Should You Be Asking for Feedback After a Job Rejection?

Discussion Topic of Feedback on Job Rejection

Job rejections is one of the toughest forms of rejection one could face. The question is, should you be asking for feedback after a job rejection? Let's discuss this.

Desktop Publisher Specialist

Lorain, OH

A Desktop Publisher Specialist in Lorain, OH discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

I got rejected after an interview last month. The message went like this:

"Thank you for your patience and time. Unfortunately, we don't have good news at this point. While your application was good, it wasn't strong enough to proceed to the next stage".

I'm sure I wasn't the only one that came across rejection messages like this. At one point, I wanted a definite closure but wasn't sure how to ask for feedback after an interview. If you're like me, you may be wondering if you should be asking for feedback after receiving a rejection message.

The short answer is yes. I did so, and knowing what went wrong helped tremendously in nailing my next interview.

Job Forum Asking for Feedback After Rejection How to Ask for Interview Feedback
11/9/2020 , Lorain, OH

Classroom Assistant

Troy, NY

A Classroom Assistant in Troy, NY discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

As a hiring manager, I've interviewed countless candidates over the past year. Those who failed in an interview quite often do not ask for what went wrong.

I get it, no one likes to listen to views or assessments of why they failed. It is a scary thing to do. But do hear me out: When people leave feedback, it allows you to learn more about yourself.

So, should you be asking for feedback after a job rejection? Yes.

Job Forum How to Ask for Feedback After Rejection
11/2/2020 , Troy, NY

Dean of Admissions

Pittsburgh, PA

A Dean of Admissions in Pittsburgh, PA discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Early in the days when I started job hunting, I had a tough time accepting that I got rejected after an interview I thought went well. I never knew the reason why, because I was afraid to ask for feedback after rejection.

Then I realized that the more often you ask for one, the easier it is to consume. Feedback is essential to understand that you have certain blind spots. Because you cannot see in yourself what others see in you, asking for feedback will be the wisest thing to do.

Job Forum Ask for Feedback After Rejection
10/27/2020 , Pittsburgh, PA

Career Advisor

Marysville, WA

A Career Advisor in Marysville, WA discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Are you thinking if you should be asking for interview feedback?

I know it's not comfortable doing this, but doing so will bring you some positive strokes that will benefit you in the later stages. But first, you need to get those genuine comments, so you know where to apply the extra effort.

Job Forum How to Ask for Feedback After Interview How to Ask for an Update After an Interview
10/15/2020 , Marysville, WA

Day Care Teacher

Ann Arbor, MI

A Day Care Teacher in Ann Arbor, MI discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

I interview hundreds of candidates each year. Many tend to bear the rejection and get back to their job hunt without asking for feedback after rejection.

But if you don't clarify your mistakes now, how many more job opportunities will cost you? In contrast, if you attempt to inquire what went wrong, you avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Allow me to tell you how you can get a genuine response:

1. Know what you are after or what is your end goal

2. Establish your willingness to grow and improve

3. Ask specific questions such as "Should I talk more or less?" or "Is my behavior in meetings acceptable?"

4. Ask for examples. Things like "Tell me about a time when I didn't make eye contact with you" paints

5. Take notes, and record if possible. Collect data about what went wrong and refer to it whenever you need them.

I hope these tips will help you out in one way or the other. No matter how many times you've been rejected, never lose hope!

Job Forum Should You Ask for Feedback After Job Rejection
10/9/2020 , Ann Arbor, MI

Music Professor

Myrtle Beach, SC

A Music Professor in Myrtle Beach, SC discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

As an interview candidate, yes, you should be asking for feedback after rejection.

As an HR manager, bear in mind that some companies won't provide you with the closure you need.

One common scenario why this happens is when a candidate tried to argue that they were the best fit. I soon realized that it is best to give the default "We really like your background, but unfortunately, there was someone who fits the position better" answer.

I certainly encourage you to ask for feedback but here are three don'ts if you're going to do it: Don't get mad, don't defend, and don't pester. Know that every candidate we reject isn't an easy decision to make.

Good luck with your job hunt!

