Waiting to hear back after a job interview can feel like torture. You replay every moment in your head, wondering if that awkward pause or your answer to “Where do you see yourself in five years?” sealed your fate. Sometimes, the signs you're not getting a job offer are obvious—like receiving a vague follow-up email saying they’re “still reviewing candidates” with no clear next steps. Other times, the clues are more subtle, hidden in the things interviewers say during or after your meeting.
So, how do you know you're not getting an offer? If you've ever walked out of an interview feeling unsure, this article is for you. We’ll break down common phrases interviewers use that might signal you won’t be getting the job—and what they actually mean.
5 common phrases that indicate you won’t get the offer
What things do interviewers say that let you know you won’t get an offer? They often drop subtle hints during the conversation that suggest you’re not their top choice. Here are some of the most common phrases to watch for:
1. “We’ll keep your resume on file”
This might sound hopeful, but it's often a polite way of saying, “We’re not hiring you, but maybe in the future.” It’s a gentle exit that doesn’t necessarily suggest immediate interest. While keeping your resume on file is standard practice for many companies, this phrase usually indicates that they’re not ready to move forward with you right now.
2. “We have a few more candidates to interview before we make a decision”
According to Thompson, this phrase is very common. It can be a double-edged sword: While they might genuinely be considering other applicants, it also signals hesitation about your fit for the role. When interviewers say this, it’s typically an attempt to leave the door open while they compare your qualifications to those of other candidates.
3. “You’re overqualified for this role”
On the surface, this might sound like a compliment, but it’s a classic red flag. Employers might express concern that you’ll leave for a better opportunity or demand a higher salary than they’re willing to offer. This can also be a way of politely indicating they don’t think you’re the right fit for the position.
4. “We need to review our budget/hiring plans”
This phrase can be an indication that the company has hit pause on the hiring process, but it can also be a polite way of saying they’re not moving forward with you. Companies might sometimes use this excuse when they’ve already decided to pursue other candidates but don’t want to give direct feedback just yet.
5. “We’ll be in touch”
This is one of the most neutral phrases an interviewer can say, but more often than not, it means they won’t reach out unless you’re selected. While it's not necessarily negative, the lack of specific details about the next steps or timelines is usually a sign that they’ve made up their mind and you’re not their top choice.
Beyond words: Subtle signs you're not the top candidate
Some of the most telling clues about how well an interview went might be not what is said, but how it's said. If you’ve been in an interview where things felt a bit off, these are likely signs you will not get the job offer:
The recruiter seem disinterested or rushed
If the conversation feels rushed and the interviewer seems distracted—glancing at their watch, typing on their laptop, or barely engaging with your responses—it can be a red flag. They may have a preferred candidate already or feel you’re not the right fit.
However, disengagement doesn’t always mean rejection. “Recruiters may seem disengaged because of busy schedules, an abundance of work, or simply having a poker face,” says Kevandre Thompson, senior talent acquisition partner at Innomotics. To get a clearer picture, look for other signals. “If they follow up quickly or request references, that’s an extremely strong sign even if the interview felt lukewarm or that it didn’t go well.”
There’s no talk about next steps
If the recruiter avoids discussing the timeline, doesn’t mention when you’ll hear back, or skips over next steps, it’s a sign they might not be considering you for the role. Unfortunately, this could mean they didn’t see enough in your interview to keep you in the running.
The recruiter doesn’t sell you on the job
A good interviewer will talk about more than just the responsibilities of the role—they’ll also want to highlight the perks, the company culture, and potential growth opportunities. If the interviewer doesn’t ask about your interest in the role or give you a glimpse into why the job is a great fit, it could signal a lack of enthusiasm for your candidacy.
Now, if you’re wondering “How do I know if an offer is coming?” read this next: 15 Signs You Will Get The Job After an Interview
Think you won’t get the job? Here’s what to do
If the signs aren't looking great and you're starting to think you won't get the job, don’t panic—there are still ways to keep your job search moving forward.
Check the job posting
“Don’t assume the worst,” Thompson says. “Instead, check the job posting to see if it’s still live—if it is, the hiring process might still be ongoing.”
Follow up strategically
If you haven’t already sent a thank-you note, this could be a great opportunity to follow up. Even if you have, it’s still appropriate to reach out politely to inquire about the timeline for the hiring decision. Doing so not only shows your continued interest but also provides some clarity. “The key is to be not only concise, but professional and appreciative in your follow-up outreach,” Thompson says.
For example:
Hello [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope all is well. It's been a week since the interview and I wanted to follow up on my status regarding the [Job Title] role. I hope your week is productive, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
[Your Name]
For extra guidance, read this next: A Smart Way to Follow Up to an Interview if You're Still Waiting for Answers
Keep trying!
Keep applying for other positions and continue networking. One rejection—or even several—doesn’t define your career. “This is a numbers game,” Thompson says. “You have to continue to put yourself and your resume on the job market to see where you stand.” Keep the momentum going, and the right opportunity will come your way.
The more interviews you do, the better you get at them. Look for 400,000+ open jobs on The Muse »
FAQs
How do you know if you're a top candidate?
If your interview lasts longer than expected, the hiring manager seems engaged, and they ask about your availability or salary expectations, those are great signs. Employers who see you as a strong candidate will also discuss next steps and provide a clear hiring timeline.
How to know if an interview went badly?
A bad interview is often marked by disinterest from the interviewer, a rushed conversation, or a lack of follow-up questions. If they don’t ask about your availability or next steps, and they fail to sell you on the role, it could mean you’re not a top choice.
However, “some companies train interviewers to remain neutral to avoid bias and for legality purposes,” Thompson says. So a lack of enthusiasm doesn’t always mean rejection. “If they follow up quickly or request references, it’s still a positive sign—even if the interview felt lukewarm.”
Do interviewers first call successful candidates or those that are about to be rejected?
In many cases, companies contact the successful candidate first to extend an offer before informing other applicants. However, some employers notify rejected candidates first to close out the process. A delay doesn’t always mean bad news—some companies take longer to finish hiring decisions, especially for competitive roles.
Do employers let you know if you didn’t get the job after an interview?
Some employers send rejection emails or calls, while others simply never follow up. If you don’t hear back within the timeline discussed in your interview, it’s a good idea to send a professional follow-up. If there’s still no response, it’s best to move forward with other opportunities rather than waiting indefinitely.
Read this next: How to Handle Getting Ghosted During Your Job Search