In today’s competitive job market, especially for young professionals and Gen Zers seeking to enter corporate America, the interview process has the potential to be a psychological rollercoaster.
You dress up, prepare for the company, perfect your elevator speech, and go in with your best game—only to hear those dreaded words at the conclusion of the interview:
“We’re still interviewing other people.”
And before you know it, they’re escorting you back to the lobby with a friendly smile, while you’re left replaying every answer in your head.
If you’re putting your whole self-worth—or your future for the position—on that one moment, you’re neglecting the grand play.
This blog is your wake-up call. Let’s break down this scenario with receipts, strategy, and a paradigm shift that will benefit you not only for this interview but for your career as a whole.
The Psychology Behind the Interview Process: What Recruiters Aren’t Telling You
First, let’s lift the veil on what’s actually going on behind closed doors in hiring teams.
Per Glassdoor, the typical corporate job ad gets 250 resumes, of which only four to six people make it through to an interview. Ultimately, only one will get a job offer.
And here’s the kicker: hiring managers are often working on several priorities simultaneously, interviewing for multiple positions at one time.
If they tell you they’re still interviewing, they most likely are. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of consideration.
This isn’t rejection. It’s a process.
Why This Response is the Norm (and Not About You Personally)
There are too many students and first-gen professionals who internalize these moments.
You leave the building thinking, “I wasn’t good enough,” or worse, “They didn’t like me.”
Let’s put the brakes on right there.
Let’s look at why you shouldn’t overthink it.
HR Compliance and Equitable Hiring Laws
Businesses, particularly Fortune 500s, are legally obligated to prove they have fair hiring practices. That involves interviewing lots of candidates before finally selecting someone.
With diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) being politically challenged, most businesses are doubling efforts on ensuring their hiring decisions are legally sound.
Behavioral Interview Metrics
Today’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and human resources (HR) functions usually rate candidates to a rubric. Your interview might just be a single data point in their rating exercise.
Budget and Headcount Approvals
Hiring freezes or budget planning occasionally hold up decisions. Most notably in Q3 and Q4 fiscal periods, as firms buckle down for year-end reporting.
Bottom line: a company’s lag isn’t always about you. Sometimes, it’s about them dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s legally, budgetarily, or procedurally.
Reading Interview Red Flags vs. Neutral Statements
Let’s be tactical. Every stammering interview close isn’t a red flag, but some are. Here’s how you can read the difference.
Scenario: “We’re still interviewing, but we’ll stay in touch.”
What it means: Neutral. Standard process language.
Scenario: “We’ll call you either way.”
What it means: Neutral. General courtesy.
Scenario: No follow-up or ghosted you after two weeks
What it means: Red flag. Negative candidate experience.
Scenario: Vague responses to follow-up during the interview
What it means: Yellow flag. It can be a sign of indecision or lack of framework.
The Real Red Flag: When Companies Ghost You Completely
Let’s discuss the true villain in the game: communication.
According to a Wrike study, 62% of candidates reported being ghosted by would-be employers after interviews.
If a business can’t deliver a simple candidate experience, such as closure after an interview, it can speak to more profound issues within their culture.
That’s why I say to each jobseeker I advise: you ought to be questioning them as much as they are questioning you.
Are they responsive? Do they respect your time? Are they open with you about timelines?
If the response is “no”, you might have dodged a bullet.
Pro Tip: Always Send a Strategic Follow-Up (Here’s How)
Let me share with you a game plan you can implement right now.
If you’ve just left an interview and were told the “We’re still interviewing” line, your second step is not to sit by the phone all day.
Your second step is to send a thank-you email that also puts you top of mind.
Here’s a template:
- Thank them for their time.
- Mention one specific thing you enjoyed learning during the interview.
- Reaffirm your interest and how your skills solve their pain points.
- Politely ask about next steps.
Example:
Subject: Thank You—Excited About [Job Title] Opportunity
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you once again for the time today. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing more about your team’s efforts on [particular project or challenge]. I’m even more enthused about how my expertise in [your key strength] can serve [Company Name]’s objectives.
Let me know if there is further information I can offer. I look forward to the next steps.
Best,
[Your Name]
This is not merely etiquette. It’s a positioning tool.
The DEI Reality Check: Why Candidates of Color Need to Remain Mentally Resilient
I’m a DEI strategist and career coach who has assisted thousands of diverse professionals in finding jobs in tech, finance, and Fortune 1000 companies. I’ve seen the numbers and lived through the experience.
Here’s what you need to know:
- On average, people of color have to submit about 50% more applications per interview callback than white applicants.
- Only 7% and 3% of corporate America’s managers and executives are occupied by Black professionals, respectively.
When you sit down in an interview as a Black or Brown professional, you’re frequently dealing with unconscious bias, even if nobody ever explicitly says so.
But precisely for that reason, you can’t let neutral interview language rattle you.
You showing up in that room is a statement.
Your follow-up is a strategy.
Your resilience is non-negotiable.
3 Mindset Shifts Every Young Professional Needs When Navigating Interviews
Let’s transition from feelings to frameworks.
Here are three mindset changes that will work for you.
- From Candidate to Consultant: Be a problem solver, not a job beggar. The question isn’t, “Do they like me?” It’s “How can I help them solve their business problems?”
- From Self-Doubt to Self-Advocacy: You are interviewing them, too. Evaluate their culture, communication, and organizational health.
- From Short-Term Anxiety to Long-Term Legacy: That one rejection does not make your career. That’s part of your journey, not the end of your book.
What to Do While You Wait: Keep Moving
While waiting to hear back from one employer, this is your action plan:
- Keep applying for other jobs.
- Build your LinkedIn network.
- Publish thought leadership content—even something as simple as a post about something you’re learning can get you noticed.
- Participate in virtual career fairs and networking events.
- Ask for informational interviews with experts in your desired field.
Having momentum in today’s job market is what success is all about.
Your future self is depending on you not to waste time.
The Bigger Picture: Economic Trends That Influence Hiring Today
Let’s also recognize the prevailing politics and economic climate.
With growing debates regarding DEI initiatives, most companies are changing how they speak of diversity, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re giving up on inclusive hiring entirely.
In fact, many companies still maintain active DEI hiring objectives, even if they’re referring to it as “culture hiring”, “merit-based hiring”, or “broadening perspectives” rather than DEI.
What does that mean to you?
Wait longer. Interview more. Compete harder.
But it also means more opportunities for those who learn to position themselves, follow up, and remain visible.
Final Word: This is a Marathon, Not a Moment
If you take away one thing from this blog, make it this: do not allow one confusing interview comment to get in your head or throw you off track.
Keep your focus. Remain visible. Continue developing your brand.
Whether you’re a college student seeking out internships, a recent grad pursuing your first corporate job, or a young professional changing jobs, remember that you belong in every room you enter.
And when the door won’t open right away, don’t just knock louder—begin building your own.
Your career is your legacy project. Let’s get it.
If this spoke to you and you’d like more game-changing career resources or advice, be sure to connect with me at traceypennywell@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.