Signs You Will Not Get the Job After an Interview

You sit across from the hiring manager, a knot in your stomach. The interview seemed to go well – you connected over common interests, had an easy back-and-forth, and highlighted how your skills make you a great fit.

Yet as you leave, a nagging doubt creeps in. You didn’t hear any “buy signals” – no questions regarding when you can start, when you are available, how soon can you start, your salary requirements, or some variation of these questions. The manager was friendly yet vague when you asked about the next steps.

Could this mean you won’t get the job?

Signs The Job Isn’t Yours

Unfortunately, sometimes an interview can seem positive but the hiring company decides to pass on you. Here are subtle signs the role likely won’t be yours:

1. Radio Silence After the Interview

• Most hiring managers let you know next steps after an interview, even if it’s a basic “we’ll be in touch.” If the hiring manager feels you’re a good match, they will get things moving to hire you, knowing that great candidates will likely be getting attention from their competitors.
• If a week goes by after the interview with no contact, it’s often not a good sign. They may have decided you’re not the right fit or found another strong candidate and don’t need to keep interviewing.
• Don’t let radio silence discourage you – just focus your energy on other opportunities. Reevaluate if your qualifications really matched well with both the stated requirements and the hiring manager’s preferred requirements.

2. Generic Positive Feedback

• Oftentimes in an interview that went poorly, the hiring manager will remain upbeat and deliver only generic praise about your background.
• If all you hear is “You have a great resume” or “I can see you have a lot of experience,” these platitudes suggest a lack of genuine interest or connection.
• Specific, thoughtful feedback on your credentials and interview performance is a much better indicator of a potential job offer.

3. No Future-Oriented Questions

• As mentioned earlier, if the interviewer doesn’t ask forward-looking questions about your availability, salary needs, or start date, they may have already dismissed you as a candidate.
• Lack of questions around logistics or next steps demonstrates a lack of serious consideration for moving you forward.
• It’s not a definite rejection, but it’s wise to temper your expectations and keep exploring other opportunities just in case.

The takeaway? While no hiring process cues guarantee a job offer or rejection, subtle signals can indicate your standing as a candidate.

Also Check: How to Ask Why You Didn’t Get the Job

Frequently Asked Questions

What if they said, “we’ll let you know either way”?

Even if the hiring manager says you’ll be updated no matter what, don’t take that as a guarantee if you don’t hear back. Assume you’re out of the running unless they contact you.

Should I ask for feedback if I’m rejected?

It’s fine to politely ask for any constructive feedback after a rejection, as this can help you improve for future interviews. But don’t harass the employer for an explanation – sometimes there’s no clear reason.

What if the interviewer was really tough or intimidating?

Don’t assume a very formal or intense interviewer means you bombed the interview – some people just have that style. Pay more attention to content and specifics over interviewer behavior.

Can I save the opportunity if I think I spotted red flags?

If you pick up on subtle signs they’re not interested, the best move is usually to be patient and pursue other options vs. aggressively pursuing feedback. The ball is in their court.

What if they never actually reject me?

Don’t stay stuck waiting forever on a company that goes radio silent after an interview. Take the hint so you can focus your energy where it counts. On to the next!