What are the signs an interview went badly?

We’ve all been there – leaving an interview with the sinking feeling that it went terribly and that there’s no way you’ll get the job. In fact, over 50% of professionals have had a negative experience during the interview process for a new job! Conversely, you might have thought the interview went really well, only to be disappointed when the rejection email comes through. But how do you know whether your interview went well or not?!

No one likes interviews, and unfortunately, you aren’t going to get every job you interview for. However, knowing the signs of a potential bad interview and how to rectify them can help you to better prepare for future interviews. In this article, we will explore how to tell if your interview went badly, giving you eight signs your interview went bad. We will also explore how these signs might become apparent in interviews for jobs within the web3 space, and offer some helpful tips on how to improve next time.

Lack of engagement from the interviewer

An interview should flow as an engaging conversation, with the interviewer listening intently and asking follow up questions to get you to expand on your answers. An interviewer that seems distracted, uninterested or keeps checking the clock might be a sign of a bad interview.

In the web3 industry, a disengaged interviewer might signify that there has been a mismatch in your technical knowledge, or that you’ve been unable to clearly articulate complicated concepts that are necessary for the role.

Negative or ambiguous feedback

Probably the most obvious sign of a bad interview is the interviewer telling you outright. If your responses are being met with criticism and no constructive comments, it’s unlikely you’ll have got the job.

Similarly, if the interviewer doesn’t provide any feedback at all, it may indicate that you don’t meet the necessary requirements or that your experience doesn’t fit the job specification, so you might be likely to receive a rejection email.

Lack of clear next steps

When your interview is nearing its end, you should be spoken to about the next steps in the process, when you’re likely to find out about your progression, and how many more rounds of interview you should expect. If the interview is vague about next steps or this conversation is missed completely, it might suggest uncertainty about your fit.

However, in Web3 recruitment, a lack of clear next steps isn’t always a bad sign. Instead, it could be down to the rapidly-changing nature of the industry or the fact that the company is still defining its hiring needs. Either way, it’s always useful to ask the question about the next steps, so that you are aware and prepared for the next stage should you get there.

No mention of availability

Similarly to an absence of discussing next steps, if an interviewer doesn’t ask about your availability or notice period, it could mean that they’ve already decided that your personality, skillset or experience level doesn’t match the requirements of the job role.

Don’t get downhearted if you’re not asked about your notice period or when you are available to start. In some cases, employers might be waiting to finalise other details, such as budget approval or team structure, before engaging in more concrete discussions about a start date.

Uncomfortable atmosphere or silence

Long periods of silence or an uncomfortable atmosphere during the interview can be a sign that things aren’t going well. If a candidate takes too long to answer a question or offends the interviewer within their answer, it might show the interviewer that they lack the skills for the role or aren’t the right cultural fit for the company.

In the Web3 space, this might happen if a candidate doesn’t display the necessary knowledge for the position, such as struggling to explain complex ideas related to blockchain or decentralised applications. 

Disinterest in cultural fit or company values

With company culture being such a huge part of the hiring process today, the hiring manager needs to be sure that the position is filled by someone who has similar values and would fit in well with other members of the team. If the interviewer doesn’t ask about motivations, work preferences, or alignment with company culture, it may signal that they are not considering the candidate seriously.

Web3 and blockchain companies place a specific emphasis on passion for innovation and the principle of decentralisation. A lack of questions about a candidate’s passion for Web3 or how they see themselves contributing to a decentralised future may signal a poor connection and could be one of the signs that your interview went badly.

The interview is over quickly

Interviews tend to be scheduled for specific amounts of time. According to LegalJobs, interviews usually last between 45 and 90 minutes. If the interview ends much sooner than expected and doesn’t end on some of the usual wrap-up questions (such as those we mentioned above), it could mean that the interviewer wasn’t impressed and that you won’t be progressing to the next stage of the process.

In roles that require an in-depth technical knowledge and a good deal of experience, such as those in the blockchain and crypto space, you’d expect the interview to be quite a long time, in order to give the candidate enough time to clearly explain their skillset and provide examples of their past work. If your 60 minute interview ends after 25 minutes or so, it might signal that the hiring team feels they’ve heard enough to discount your application. In Web3 roles, for example, if the interview doesn’t explore key areas such as technical skills, experience, or the candidate’s ability to adapt to new technologies, it could mean that the interviewer doesn’t think they could keep up with the rapidly evolving space or the pressures of that particular role.

How to use these signs to improve your next interview experience

Now that we’ve run through eight of the most common signs that an interview went badly, you’re probably wondering how you can ensure the next interview goes better! Let’s explore some of our top tips to ensure you have a better experience at your next interview:

• Engage the interviewer with conversation and body language: If you notice that the interviewer seems disengaged, make sure you maintain eye contact and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing. Show enthusiasm for the role and the company to grab their attention.
• Request feedback during the interview: If the feedback seems vague or negative, ask for clarification on any areas where you could improve. This shows that you’re open to constructive criticism and interested in personal growth.
• Demonstrate alignment with company culture: An interview is a place for both parties to decide whether they are a good match. Take the opportunity to share your values, work style, and why you’re drawn to their company culture. Highlight any shared beliefs or goals, and try to build a rapport with the interviewer. Not only will this demonstrate you’re a good fit, but it will also mean you have some conversation topics for your first day if you do get the job!
• Extend the conversation if it’s too short: If the interview ends prematurely, ask thoughtful questions about the role, company, or team to encourage further discussion. This shows your genuine interest and might lead to a more engaging conversation.
• Highlight your technical skills when relevant: In roles requiring specific technical knowledge, such as within the Web3 or crypto space, ensure you explain your relevant experience in detail. If you sense the interviewer is unsure about your technical expertise, take time to elaborate on key areas and give examples from previous roles if possible.
• Manage awkward moments with confidence: If you sense that something you said caused discomfort or misunderstanding, acknowledge it calmly and provide more context. This can help alleviate any tension and show your professionalism.
• Be prepared to adapt: If you sense that the interview is heading in a direction you weren’t expecting, adjust your responses to better match what the company is looking for. This shows flexibility and quick thinking.
• Follow up with gratitude: Regardless of how you feel the interview went, it’s always worth following up with an email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterating your interest in the position.
• Don’t let quick rejections deter you: If the interview ends quickly or doesn’t go as planned, don’t take it personally. Use it as an opportunity to review your performance, seek feedback, and improve for the next interview.

By following these tips and addressing the potential signs of a bad interview, you can improve your chances of success and boost your confidence for future opportunities.

How Plexus can help

Identifying the signs of a bad interview can help you reflect and improve for future opportunities. Whether it’s a disengaged interviewer or unclear next steps, these experiences offer valuable lessons. In the fast-paced Web3, blockchain, and crypto industries, learning from these moments is key to staying competitive.

If you’re looking for your next role within the web3 space, PlexusRS is here to help! Our team of experienced recruiters specialises in connecting candidates with roles that match their skills and ambitions within this dynamic industry. We also provide tailored interview support to help you address challenges and stand out to potential employers. Contact us today and discover how we can help you to find your ideal next role!