Is a 20 minute interview a bad sign?

The 20-Minute Interview: A Red Flag or a Quick Vetting?

Landing an interview is a win! You’ve crafted a compelling resume and cover letter, and now you have a chance to impress a potential employer face-to-face (or screen-to-screen). But what if that “face-to-face” is over before you’ve even had a chance to fully articulate your skills? A 20-minute interview can leave you feeling shortchanged and wondering: is this a bad sign?

The truth is, a short interview, particularly one clocking in around the 20-minute mark, can be concerning. While interview lengths vary greatly depending on the role, company, and stage of the hiring process, a significantly truncated meeting might suggest a lack of strong initial interest from the interviewer. Perhaps your qualifications didn’t quite match what they were looking for in person, or they already had a strong candidate in mind and were simply going through the motions.

However, it’s crucial to resist the urge to jump to conclusions based solely on the duration of the interview. A 20-minute interview isn’t automatically a death sentence. There are several legitimate reasons why an interview might be shorter than expected:

• Early Screening: It could be a preliminary screening interview designed to quickly assess basic qualifications and personality fit. The interviewer might be trying to narrow down a large pool of applicants before investing more time in longer, more in-depth conversations.
• Time Constraints: Unexpected scheduling conflicts can arise. The interviewer might have been called away to an urgent meeting, or a previous interview might have run long. While unprofessional, it doesn’t necessarily reflect on your performance.
• Internal Candidate Focus: In some cases, the company may already have a strong internal candidate in mind and is simply required to interview external applicants as part of their hiring policy.
• Efficiency and Preparation: Some interviewers are highly organized and efficient. They may have already reviewed your resume thoroughly and have a clear list of specific questions they need answered. If you provided concise and insightful responses, they may have gotten all the information they needed in a shorter time frame.

So, how do you assess whether a 20-minute interview is truly a bad sign? Focus on these factors beyond the duration:

• The Tone and Engagement of the Interviewer: Were they actively listening and engaged in the conversation? Did they ask follow-up questions based on your answers? Did they seem genuinely interested in learning about your skills and experience?
• The Scope of the Questions Asked: Were the questions basic and superficial, or did they delve into specific projects and challenges you’ve faced? Were you given the opportunity to ask your own questions?
• The Overall Impression: How did you feel about the interview? Did you feel like you were able to effectively communicate your value and make a positive impression?

What to do After a Short Interview:

• Send a Thank You Note: Always send a thank you note promptly, regardless of the interview length. Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly highlight a key point from the conversation.
• Reflect on Your Performance: Analyze your answers and identify areas where you could have been more concise or compelling. This will help you prepare for future interviews.
• Manage Your Expectations: While it’s natural to feel disappointed after a short interview, try not to dwell on it. Focus on preparing for other opportunities and maintaining a positive attitude.

Ultimately, a 20-minute interview isn’t a guaranteed rejection. While it might raise a yellow flag, it’s crucial to consider the context, the interviewer’s behavior, and your overall impression of the interaction. Don’t let a short interview discourage you from continuing your job search and pursuing opportunities that truly excite you. You never know what the future holds!