When it comes to hiring, companies often ask: Can you really tell how someone will perform based on an interview? After conducting thousands of interviews and hiring hundreds of people, we’ve seen one undeniable truth time and again—how a candidate interviews is a strong indicator of how they’ll show up on the job.

From energy levels to communication habits, a candidate’s interview behavior often mirrors their workplace behavior. That’s why it’s critical for employers to pay close attention during interviews—and for job seekers to bring their A-game every time.

Interview Energy Levels Often Mirror Job Performance

We’ve all met that candidate who walks into the interview practically buzzing with energy. They’re engaged, prepared, excited—and not just saying what you want to hear. They’re genuinely eager to get started and make an impact. Unsurprisingly, these are often the same employees who hit the ground running, bring enthusiasm to meetings, and keep teams motivated.

On the flip side, lower energy in an interview usually carries over into the job. If a candidate is slow to respond, unprepared, or disengaged during the interview process, that behavior rarely changes once they’re hired. Interviews offer a window into work ethic, communication style, and level of initiative—so it’s important to take note.

Responsiveness During Interviews Predicts On-the-Job Communication

How quickly does a candidate follow up after the interview? Did they respond to your email within an hour or did it take them two days? These behaviors tend to remain consistent once someone is onboarded.

Candidates who are prompt during the hiring process typically treat internal and external communication with the same urgency. They’re more likely to reply to client emails promptly, meet deadlines, and keep projects on track. Responsiveness isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s often a reflection of a candidate’s reliability and attention to detail.

Interview Behavior Sets the Tone for Work Ethic and Initiative

How a candidate prepares for the interview—whether they’ve researched the company, thought through thoughtful questions, or taken the time to understand the role—says a lot about their level of initiative. A lack of preparation may indicate a lack of commitment or long-term interest in the role.

For hiring managers, this means looking beyond polished resumes and rehearsed answers. Focus on the behaviors you can observe directly during the hiring process. For job seekers, this is a reminder that every moment of the interview—from the way you greet the receptionist to your follow-up email—contributes to your overall impression.

What This Means for Hiring Managers and Job Seekers

If you’re hiring, treat interviews not just as a way to gather facts, but as a real-time simulation of how a candidate will perform. Pay attention to their punctuality, energy, engagement, communication, and follow-through.

If you’re job hunting, understand that your interview is more than a formality—it’s your first day on the job in the eyes of your potential employer. Bring the same attitude, effort, and enthusiasm you’d bring to the actual role. Because chances are, that’s exactly how you’ll be evaluated.

Work with a Staffing Agency That Understands People

At Murray Resources, we’ve seen how small behaviors in interviews can reveal a lot about future job performance. Whether you’re a company looking for top-tier talent or a professional looking for your next opportunity, we can help match the right people to the right roles—because we know what to look for.

Check out our job openings or contact us to learn more about how we can help you build your career or team with confidence.