You have overcome all the difficult phases of job searching. The position has been chosen and applied for. You have made it through the interview and performed to the best of your abilities. And now it is time for the most stressful stage yet, the waiting.
It goes without saying that this part might be the lengthiest. According to research, it can take anything from twenty-six to thirty-one days for an interview to process. It is also not a certainty that you will be getting the role even after the interview has occurred.
There are many instances when the rejection is most unexpected. But most times the signs of an interview not going so well are clearly evident. Keeping that in mind, we have compiled them here to help you identify such a situation. Knowing that can save you a lot of anxiety and disappointment and you can apply immediately for another position.
1. The uninterested demeanour of an interviewer
Was your interviewer only concerned with completing the interview as a formality? Or were they actually interested in talking to you and assessing your eligibility for the role? There are times when candidates get an apparent vibe that the interviewer is not interested in listening to.
There are various tells through which you can understand this behavior. They might keep glancing at the clock while you are conversing or go through their paperwork during the interview. Some people even block you out completely as if they are not aware that you are talking.
Any of these attitudes are evident precursors of a halfhearted interview with less than positive outcomes. It is also best for you to not work at a place where you are not treated with respect.
2. When the interview is cut short without reason
Let’s assume that you are specifically called for a thirty-minute-long interview. However, after keeping you waiting for the longest time, you finally get a 10–15-minute slot. If you are thinking this scenario bodes bad news, then it certainly does. A brief chat even if it has been a polite one cannot make up for the original half-hour session. So, what could be the reasons behind such an act?
There can be multiple reasons when a thing like this happens. The most likely of those is that they have already zeroed in on the candidate they want to hire. The interviewer has only talked you out of courtesy. Or it could also be something from your end that has put them off. It might have led them to decide you are not perfect for the role they have in mind.
3. Absence of chemistry
Think of an interview being similar to a first date. If you do not feel there is some chemistry during the meeting, things are unlikely to progress. The same goes for an interview as you can quickly understand the awkwardness and forceful politeness. If your instincts are pointing out a feeling like that then refrain from ignoring it.
While you might be unable to figure out the reason for it, instincts are mostly true in such a situation. According to studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, a vast seventy percent of interaction happens to be non-verbal. Which is a clear indicator of how our senses pick unwelcome behaviors of other people. Even if there is an outward warmth shown by the interviewer, trust your instincts if they suggest otherwise.
4. Getting stumped by a critical question
There are occasions when a single vital question catches you off guard in an interview. And this interferes with your ability to answer it effectively. You might have come with complete research, but this one point was missed out. If the interviewer fails to get an impressive response to it, it is a major issue for concern.
This point can be perceived as one of the topmost reasons for losing ground in an interview. It is often a twist of bad luck that the interviewer lands on a point which you might be weak. As a result, they find your knowledge or skillset lacking in that area.
5. You were not informed of the role
Once the interview was completed, did the interviewer spend a few additional minutes informing you about the position? This can be a very clear indication of the interview not being a success. If their mind is made up about you not being fit for the role then they will skip these details.
It is a harsh truth but one that we need to acknowledge as a professional. It is not always possible to acquire what we set out to achieve. Nevertheless, you learn and work on anything that is lacking thanks to these experiences.
6. Failing to ask questions
An interview should not be treated merely as a way to prove yourself as a worthy candidate. Through it, you can also your interest and enthusiasm in the field and for working with the organization. If you do not ask any questions of your own about the workplace and its responsibilities it shows disregard.
Employers are looking to hire people who are involved and eager about performing their duties. This allows them to progress and strive for even the toughest of goals. If you are a person like that then you must make effort to display it during the interview stage. Interviewers tend to appreciate that you care to know more about the work you are supposed to do.
Final thoughts
When you set out for job searching, it is important to keep in mind that there can be rejections. It is a difficult and lengthy process to find an ideal position in this competitive industry. But rest assured, things differ from one interview to the next. It depends upon your performance as much as the interviewer’s interaction with you. The best strategy is to not be disheartened and keep going forward. With a positive mindset, you can overcome your weaknesses and acquire your dream job.