How To Ask For Feedback After Job Rejection

By: Jennifer Ambrosio

I recently read a Fast Company article that said that the average job seeker receives between 6 to 10 rejections after applying to 10 to 15 jobs. While rejection happens to almost everyone, it is always difficult to deal with at any point in your career. Nothing is more frustrating than applying for a job, landing an interview, extensively preparing for it, and then getting rejected. While the the easiest thing to is to walk away and try and forget any of it ever happened, the most productive approach is to ask for feedback.

Below are some helpful tips on when and how to go about asking for feedback after job rejection:

  • Don’t let too much time pass after being rejected. It’s best to ask when the interview is still fresh on the interviewer’s mind so ideally only wait a day or two after hearing you didn’t get the job to request feedback.

  • Approach asking for feedback in a friendly manner. You should always start off by thanking the interviewer for their time. You never want to burn bridges even if you are feeling burned after the rejection!

  • Accept the rejection. Do not try to sway the interviewer to change their mind. There is a reason why you didn’t get the job and hearing your argument will most likely do more damage than good.

  • Approach your request for feedback as a desire to learn and grow from this experience. You can let the interviewer know that you are always trying to better yourself and and that feedback would be extremely helpful to your growth and development. We know that this is most likely not an easy conversation for you (and most likely the interviewer as well), but showing sincere and genuine interest in bettering yourself as a job seeker will bring out the most candid and honest feedback.

  • After the feedback has been received, express gratitude once again for being considered, reiterate your enthusiasm for the company and try and leave the door open . As recruiters, we have seen people get rejected from one position, only to be offered another job at the same company that better aligned with their experience just a few months later.

The last tip I wanted to share is not about asking for feedback after you don’t get the job, but a way to possibly avoid rejection in the first place! Most interviews end with the interviewer asking something along the lines of  “do you have any questions for me?” A candidate once shared with me that his go-to question when asked is, “is there anything about my candidacy that gives you pause or hesitation on moving forward with me?” This is a very powerful question. It gives the opportunity to hopefully turn any negatives into positives or at least lessen the impact of them. It also allows you to clear up any miscommunication that may have occurred. Perhaps you conveyed something in a way you had not intended – asking this question, can often open an  opportunity for you to better explain how your experience and/or skillset aligns and why you are a great candidate for the role. Ultimately, this singular question has the potential to turn a job rejection into a potential offer.

A job search can be a daunting and arduous task, especially in a competitive market. Mindset is everything. Remain positive and know that the right job is out there for you. Spend time learning and growing from every interview and be proud that you put yourself out there!

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