What are the best ways to request detailed feedback post-interview?

Requesting feedback after an interview can be a powerful tool for professional development. It allows you to understand how others perceive your skills and presentation, and provides valuable insights that can help you improve for future opportunities. Whether you've been successful or not in securing a position, asking for feedback demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and can leave a positive impression on the interviewers. It's important to approach this request professionally and courteously, ensuring that you come across as genuinely interested in learning rather than challenging the decision made.

1 Timing Matters

When seeking post-interview feedback, timing is crucial. You should wait at least one or two days after receiving the interview outcome before making your request. This gives the interviewers enough time to finalize their decision and shows that you are respectful of their schedule. Be mindful of how busy the hiring team might be and avoid appearing impatient or demanding. A well-timed request can make the difference between receiving a thoughtful response and being overlooked.

Add your perspective

Yolanda D. Logan

Book Author/Independent Contractor
Report contribution
Procedurally, whenever serving as a "Chair" on any Interview Board, I'll cover what's to be expected from each member serving. Once an interview has been completed, everyone is allowed adequate time to contemplate, and create a written summary, which involves their findings. Thereafter, I'll immediately request their analysis and initial score from each member. Then, I'll provide my analysis, clarify any discrepancies, and open it for discussion. Overwhelmingly, we've consistently agreed on the prospective candidate's skills, talents, and abilities as well as determined his/her suitability. Equally important, I'm always considerate and thoughtful in receiving each board member's professional opinion.

Like
Antonio Valverde Cano

Administración de comunidades, Procuraduría de los Tribunales y Docencia
Report contribution
Timing is Key. Don't rush for feedback! Wait 1-2 days after the interview outcome before reaching out. This respects the interviewer's schedule & shows you're not impatient. A well-timed request increases your chances of getting a thoughtful response. #interview #feedback #careeradvancement

Like

2 Email Etiquette

Crafting a polite and concise email is key to obtaining the feedback you seek. Address the recipient by name, thank them for the opportunity, and express your desire to learn and grow from the experience. Be specific about what you're asking for—detailed feedback on your interview performance—and avoid generic phrases that might lead to equally generic responses. Remember to keep your tone professional and grateful, regardless of the interview outcome.

Add your perspective

Antonio Valverde Cano

Administración de comunidades, Procuraduría de los Tribunales y Docencia
Report contribution
Craft a Professional Email. Use email etiquette for feedback requests! Address the interviewer by name, thank them for the opportunity, and show your interest in learning & growing. Be specific - request detailed interview performance feedback. Avoid generic phrases that lead to generic responses. Keep your tone professional & grateful, regardless of the outcome. #interview #feedback #careeradvancement

Like

3 Constructive Language

Using constructive language in your request can set the tone for the type of feedback you'll receive. Instead of simply asking what went wrong, frame your questions around how you can improve. This shows that you're open to constructive criticism and focused on personal development. It's also a subtle way to remind the interviewers to provide actionable suggestions rather than vague comments.

Add your perspective

Antonio Valverde Cano

Administración de comunidades, Procuraduría de los Tribunales y Docencia
Report contribution
Focus on Improvement. Use positive language for feedback! Instead of "what went wrong?", ask "how can I improve?". This shows openness to constructive criticism & a focus on self-development. It subtly reminds interviewers to provide actionable suggestions, not just comments. #interview #feedback #careeradvancement

Like

4 Follow-Up Thoughtfully

If you don't receive a response within a week, it's acceptable to send a polite follow-up email. Reiterate your interest in receiving feedback and mention that you understand their time constraints. Avoid sounding confrontational or entitled; remember that while some companies have policies encouraging post-interview feedback, others may not prioritize it. A thoughtful follow-up demonstrates perseverance and respect for the process.

Add your perspective

Antonio Valverde Cano

Administración de comunidades, Procuraduría de los Tribunales y Docencia
Report contribution
Polite Persistence. No response after a week? A polite follow-up is okay! Briefly restate your interest in feedback & acknowledge their busy schedule. Avoid sounding demanding; some companies may not prioritize feedback. A thoughtful follow-up shows perseverance & respect. #interview #feedback #careeradvancement

Like

5 Accept Gracefully

When you receive feedback, respond with gratitude regardless of the content. Thank interviewers for their time and the insights provided. If the feedback is less positive or detailed than you hoped for, resist the urge to argue or defend yourself. Instead, use this as an opportunity to reflect on your interview performance objectively and consider how you can apply the feedback in the future.

Add your perspective

Antonio Valverde Cano

Administración de comunidades, Procuraduría de los Tribunales y Docencia
Report contribution
Thank You & Reflect. Always respond to feedback with gratitude. Thank interviewers for their time & insights. For less-than-positive feedback, avoid arguing - use it for reflection. Analyze your interview performance objectively & consider how to implement the feedback for future success. #interview #feedback #careeradvancement

Like

6 Reflect and Act

Finally, take the time to reflect on the feedback received and plan how you will act on it. Identify key areas for improvement and set realistic goals for yourself. Whether it's enhancing your interview technique, gaining additional experience, or working on specific skills, use the feedback as a stepping stone towards your next career move. Remember, every piece of advice is an opportunity to grow and excel in your professional journey.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

What are the best ways to request detailed feedback post-interview?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Timing Matters

2 Email Etiquette

3 Constructive Language

4 Follow-Up Thoughtfully

5 Accept Gracefully

6 Reflect and Act

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Business Management

More relevant reading

What are the best ways to request detailed feedback post-interview?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Timing Matters

2 Email Etiquette

3 Constructive Language

4 Follow-Up Thoughtfully

5 Accept Gracefully

6 Reflect and Act

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills