How to Ask for Feedback After an Interview

Why is Asking for Feedback After an Interview Important?

The following are the main reasons for asking your interviewer for feedback:

1. To Recognize your Strengths

Asking your interviewers for feedback at the end of the interview will help you understand what different employers expect from a candidate. As such, this brings you more preparation for future interviews.

Besides that, the feedback you receive will provide valuable insights into your worth as a candidate and benefit your career in several other areas, including salary negotiations.

2. To Find out how you can get better

It's also probable that your interviewer has some experience interviewing lots of candidates, and so they will be able to give you good advice on how to make your interview skills better. Asking for feedback after interview allows you to identify your areas of improvement so that you can get better before your next interview.

Good employees also differ from great employees in their willingness to learn, which is one of the best means of advancing your career. There is always something to be learned from other professionals in your industry.

3. To Show Interest in the Business

Even if you didn't land the position this time, there could be another opportunity at the company shortly. In such a case, you want the employer to keep in mind your interest in the position. 

A good way to make sure that you leave a lasting impression is to show passion for the company and a desire to learn. When you ask for feedback, interviewers see it as a sign that you're interested in the job and are curious to hear why you weren't the best fit for the company right now.

4. To Learn More About the Competition

You may do everything to perfection, ranging from highlighting your strongest points to facing tough behavioral interview questions, and still be rejected because of the ruthless competition.

But every interview is an opportunity to learn about your competition and what characteristics they have that employers are looking for. Seeking feedback is a positive learning experience that can increase your chances of impressing future employers during follow-up interviews.

How to Ask for Feedback After Interview

While there are many benefits to asking for feedback after interview, some job seekers may be afraid of asking their interviewer for advice. Employ the following steps in professionally and graciously handling rejection and asking the interviewer for their feedback:

1. Be Courteous

Keep in mind that you are requesting a favor of the interviewer, which is that they spend a little more time responding to you, so that politeness can get you a better chance of a well-considered answer.

2. Thank the interviewer for their time

When responding to the rejection email or call, begin by thanking the interviewer for the time spent reading your application and interviewing you. This is formal politeness and a way of maintaining the professional relationship that was begun during the interview process. An acceptance of a rejection with graciousness can create a good tone in the conversation.

3. Describe your Motivation

Few applicants will reply to a rejection letter, so indicate that you are writing for a reason. Express that you are continually looking for opportunities to make improvements and that you would appreciate some feedback from the interview. By stating why you are looking for feedback, you inform the interviewer what type of feedback would be of most use to you.

4. Show Appreciation

At the close of your request for feedback, express gratitude for the interviewer's experience. Think of mentioning a section of the interview that you liked or a project that was of interest to you. This will help to reinforce your good reputation with the interviewer and his company. If the interviewer does reply, again, thank him for the time taken to provide feedback.

6. Put the Interviewer's Advice into Practice

Use the interviewer's advice and apply the most appropriate guidance for the next interview. Consider how you can improve in a particular aspect of an interview. For instance, if the interviewer mentioned company culture as a reason for selecting another candidate, think about researching firms that agree with your values.

FAQs related to interview feedback

These frequently asked questions can help you if you're still unsure about some parts of asking for feedback after an interview:

When should I request feedback from an interviewer?

Within twenty-four hours of the interview, you should ask the interviewer for comments. In this manner, the interviewer can give you thorough feedback while your answers are still fresh in their memory.

If I received a job offer, should I ask for feedback?

If you receive a job offer after an interview, you may still ask the interviewer for feedback on your performance and the reasons why they selected you for the position. Good news can tell you what you're doing right and what the employer sees in your crew.

Who do I ask?

You should usually get in touch with the recruiter or the individual who conducted your interview. Addressing the team or the individual who sent the rejection letter is an option if you had a panel interview.

What should I not do after an interview when I want feedback?

When you ask for feedback after an interview, don't try to influence the interviewer's opinion. This makes it seem impolite and makes it more likely that you won't receive a response.

Key Takeaways:

• Receiving feedback helps you enhance your interview performance and respond to new opportunities.
• Send your feedback request within a business day of an interview.
• Make your message brief, direct, and professional.

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