I didn’t get the job, did I?

[Moniicaa]

I had a job interview for a role I'm highly suited for, with some niche experience that I imagine few applicants would have. It's a competitive position, and they would have had aa large number of applicants. When I applied, it mentioned the role wouldn't need to be filled for a couple of months but the interview was arranged a lot quicker than I anticipated (within the week). My references were contacted. The interview itself lasted longer than expected although I don't think it went well. I was nervous and couldn't answer some of the questions as well as I would've liked which might have made me seem not knowledgeable. At the end, one of the interviewers from the panel said, "Good luck." does this mean I didn't get the job?

They won't have decided yet if they haven't interviewed the other candidates.

It's quite a normal thing to say "good luck" at the end, it just means "good luck with your application"

I doubt 'good luck' tells you either way. I'm sure they're seeing others still based on the timeframes.

You say you're highly suited, but the interview didn't go well. So you're probably in the middle right now. Some people will be less suited and interview less well, but if there's someone else as good as fit as you, who interviews better on the day, this might not be the one for you.

There are too many variables to take it personally either way. Sometimes you could definitely do the job, but it doesn't play out. And sometimes you get it for reasons that aren't even really to do with you.

It's impossible to say. Very open comment to make.

All sounds very positive. I'd be more concerned if they said something like "good luck with the job hunt".

Although the job doesn't need filled for a while they will be taking into consideration any candidate's existing notice periods. So I wouldn't be concerned about the escalated interview timescale. My current job I applied for and was interviewed within a week.

Years ago I applied for a job and didn't know my Uni mate applied for the same one. They got it ahead of me, I seen them post on Facebook about it then an hour or so later I got the email saying sorry you were unsuccessful.

So in short, they will offer it to the best candidate first and work their way down the list if they decline (could be money, conditions etc related).

I think you are in with a great chance, best of luck.

@Liliol Thank you! I have forgotten what's normal in an interview as I hadn't been to one for years. I'm just keeping my fingers crossed. You're right, there are so many variables, so I'll try not to overthink it.

Definitely keep your fingers crossed. I nearly put 'good luck', then realised that's what they said that threw you! 🙈

when did they say they would contact you? @Moniicaa

@Willmafrockfit they didn't mention it, and I was too nervous to ask.