How do you ask for feedback after a job rejection?

1 Choose the right person

The first step to asking for feedback is to decide who to contact. Ideally, you want to reach out to the person who interviewed you or who communicated with you throughout the hiring process. They are likely to have the most insight into your performance and the hiring criteria. However, if you did not have direct contact with anyone from the employer, you can try contacting the human resources department or the hiring manager. Avoid sending a generic email to a general address or a person you have never interacted with. You want to make a personal connection and show that you value their time and opinion.

2 Time your request

The next step is to determine when to ask for feedback. You don't want to ask too soon or too late after receiving the rejection. Too soon might seem desperate or pushy, while too late might seem irrelevant or forgetful. A good rule of thumb is to wait for a few days after the rejection, but not more than a week. This gives you enough time to process your emotions and reflect on your performance, as well as the employer enough time to wrap up the hiring process and move on to other tasks.

3 Write a polite email

The third step is to write a polite and concise email requesting feedback. Start by thanking the person for their time and consideration, and expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. Then, explain that you are interested in improving your skills and qualifications, and that you would appreciate any constructive feedback they can provide on your application or interview. Be specific about what kind of feedback you are looking for, such as your resume, cover letter, interview skills, or fit for the role or company. Avoid sounding defensive, bitter, or entitled, and emphasize that you respect their decision and value their perspective. End by thanking them again and inviting them to reply at their convenience.

4 Handle the response

The final step is to handle the response you receive from the employer or recruiter. If they agree to give you feedback, thank them for their honesty and generosity, and listen carefully to what they have to say. Take notes and ask clarifying questions if needed, but don't argue or justify yourself. Try to be open-minded and receptive to their suggestions, and use them to improve your job search strategy and skills. If they decline to give you feedback, thank them for their response and wish them well. Don't take it personally or insist on getting feedback. Some employers may have policies or preferences that prevent them from giving feedback, or they may simply be too busy or reluctant to do so.

Asking for feedback after a job rejection can be a challenging but rewarding process. It can help you learn from your experience, improve your skills, and prepare for the next opportunity. By following these steps, you can ask for feedback in a professional and respectful way, and increase your chances of getting a positive and constructive response.

5 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?