Job Forum Asking for Interview Feedback How to Ask for an Update After an Interview
10/4/2020 , Myrtle Beach, SC

Theatre Teacher

Union City, NJ

A Theatre Teacher in Union City, NJ discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Asking for feedback after a rejection isn't wrong at all. However, don't take offense if you don't hear back. You're asking a big favor of your interviewer, who has no obligation to answer you once you're no longer considered a candidate.

Job Forum How to Ask for an Update After an Interview
9/28/2020 , Union City, NJ

Physics Professor

Aurora, IL

A Physics Professor in Aurora, IL discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

I think to ask for feedback after rejection or not depends on which stage your interview has reached. If you didn't make it past the screening or first round of interview (knowing that there are three more), chances were the HR doesn't think you're fit for the job.

On the other hand, if you've made it to the final round of interviews, you could receive helpful feedbacks if you attempt to ask. At this stage, it could be something you said or a skill you lacked that caused the employer to choose a different candidate.

Whether you've decided to ask for feedback or not, you should always make sure to respond to the job rejection. This is to maintain a positive relationship with the employer in the future.

Job Forum How to Ask for Interview Feedback
9/23/2020 , Aurora, IL

Vice Chancellor

Orange, CA

A Vice Chancellor in Orange, CA discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Asking for feedback after job rejection may seem like a risky move, and it is. You could or could not have gotten input. I think you could try asking for the reason behind why you're not selected. But note that, it's essential to be careful about how you ask for it.

Carefully consider your approach to doing so. Politeness is a mandate when asking for a feedback. Whether you received the news via email or phone, it's best to be asking for feedback in an email. No one likes being put on the spot, and emailing helps avoid awkward situations.

And if you do receive constructive criticism, be sure to seriously think about it and find ways to improve yourself before your next interview.

Job Forum How to Ask for a Feedback After a Job Rejection
9/22/2020 , Orange, CA

Entry Applications Engineer

Roswell, NM

An Entry Applications Engineer in Roswell, NM discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Because you need to learn from experience, asking for feedback after a rejection is perfectly fine. Unfortunately, it's scarce for companies to respond to requests like this, but there's no harm in asking.

No matter what the results turn out to be, I would suggest that you write back. Thank them for their help and time. Being polite might just give you some brownie points.

Job Forum Asking for Interview Feedback
9/15/2020 , Roswell, NM

Entry Packaging Engineer

Waldorf, MD

An Entry Packaging Engineer in Waldorf, MD discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

Whenever I can offer a candidate substantive, helpful feedback, I will. I make it my duty to make them aware of their mistakes to not repeat them in their next interview. Even if we don't end up as colleagues, I still wish them the best in their path ahead.

However, let me also tell you this. Some companies are very reluctant to provide detailed feedback about the candidate they rejected because it creates all kinds of legal exposure. This is why candidates often hear the phrase, "We went with another candidate this time, but we'll keep you in mind if a position opens up where your skills are a match" kind of response.

It's okay if that happens. Be gracious and accept it.

But then again, candidates should go ahead and ask. Because how else would you find your weaknesses? Asking for feedback after rejection means you're seeking improvements, learning how you sell yourself, and improving how you pursue future opportunities.

Job Forum How to Ask for Interview Feedback How to Ask for Feedback After Rejection
9/10/2020 , Waldorf, MD

Mining Manager

Gastonia, NC

A Mining Manager in Gastonia, NC discussed the topic of Feedback on Job Rejection about one year ago.

I have been asked to provide feedback by three candidates before. The candidates asked why they weren’t considered, and I gave them reasons based on what we had discussed. Although they were disappointed, they were happy to know parts where they can polish up, and we parted on a fair note.

Yet, this subject matter differs from person to person.

You see, feedback is not easy to give and indeed not easy to receive. Genuinely asking for feedback after a rejection is even more challenging. If you are given a chance to do so, try your best to gather as much input about yourself as you can. Don’t forget to drop a mail thanking them for taking out time to talk to you and tell you the ways you can improve.

What matters is the ability to act after constructive feedback that is vital to your job hunt success. All these are an essential journey of self-discovery that will be rewarding eventually.

Job Forum How to Ask for Feedback After an Interview How to Ask for an Update After an Interview
9/3/2020 , Gastonia, NC