How to know if you did well in the technical phone interview

Key takeaways:

• A longer-than-expected interview often indicates genuine interest.

• A conversational flow suggests you’ve built a good rapport.

• Positive feedback, questions about the next steps, and in-depth discussions about the role are promising signs.

• The interviewer’s engagement and specific questions about your experience show they’re considering you.

• Feeling good at the end of the interview can often reflect a positive interaction.

Phone interviews can be nerve-wracking, leaving you wondering how well you performed. While you wait for feedback, understanding the subtle signals of success can help put your mind at ease and guide you toward better preparation for future opportunities. Check out the comprehensive guide on preparing for technical interviews by exploring our “Technical Interview Prep Roadmap.”

Here’s how you can tell if you aced your technical phone interview.

1. The interview lasted longer than expected

Time flies when you’re having a technical phone interview. If your interview ran longer than the scheduled time, it’s usually a sign of a good interview. Hiring managers have tight schedules, so if they’re willing to extend the discussion, it indicates genuine interest. You may have provided thoughtful responses, asked insightful questions, or simply built a good understanding—either way, a longer interview suggests things went well.

2. The interview felt like a conversation, not an interrogation

An interview that flows smoothly and feels more like a two-way conversation than a formal Q&A session is often a great indicator of a positive interview. Did the interviewer seem genuinely interested in what you were saying? Did they share information about the company or role in a way that made you feel engaged? If so, you’ve likely built good interview rapport, showing not just your skills but also your personality—an essential factor in the hiring decision.

3. You were asked about your availability and next steps

One of the most promising signs is when the interviewer inquires about your availability to start or discusses the next steps after the phone interview. It means they’re thinking about you moving forward. If they’re already planning the next interview round or discussing when you might start, it’s a clear indication of what to expect after the phone interview—they’re seriously considering you as a candidate. For more insights, you can also explore “11 Signs Your Interview Went Well” for additional signs of success.

4. The interviewer discussed the specifics of the role with you

Pay attention to how the interviewer phrases their discussion about the job. If they start talking about what “you would be doing in this role” rather than referring to “the successful candidate,” they’re picturing you in that position. This subtle shift in language often means they can see you fit well into the role. For more insights on navigating technical interviews, check out “The Complete SWE Technical Interview Guide from Educative + Hired.”

5. You built a connection with the interviewer

Did you find yourself on the same wavelength as the interviewer, sharing a few laughs or common interests? Building rapport is a strong sign that the interviewer enjoyed speaking with you. When you feel connected during the conversation, it often translates to a positive impression, which can be a critical factor in the hiring process. For more tips on interview preparation, the “Tech Interview Handbook: Free Step-by-step Guide for 2024” offers excellent advice.

6. The interviewer asked detailed questions about your experience

If the interviewer asks you to elaborate on your skills, experience, or past projects, it’s a great sign. They’re digging deeper because they’re interested in how your background aligns with the role. The more specific the questions about your skills, the better—it shows they’re seriously evaluating your potential fit for the position.

7. You were given insight into the company and its culture

If the interviewer spends time explaining the company’s culture, perks, or growth opportunities, they may be trying to sell you on the role. This means they’re not just evaluating you—they’re also hoping to make the opportunity appealing to you. When this happens, it’s a strong sign that they view you as a top candidate for the position.

8. You were introduced to other team members or senior decision makers

Being introduced to other team members or senior leaders during the interview, even briefly, is a strong sign that the process is going well. It indicates that the company is interested in seeing how you fit with the broader team and values input from others on your potential hiring.

9. You received positive feedback or encouragement

Any positive remarks or words of encouragement, like “You have a great background for this role” or “I’m looking forward to the next steps,” are clear signs of success. Even subtle cues like a friendly tone or engaging body language (if it’s a video call) can be affirming.

For more insights on what makes interviews effective, you can explore “Strategies of Effective Interviewing,” a classic article from the Harvard Business Review, which provides timeless advice on reading the subtle signs of engagement during interviews.

10. The interview ended on a high note

If you leave the interview feeling upbeat and confident, that’s often your intuition telling you it went well. While it’s normal to overanalyze, a strong finish typically means the interviewer felt good about the interaction. You might not know everything at that moment, but if you felt a connection and the conversation was productive, that’s already a win.

Final thoughts: Trust the process and your gut feeling

While these signs can help you gauge your performance, it’s essential to remember that every interview is a learning opportunity. Even if you don’t move forward this time, the experience prepares you for the next. Keep practicing, stay positive, and trust your gut—because often, it’s right. To understand what might have gone wrong if you didn’t do well, you can explore “How To Know if You Failed a Phone Interview (With Tips)” for practical advice on improving your interview skills.

These resources will guide you step-by-step through each aspect of the interview process, ensuring you’re fully prepared to land your dream job. Additionally, you can practice with our AI Mock Interview, which offers a variety of mock interviews that simulate real interview scenarios to give you instant feedback and help you improve in a realistic setting.