Career HubInterviews

How Do You Know You Didn't Get The Job?

February 26, 2025
Edited by
5
min read

Searching for a new job is stressful. Countess interviews and follow-ups can leave you feeling like you will never land a new position. With so much of the hiring process being handled from people online, it's hard to know if you missed the mark or if the company hasn't made a decision yet.

However, there are often signs it’s time to make a change in your job search approach. Below are a few things all candidates should be aware of as they work towards their next career opportunity.

Signs to look for during your interview

Length of your interview

The amount of time the hiring manager spends with candidates is a good indicator of how the interview went. An employer does not want to waste their time or yours, so if the interview is not going well it will be cut short. Try to remember what questions you were asked.

Did you cover your recent history and skill set? Did the interviewer spend time getting to know you? If the conversation did not progress past general interview questions, chances are you won't be getting a callback.

People you met with

The first interview is usually with a recruiter, not one of the team managers. They will then set up future interviews with other members of the company. If the employer initially wants you to meet with three people and you only meet one, the job is most likely going to a different potential candidate.

Verbal cues during your interviews 

Pay attention to cues the hiring manager said while you were being interviewed. Signs the job is going to another candidate include:

  • You are overqualified
  • We are still meeting with other candidates
  • Good luck in your job search 
  • There are a lot of internal candidates applying for the position as well
  • We are not sure of timing for the role
  • We feel it might not be a good cultural fit 

Do employers call to tell you if you got the job or not?

It depends on the company, but some may email you to inform you that the position is no longer available. Typically though, they will not actually call you just to tell you that you did no job.

How Do I Know if I Got Hired?

After an interview, how do you feel? Did the hiring manager give off a lackluster vibe? Did the recruiter or interviewer give you negative feedback?

Trust your gut! You will know if you bombed an interview or would be a bad hire at a company. Don’t get discouraged though. Take some time to reflect on what you can improve on.

Ask questions or send an email to someone that interviewed you for advice if you don't get the job at their company.

There are simple changes every candidate can make to impress a future employer and advance their career, so make a note and you'll be that much more prepared to bring your A-game for the next company that invites you to do a job interviewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are subtle signs during an interview that might indicate I'm not the preferred candidate?

How long after an interview should I wait before concluding I didn't get the job?

If I suspect I didn't get the job, is it appropriate to ask for feedback on my interview performance?

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Dave Fano

Dave Fano

David Fano is a hiring expert and career strategist with 20+ years of experience building and scaling high-performing teams. Over his career, he’s hired more than 4,000 people and reviewed hundreds of thousands of resumes—giving him firsthand insight into how hiring decisions are made. Dave has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, NPR, and NBC News, sharing his expertise on hiring, job applications, and career strategy. He’s seen how the traditional career ladder is full of outdated rules—while companies have access to better tools and data than the people they hire. As the Founder & CEO of Teal, Dave is out to change that. He’s leveraging technology to give professionals the same advantages companies have—helping them build stronger resumes, position themselves for better opportunities, and take control of their careers with confidence. You can connect with Dave on LinkedIn, where he shares insights on resumes, job applications, today’s job market, and his favorite topic: career growth on your terms.

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