How To Ask for Feedback After Job Rejection – 5 Great Examples

Getting rejected from a job you want is one of the worst feelings in the world. But, instead of dwelling on the rejection, use it as an opportunity to learn and improve.

One of the best ways to do this is to ask for feedback from your interviewer. Doing so will give you valuable insight into what went wrong and how you can improve for future interviews.

This article will discuss five ways how to ask for feedback after job rejection and provide examples of how to do it correctly. We will also explain why asking for feedback after getting rejected is essential.

5 Ways on How to ask for feedback after job rejection

It can be challenging to hear the word “no” after working so hard towards a goal, but it’s important to remember that job rejection is not the end of the world.

It can be an opportunity to learn and grow. So if you’re interested in finding out how to improve next time, here are five ways to ask for feedback after job rejection.

1. Send a gracious email to the hiring manager.

It can be challenging to hear that you didn’t get the desired job. But it’s important to remember that every job rejection is an opportunity to learn and grow. One way to ask for feedback is to send a gracious email to the hiring manager.

In the email, you can express your appreciation for their time and opportunity and then politely inquire if they have any feedback that could help you in future job searches. Again, this shows that you’re professional and committed to continuously improving your skills. 

Here’s an example:

“Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],

It was a pleasure to speak with you regarding [position name]. I appreciate the opportunity to have met with you and learn more about the company.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback you might be able to provide regarding my qualifications for the role. I am eager to learn and grow in my career, and any insight you can provide would be constructive.

Thank you again for your time, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

2. Ask for feedback during an exit interview (if one is offered)

If you’re allowed to participate in an exit interview, this is another excellent opportunity to ask for feedback. During the interview, be sure to express your disappointment at not being offered the job, and then inquire if there’s anything you could have done differently.

Asking for feedback can help you understand the interview process better and improve your chances of success in future interviews. In addition, it shows that you’re willing to take constructive criticism and learn from your mistakes.

Here’s an example:

“Please let me know if there was anything I should have done differently during the interview process. I would really appreciate any feedback you can provide.”

3. Connect with the hiring manager on LinkedIn.

If you’re interested in receiving feedback about your job application, one option is to reach out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn. In your message, you can express your interest in receiving feedback and ask if they would be available for a brief call or meeting.

This can be an excellent way to get specific feedback about your qualifications and improve your chances of getting hired for the job. However, remember that the hiring manager may be busy, so your request must be brief and courteous.

Here’s an example of a message:

“Hello [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I was disappointed to hear that I wasn’t selected for the [position name] position, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed with you.

Would you be available for a brief meeting so that I can receive some feedback? I’m eager to learn and grow in my career, and any insight you can provide would be constructive. Again, thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

4. Request a meeting or phone call with the hiring manager

If you’re not comfortable reaching out to the hiring manager on LinkedIn, another option is to request a meeting or phone call directly. You can do this by emailing or calling the company’s HR department.

In your message, you can express your interest in receiving feedback and ask if they would be able to arrange a meeting or phone call with the hiring manager.

Here’s an example:

“Hello [HR Contact Name],

I was disappointed to hear that I wasn’t selected for the [position name] position, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have interviewed with the company.

Could we arrange a meeting or phone call so that I can get some feedback? If you could provide me with any insight that would be constructive to my career growth, I would greatly appreciate it. It would be a pleasure to speak with you in the near future, and I thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

5. Asking for Feedback in Person

Most employers aren’t going to call in a candidate to reject them unless they feel there is a chance their number one candidate might not work out.

So, when do you reply to a job rejection in person? The most likely scenario for in-person feedback requests is when you’re applying for a position at your own company and hear that you’ve been rejected by a hiring manager you know. 

It’s important to remember that you should never attempt to ambush a recruiter or hiring manager in person, as it can be highly off-putting and end up worsening their perception of you. 

You can say:

“Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. I’m sorry to hear that I wasn’t chosen for the position. Could you please inform me of what I need to improve on? I would really appreciate any feedback you can give me.”

Related: How To Ask Someone For a Job Opportunity

The Benefits of Asking for Feedback After Rejection

Handling job rejection can be difficult, but asking for feedback can help you to understand why you were not selected for the position.

There are several benefits to requesting feedback; here are some.

→ Added insight

Asking for interview feedback after a job rejection can give you much-needed insight into what went wrong and how you can improve next time.

While it may be painful to hear at first, getting honest feedback from recruiters or interviewers can help you learn and grow, making you a stronger candidate in the long run.

So next time you don’t get the job, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. It might be the key to landing your dream job next time.

→ Personal improvement

Asking for feedback after a job rejection can be very helpful in pinpointing areas that need improvement. In addition, genuine feedback will allow you to make the necessary changes to improve your chances of success in future job applications and interviews.

Additionally, during the job search process, you’ll have many opportunities to tweak your application and interview style.

→ Learn more about yourself

One of the most critical interview skills is taking feedback well. This can be difficult because it requires you to be open to hearing things about yourself that you may not want to hear.

However, it is essential to remember that feedback is not personal. It is simply information that can help you to improve your performance. Learning to take feedback well will show potential employers that you are coachable and willing to work hard to improve.

Additionally, it will help you to avoid making the same mistakes over and over again.

→ Establish your willingness to grow

Many employers explicitly state that they want candidates who are receptive to feedback and willing to learn from their mistakes. However, simply claiming to have these qualities is not enough. Anyone can say they are open to feedback, but few people follow through on it.

Pursuing feedback after a rejection shows that you are genuinely committed to self-improvement in your career. This can impress recruiters and hiring managers, who may consider you for future openings.

→ Keep the door open for future opportunities

The tendency is to think it would be best to move on to the next opportunity when you get rejected, but this is also a way of closing the door on future opportunities for you without requesting feedback from the option itself. 

It won’t be a matter of remembering the candidate who didn’t send a quick “thanks” when the next related role opens up. It can make a huge difference for you to send a gracious thank you and a request for feedback to move closer to the top of the list if you do this later.

→ Receive closure

Many companies don’t give feedback, which leaves job seekers in the dark. Asking for feedback is crucial to get closure and assurance that you did everything possible.

If a company refuses to give feedback, it’s important to remember that it’s not personal and that there are other job opportunities. Don’t let one bad experience discourage you from continuing your job search.

→ Networking

Professional networking is a vital part of the job-hunting process. One way to expand your professional network is to ask for feedback after a job interview.

If you receive a positive response, you can follow up with the interviewer by connecting with them on a business networking site or asking for a referral.

In addition to growing your professional network, asking for feedback shows that you are interested in learning and improving your skills. It also demonstrates that you are comfortable communicating with others and willing to take criticism.

→ Understanding competitors

When you receive feedback after being rejected for a position, it can help you understand how you ranked against the other applicants.

The interviewer may provide insight into why they chose another candidate, which can help you identify areas you need to improve professionally.

Based on the feedback, you may decide to develop yourself further before applying for a similar position. This could involve taking additional courses or gaining more experience in the relevant field. 

Related: How To Know a Job is Right For You

Conclusion

After job rejection, seeking feedback is essential to understand what you did wrong and how to improve for future interviews.

The five ways to ask for our feedback will help make the process a little less daunting. Have you ever asked for feedback after a job rejection? Let us know in the comment section below!

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