Join us on Feb. 13 for a complimentary workshop to enhance your 1:1s with strategies you can apply at any level!
Learn More.png)
After a successful job search, you apply for the job and go through the interview process but still fall short and get rejected.
What are your next steps?
Request feedback to understand why you were not chosen. This will help you identify areas for improvement and boost your chances of future job opportunities. It will also give you valuable insights and refine your future approaches.
So, how can you request feedback?
And what are the best practices, benefits, and common mistakes to avoid when requesting feedback?
Read on to learn more.
<div id ="one">
Hiring managers can call unsuccessful candidates; however, emails are the most common avenue. Some give feedback immediately after you have been unsuccessful, while others give room for inquiries.
If offered, take the opportunity to request feedback. Email the hiring manager and ask for constructive feedback. However, sometimes it might take a while to get the desired response, or sometimes you have to cut your losses.
It is essential to view rejection as an opportunity for professional growth rather than a setback. The most valuable resource you can gain from rejection is useful feedback.
Knowing why you have been rejected can give great tips on changing and succeeding in the next project. Here's how to ask for feedback after being turned down for a job:
Getting rejected can sting a little, but it's important to maintain a level head. Take some time to cool off and process your emotions. Respond to the employer by expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
For example: “Thank you for considering my application and allowing me to be interviewed for the job. I appreciate the time and effort your team put into the process."
In your response to the rejection, express interest in getting direct feedback. Politely ask if the hiring manager can explain why you weren't selected for the job. Express your desire to learn from the experience and your commitment to personal and professional growth
Example: "I would appreciate any feedback you could share regarding my job interview or application. It would help me improve for future interviews."
Whether it is through a cover letter or Email, choose the most appropriate communication channel before requesting feedback. In some instances, you may have direct contact with the hiring manager and can request feedback from them.
When requesting feedback, you need to state what you want to know. Why did I not get a job? is far more productive than “Why was I not hired?” It means that it may be worth staging this request more deliberately. For instance, you may wish to know about things such as where else you could fill in qualifications or where you could increase skills, how you could integrate better into the firm’s culture or any questions that the employer had about you.
Avoid defensiveness and frustration. When requesting feedback after a job rejection, your tone can show the hiring manager your intent, and he or she can offer valuable insights. A positive tone shows your willingness to grow; if constructive criticism comes your way, you will handle it gracefully.
End the request on a positive note by expressing gratitude for the opportunity given.
Example: "Thank you for considering me, and I appreciate any valuable insights you can provide."
<div id ="two">
The right time to request feedback is within 2-3 days of receiving the reception notice. Acting promptly helps ensure that your job application and interview are still fresh on the hiring manager's mind, increasing the likelihood of receiving feedback. Additionally, this timeframe demonstrates respect for the effort and time the hiring manager put into contacting you.
Send a follow-up notice by Wednesday if you receive a rejection email at the start of the week. This allows the hiring manager to recall specifics concerning your application and interview. This approach balances timeliness with professionalism, ensuring our request is effective and considerate.
Timely requests will ensure that the feedback received will give you valuable insights, which you can leverage to improve and prepare for future opportunities.
<div id ="three">
Be receptive to the decision and do not waste much time. Sending several emails or messages may appear pushy and could tarnish your overall business reputation.
For instance, after writing a follow-up email, you must be polite and not keep searching for a reply. Applicants are expected to be keen on their applications but not keen on sending follow-up messages regarding feedback.
Any way of communicating that may cause frustration to another or expressing disappointment or desperation is not very professional.
For example, don’t say things like, “I know I won’t be able to get a job,” and rather concentrate on such phrases as, “I am lucky to have been interviewed.” By doing so, the employer will not have any reason to look for another candidate even if they are not interested in offering you the job since they have a positive attitude towards you.
Feedback is only as good as the action that may be taken on it. People often reject all criticism, even if it is helpful, so they can miss out on chances at being a better person.
For instance, if you are criticized for your technical skills, opt to improve by going for a training program or a certification course. Sharing feedback is evidence of development, which is a valued soft skill among employers. This way, you won’t risk falling into these pitfalls and will get the most from the feedback process, leaving a positive trace.
<div id ="four">
Critique allows you to identify deficiencies; it is usually easier to have specific direction on changes that may make a lot of difference. For example, finding out that a particular interview had no examples of leadership might make you practice better ways of improving the quality of your storytelling in the coming interviews.
Asking for feedback helps you accept rejection gracefully while changing the perception from negative to positive. The process also creates a positive attitude that failure is an opportunity to work harder and the emotional strength so vital for a lifelong career.
It is also never a bad idea regarding your resume, a cover letter, or an interview approach. For example, if you understand that your answers were not clear enough from feedback, you can make adjustments, and your next application will meet the employer’s requirements.
Asking for feedback proves someone’s emotional intelligence and your ability to accept criticism and improve. Suppose the original message has been prepared thoughtfully and professionally, the follow-up e-mail should also be calculated and well-performed, which will always help to act as a positive signal when in the future you might apply for other positions within the company.
Paying respect to the hiring manager allows you to remain in their field of vision for other vacancies. For instance, a hiring manager will remember your professionalism and recommend you for open positions. It shows that you not only want to get better but are willing to do whatever is necessary to do so, and it keeps the door open for you when it comes to other prospects as well.
<div id ="five">
Subject Line: Request for Feedback on My Application.
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the[Job position] role at[company name]. Although I'm disappointed that we didn't move forward with the process, I appreciate the valuable insights and experience I gained.
I would be grateful for any feedback on my interview performance if possible. Your insight would be valuable in helping me improve for future success.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I wish you and your company continued success.
Best regards,
[Your Name].
<div id ="six">
Submitting an application for an interview and seeking feedback after being turned down for the job converts failure to success. That way, when you approach the conversation professionally and with the spirit of getting some new knowledge and experience, you get that knowledge and a lot of new experience to help with future applications. Please always note that what is given to you is not criticism but constructive suggestions for doing even better.
