- Hiring managers' lack of attention and hostile body language
- The depth and breadth of the questions asked during the interview
- If the company gave any indication of what would happen after the interview
The interviewer's body language is really unprofessional.
The hiring manager's or interviewer's body language might be an early indicator of the interview's success. Within the first few questions and responses of an interview, the interviewer may start to reveal body language indications (either good or bad). Are they showing signs of interest and participation that you might pick up on? Do they instead appear uninterested and lethargic?
Don't put too much stock in any one piece of non-verbal communication from the interviewer; after all, you probably haven't even met this person before. It may be the interviewer's attitude or habit if they exhibit poor body language. Here are some more red flags indicating the interview went poorly or the hiring manager had doubts.
Shortened version of the interview
An interview that doesn't last the full allocated time is usually a red flag. Unless the interviewer has a good reason for cutting it short. While the first interviews by phone or video chat may be brief, it ranges around 25–30 minutes at least.
If the interview ended quickly or was over much sooner than planned, that could be a red flag that things didn't go well.
You weren't sold on the firm during the interview.
An interested employer will try to sell you on the position. They will also try to sell you on the company. This can be seen in the company's successes and planned projects, as well as in team trips and other social activities.
Companies tell you this because they want to make sure you're interested in the job before they make you an offer. It could be a terrible omen if this didn't occur.
Lack of Career Roadmap
If the hiring manager is enthusiastic about you, they will spend extra time discussing your future plans once you've started working there. They hope to present you in the best light possible as you advance in your career with the organisation.
Possible career advancements within the company, previous employees' next moves after holding the position in question, etc. may be discussed. (Note: If they don't bring it up, this is a fantastic question to ask: "What have others gone on to do in this company after holding this role?"). If none of these things transpired, it may be an indication that the interview did not go well.
You and the interviewer didn't click.
The interview procedure varies depending on who is doing it. Some interviewers will be light-hearted and ask you questions, while others will take the process very seriously. Don't freak out based on just one lone indicator. But if you also spotted some other warning flags above, and the interviewer didn't try to connect with you in any way (via comedy, small conversation, etc.), that's not a good indicator. This may mean that the interview was unsuccessful.
It could also mean that the interviewer didn't think you'd mesh well with the company's ethos.
The interviewer was unenthusiastic and lacked a smile.
An interviewer or hiring manager who is interested in you will usually smile, nod, and show interest in what you say. If they do that, it probably means you did a great job at the interview. During the interview, if the hiring manager gives you the cold shoulder, it could be because you didn't show enough proof that you were qualified. If that's the case, they'll probably look for someone else.
The interviewer didn't probe your expertise substantially.
Early on, the interviewer may ask you questions to learn more about who you are and what you want in a job. After that, though, the interviewer will probably ask you about your past jobs, education, relevant hobbies, etc.
The interviewer did not ask about your schedule or future actions.
The next thing to consider is whether the interviewer inquired as to your availability to begin work. Have you been asked if you have additional interviews scheduled? Did they inquire if a two-week notice was required if you accepted the position?
Don't freak out if you had a short phone or video interview, and they didn't ask you any of these questions; it's not always the case. But if they like you, even in a first interview, they would probably ask you a few questions about this.
You should keep applying to jobs, regardless of how you feel about your most recent interview (after sending a thank you note, of course). Don't let up now; you've got this. The most common pitfall I observe among job-seekers is that they stop looking for positions once they have secured an interview or two, in the vain expectation that they will be hired by one of those companies.
Start applying for opportunities that interest you and sending out resumes to potential companies. You'll find a job far more quickly and with considerably less stress if you do this. You won't feel as stressed out about each individual interview because there will be more of them.
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West London, Central London Public Relations (PR) & Communications |
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Central London |
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