Remember those days in high school and university when you’d finish an exam and instantly turn through your textbook to see if you’d answered the questions correctly?

Human nature dictates that we over-analyze our performance in tense situations in order to ensure that we put our best foot forward. It’s no different when it comes to looking for a job.

“How did I do?” “Will they call me back?” “Did I provide the proper answers?” are probably your first thoughts after leaving a job interview.

In certain circumstances, you may be certain that you absolutely failed the interview, while in others, you may be more optimistic – but the majority of the time, you simply don’t know.

The amount of time you spent in the interview is a major measure of how well it went. Though you won’t be able to use these principles to properly predict the outcome of every interview, they will give you a good idea in most cases.

If your first interview lasted about 45 minutes, that is generally a good sign that the employer was interested in bringing you on board. If your interview was longer or shorter, keep reading.

Different time limits of interviews

15 minutes

We hate to start on a negative note, but if your interview lasted fewer than 15 minutes, it was most likely a lousy interview. They may have realised when you arrived for the interview that you lacked the required qualifications for the position, and hence did not want to waste their time with you.

Or, based on your professional dress, you may not have appeared to be a suitable fit for their corporate culture. Your first impression was crucial, and something about you told them you weren’t the proper candidate for the position.

30 minutes

Your interview was just long enough if it lasted 30 minutes. For most job levels, hiring managers will set aside about 30 minutes to interview an applicant. You know you answered the questions well if you lasted the entire 30 minutes.

However, we can’t tell if you’ll be asked back for a second interview just on the amount of time you spent on the phone. It is up to you to assess whether or not you wowed the interviewer by reviewing your responses to each question.

45 minutes

In the world of job interviews, 45 minutes is the ideal number. We agree that a good first interview should last roughly 45 minutes, as do 38% of the professionals we polled on LinkedIn.

This indicates you went slightly beyond the time given by the hiring manager, which was fine because you answered the questions so well that they wanted to hear more.

60 minutes or 1 hour

For most job levels, a one-hour interview is a good sign. Because the hiring manager will conduct a more in-depth interview for higher-level prospects, executive-level professionals will find themselves in 1-hour interviews more frequently than all other levels of employees.

If you were requested to meet with a second person or do some form of on-site competence testing during your one-hour interview, you can be confident that the hiring manager is seriously considering you for the position (or at least a second interview).

These timings and rules will undoubtedly alter from interview to interview. The level of position, the company’s hiring practices, and the hiring manager’s schedule for the day are all elements that will influence the length of the interview.

At the end of the day, if you are confident in your answers and believe you made a good impression on the hiring manager, you will most likely be called back for the job.

Questions to ponder upon before an interview

Get connected with our experts to understand more about interviews and group discussions.

What makes a good interview?

You were always on time. All of their questions were confidently answered by you. You did your homework on the firm and asked insightful questions. According to all accounts, the interview went well–but how can you know for sure?

1. THE INTERVIEWER DISCUSSES THE BIG PICTURE AND REFLECTS ON YOUR EXPERIENCE

That’s wonderful, says Joe Weinlick, vice president of the online job network Beyond. If an interviewer tells you about a difficulty the organisation is facing and how they believe your experience will help you address it.

“For the interviewer, you usually have to draw the dots and explain how your experience will apply,” he explains. “If they’re already doing it, they’re picturing you in the position.”

Weinlick proposes that they complete the circle by reinforcing their perspective. When you send follow-up correspondence, emphasise how your experience will help you flourish at the organisation.

2. THE INTERVIEWER INQUIRES IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE JOB AND THEIR COMPANY

If the interviewer pauses and asks how you feel about the possibility, they’re evaluating your interest. It is a good indicator, according to Coley. “They could say something along the lines of, ‘What do you think?'” she declares.

“If you’re interested, link your experience to the position.” You reinforce the fantastic connection you’re building when you reiterate what you learned in the interview and how it best corresponds with their job description.”

3. THE INTERVIEWER INQUIRES ABOUT YOUR OTHER PROJECTIONS FOR WORK

If the interviewer asks if you’re interviewing elsewhere or if you’ve been offered other jobs, it’s a hint that they want to know where they stand, according to Coley.

“They’re gauging how engaged you are in the interview process,” she explains. “Are you just getting started on your search?” Trying out the waters? Or do you have any other viable options? This inquiry informs them if they need to speed up their hiring to avoid losing you.”

4. IN CHITCHAT, THE INTERVIEWER INVOLVES YOU

While an interview is supposed to be about you and your experience, the interviewer may ask questions to get to know you on a more personal level.

“When the talk moves to personal bonding, it’s usually a sign that they’re thinking about you,” Weinlick explains. “They wouldn’t waste time conversing with you if they didn’t think you were a good fit.”

5. DURING THE CONVERSATION, THE INTERVIEWER WILL USE YOUR NAME

This is a subtle hint, but it suggests that they envision you joining their group, according to Coley.

“When someone mentions you, they’re building a connection with you,” she explains. “They’re already planning on working with you, and they’re attempting to engage you by utilising your name.”

Read this article for more information: A guide to preparing for a board interview

What makes a bad interview?

All job seekers experience unsuccessful interviews at some point, but the secret to future success is how you bounce back and correct your errors.

There are a number of indicators that your job interview didn’t go well or that you were unsuccessful in landing the position.

1. You came across as being disorganised and careless

To react to interview questions correctly, you must pay close attention to what is being asked of you and comprehend what the interviewer is looking for in your response.

2. Your interview responses were stumbling

Being unprepared for the interview questions causes you to stumble over your responses and concentrate on unrelated material.

There will almost always be standard interview questions, which you may readily practise for.

3. You didn’t build a connection with the interviewer

When the interviewer connects poorly or not at all with the candidate, the interview is a failure. An awkward situation results from failing to build rapport right away in the interview.

You must align your interview communication style with the interviewer’s to build rapport.

4. Your future prospects at the organisation weren’t discussed much during the interview

A recruiting manager that is genuinely enthusiastic about you will go out of their way to discuss what your future might hold once you begin the position. They want to give you a good impression of your career with their organisation.

They might outline potential career pathways inside the company, what others have done after holding the position you’re considering, etc.

If none of these occurred, it can be an indication that the interview didn’t go well.

5. The interview was abbreviated

If an interview is rushed or doesn’t last the entire authorised time unless an emergency occurred and the interviewer clarified the circumstance.

Initial phone or video interviews are occasionally only a few minutes long, but I would anticipate them to run at least 25 to 30 minutes. Therefore, it could be a hint that the interview went poorly if it ended abruptly or much sooner than anticipated.

Go through this article for more useful insights: How to ace your interview with the right body language

Final words

That concludes our advice on how to determine whether an interview went well.

The following time you are wondering, “How did my interview go?” The aforementioned metrics can be used to assess the experience.

Moreover, being realistic about the indicators of a successful or unsuccessful interview may help you avoid heartache in the future.

Though nothing is certain, keep in mind that even if your interview exhibited all the qualities of a successful interview, there is no assurance that another applicant won’t have beat you to the job.