Why did my interview only take 10 minutes?

The 10-Minute Interview: Decoding a Rapid-Fire Rejection (and Moving On)

You prepped meticulously. You researched the company, rehearsed your answers to common questions, and even picked out the perfect outfit. You arrived for your interview feeling confident, ready to shine. But then, the unthinkable happened: it was over in just 10 minutes. What went wrong?

A short interview can be a deflating experience, leaving you second-guessing your skills and qualifications. While it’s impossible to know the exact reason without direct feedback (which is often lacking), it’s likely the interviewer quickly determined you weren’t a good fit for the role. But before you spiral into self-doubt, let’s explore some potential reasons and, more importantly, how to handle the situation gracefully.

The Harsh Truth: A Potential Mismatch

The most common reason for a drastically short interview is that the interviewer recognized early on that your qualifications or experience didn’t align with the role’s requirements. Perhaps your resume misrepresented your skills, or your initial answers revealed a gap in knowledge they considered crucial. They might have realized you lacked a specific software proficiency, misunderstood the company culture, or simply weren’t the personality type they envisioned.

Interviewers are under pressure to efficiently filter candidates. If they see red flags early, they may cut the interview short to save time and move on to other applicants. While it’s undoubtedly disappointing, this efficiency can be seen as a benefit to both parties in the long run. No one wants to waste time on a candidate who is clearly not a good match.

Beyond the Rejection: Other Possible Explanations

While a mismatch is a likely cause, there are other possibilities, though less common:

• Time Constraints: Unexpected schedule changes or pressing deadlines can force an interviewer to shorten interviews. While unprofessional, it can happen.
• Shifting Role Requirements: The job description may have evolved since you applied. The company might have realized they needed a different skill set or experience level, rendering your profile less suitable.
• Internal Candidate: Occasionally, a company might interview external candidates as a formality, even if they intend to promote someone internally. The interview might be a perfunctory exercise to fulfill HR requirements.
• Interviewing Style: Some interviewers are naturally quick and direct, focusing on specific questions and seeking concise answers. While 10 minutes is still exceptionally short, this style can contribute to a faster-paced interview.

The Art of the Unexplained:

Unfortunately, most interviewers won’t offer a detailed explanation for the brevity of the interview. They might provide a generic “we’ll be in touch” response, leaving you to speculate. While frustrating, this lack of transparency is often driven by legal and company policy considerations. Providing specific feedback opens the door to potential biases or accusations of discrimination.

Moving Forward: Don’t Dwell, Do Better

The most important thing is not to dwell on the negative. A 10-minute interview doesn’t define your worth or potential. Instead, view it as a learning opportunity and focus on strengthening your application for future opportunities. Here’s how:

• Review Your Resume and Cover Letter: Did you accurately represent your skills and experience? Could your wording be clearer or more specific? Are there any areas that might have misled the interviewer?
• Reflect on Your Interview Performance: Were you nervous? Did you struggle to articulate your accomplishments? Did you adequately research the company and the role?
• Practice Your Interviewing Skills: Participate in mock interviews with friends, family, or career counselors. Ask for constructive criticism and focus on improving your communication skills.
• Seek Feedback (if possible): While unlikely, try to politely request feedback from the hiring manager. Frame your request as a desire to improve your interviewing skills and emphasize your commitment to professional growth.
• Stay Positive: Rejection is part of the job search process. Maintain a positive attitude, stay persistent, and continue applying for roles that align with your skills and interests.

A 10-minute interview can sting, but it doesn’t have to derail your job search. By analyzing the experience, learning from your mistakes, and focusing on future opportunities, you can turn a potentially negative situation into a valuable learning experience. Keep your head up, keep applying, and keep improving. Your dream job is out there waiting for you.