How can you tell when an interview went well or poorly?

[DarwinAG]

I had an interview today with a potential advisor. I am not sure if it went well or poorly. I feel as if I fumbled up a bit in my explanations of my research interests. But it went well when we started talking about their research.

[_kita]

Usually it's a good sign if you get lost in professional conversation during any interview. If you're in and out within 10 minutes, that's one of those definite bad signs. Though, interviews are a little funny in that you never know exactly what they're looking for- and the interviewer expects a lot of nervous energy.

I had one the most conversational interviews in my life, and didn't get the job. Then I had an interview where a boss had corrected the way I said I'd handle situation and I was offered the job right afterwards!

I'd say if the topic about research went well, that's a good sign. Especially as an adviser.

[lewin]

"How can you tell when an interview went well or poorly?"

When you get the offer, or not.

But seriously, there's nothing you can do about it either way at this point so it's probably best to just put it out of your mind and relax

[DarwinAG]

That's true. Thanks Lewin!

[lewin]

You're welcome. I'm joking around a bit, but grad school (and academia generally) is a huge process of waiting. You are constantly sending things and waiting to get evaluated. Being able to put things out of mind after they're out the door is a great skill to develop. (Second skill: Accepting criticism/feedback because, almost always, that's what you're waiting for.)

[DarwinAG]

That's actually very good advice that I will take. I agonized over the interview for a good portion of the day, and it really did not have any utility.