okay to send one polite follow-up email. After that? Let it go. If they want you, they know where to find you. For more guidance, read our advice on how to follow up after an interview.
Frequently asked questions
What are good questions to ask after an interview?
Asking questions at the end of an interview shows you are keen. Good options include:
- 'What does a typical day look like in this role?'
- 'How does the team measure success?'
- 'What do you enjoy most about working here?'
- 'Can you tell me more about the company culture?'
How long should I wait for feedback?
If they gave you a timeline, wait until that date has passed before following up. If they didn't, give it about a week (or five working days).
What are common interview red flags?
Aside from the ones listed above, look out for:
- Immediate or urgent offers (being pressured to sign immediately).
- Requests for free work (beyond a reasonable task).
- Rude or disrespectful behaviour from anyone in the building, not just the interviewer.
- High staff turnover mentioned during the chat.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, an interview is a two-way street. It’s just as important for you to like them as it is for them to like you.
If you spot signs that an interview went badly, it might just mean you’ve dodged a bullet - particularly if you walked away feeling uncomfortable, undervalued, or just ‘off’. In this case, even if they offer you the job, it might not be the right environment for you.
And if the signs are good? Get ready to negotiate that salary.
How to prepare for an interview
Ready to find a job you love? Search all available jobs now.
7 responses to “How to tell if an interview went well (or badly)”
All amazing and valid pointers but even if you get all or some of the pointers listed they may not want to hire you. Let's not view this as a bad thing.
My motto is when one door close, several bigger better doors will open for you BUT only you can make sure they do. Don't let rejection get you down....use it as a spurring mechanism to get you where you want to be!
The other thing to remember if you don't get the job is that they could have interviewed 6 equally good candidates for 1 job. So even if you all did the best interview on record 5 will have to be turned away. So not getting doesn't necessarily mean the interview was bad. In these circumstances it is practically a names in the hat result and pull one out.
all psychological...people are buying from people and the decision to offer you job is being decide in the first minutes of the interview.
The advice is rather behind the times as far as the modern approach to interview and assessment of an individual of shortlisted candidates is concerned. Where interviewees are faced with the same: "What would you do in this scenario, under these situations and circumstances" ? As a continual progression of questions from a prearranged and prepared typescript, where the interviewer is busily precising your answers against each question on paper and gives no hint whatsoever of whether your answer was strong or weak. Because all candidates answers will be compared, assessed and judged by a panel of 5 or 6 assessors present and introduced at the start of the assessment stage which includes a group, competency interview and practical scenario assessment of the most suitable candidates. Followed by a panel decision weeks later of which candidate has impressed them most as possessing the best overall credentials in their unanimous, experienced opinion of having worked at the job in the past to be given the offer of a job opportunity. Where the candidate may go away personally satisfied with their performance on the day. But has no indication whatsoever of whether each stage of the assessment and interview process has figured strongly or weakly in the minds of every assessor, who may have only personally seen your performance at the group or practical scenario stages of your assessed performance.
Recently Ive been on two day long interviews with two separate companies including pitch presentation. These were actual "how would you hit the ground running" presentations with expected names and contact numbers. You do wonder if companies are using this as a way to gain free consultation or attention into the market. Ive got feelers out but will wonder if those names are contacted by the company who felt I wasnt a "fit" for their organization but two x full days of interviews and introductions around each company seems like a huge amount of time on both sides to find a candidate.
hahaha that's look like a funny story, I had an interview with exactly those signs and at the end m - finger !!!!
I recently applied for a band 2 post in the NHS as a support worker in critical care. I've recently just finished a degree in biomedical science and I had to sell why my degree was relevant to that role. It was when the interview panel said they would support me to finish my nursing qualification (from previous study) that I had an inklin that I had sold my skills well.