It doesn't matter how good a professional you are, at some point you will get rejected during the job search process. (And if you’re deep into your career and it’s miraculously never happened—call us, we want to know your secrets!) When it happens to you, the best thing to do is take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes by asking for feedback.
Though rejections without any feedback are becoming more common, it doesn't mean you can't ask for it. The worst that can happen is that the recruiter won’t reply? The best case scenario: You come away with constructive feedback that will set you up for success in your next interview. Here's our guide on how to ask for feedback after job rejection.
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When to ask for feedback
If you received a standard rejection phone call or message such as “There are no further steps for you” or “We decided on another candidate” with no further explanation, it's OK to follow up and ask for feedback.
Do it promptly, either immediately—if the news is delivered on a phone or video call—or within a few days of receiving the email. Following up within a week of the rejection is best, says Steven Mostyn, CEO and chief reverse recruiter at Superstar Resume, because “your application is still fresh in the interviewer's mind.”
When not to ask for feedback
Pay attention to clues that follow-up would not be appreciated—or is clearly discouraged. “Avoid asking if the job posting specifies no feedback will be given, if the rejection was already explained clearly, or if the process ended after a preliminary screening due to high competition,” Mostyn says.
How to ask for feedback after job rejection
Once you’ve decided to ask for feedback after being rejected, here are six tips on how to do it correctly:
1. Use the right communication channel
Contact the employer through the same channel they used to contact you. If they left a voicemail, give a call back; if they sent an email, reply with your query. If you're rejected during a phone call, you can ask for feedback right away.
2. Be graceful about the rejection
Acknowledge the employer's decision with grace and professionalism. It's completely normal and acceptable to feel sad and disappointed, but you shouldn't overshare those feelings with the employer. For instance, you could say “While disappointed not to be joining such an amazing company, I understand and respect your decision.”
3. Thank the employer for their consideration
Be courteous and express your thanks and appreciation for the employer's time spent getting to know and evaluate you. Before jumping to ask for feedback, say something along the lines of “Thank you for considering me” or “Thank you for the consideration.”
4. Directly ask for feedback
Without further ado, ask for feedback. Keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers are busy people and go straight to the point. “Politely express your interest in receiving feedback to improve,” Mostyn says. “Be specific about what aspects of your application or interview you’d like feedback on.”
For example:
- Are there any ways I could improve my interview performance?
- Do I lack any specific experience, skill, or abilities?
- What do you suggest I improve on my resume or cover letter?
Don't ask too many questions, though. Ask one or two based on what was said on the rejection note or what you think could be the reason for your rejection. For instance, if they went for a more experienced candidate, the question about experiences, skills, and abilities is perfect to bring clarity on what you lack or what the job market is looking for.
Read this next: 57 Smart Questions to Ask in an Interview in 2024
5. Be receptive to the feedback
Whatever they say, don't be reactive nor try to rebut their criticism. Show that you're willing to reflect and grow by being receptive to the feedback. Know that their point of view and opinions may not align with the opinions you have about yourself or what's needed for the job. Thus, you should be prepared to hear (or read) things you may not agree with or like.
6. Thank them for their time and wrap it up
Don't make the conversation longer than it should be. If you're talking on the phone, thank them for their time and finish the call. If you ask via email, express your gratitude in advance and if they respond, send a short thank you note after.
What not to do when asking for feedback after a job rejection
Now that you know what to do when asking for feedback after a job rejection, here is Mostyn's list of what not to do if you want to keep the door open:
- Don't demand feedback: In an ideal situation where recruiters don't have dozens of emails to read and calls to make, all candidates would receive feedback after an interview. However, that's not the case. You're not entitled to it and you shouldn't demand one—only ask nicely.
- Don't challenge the rejection: Never try to change the employer's mind or be stubborn about their response. Again, you're not entitled to the position. Challenging the rejection won't make you look passionate, but reactive and unwilling to accept no as a response.
- Don't be defensive: Don't try to defend yourself or justify whatever they say you did wrong or lack. Even if it's not true and you don't agree at all with their opinion, arguing with a potential employer is a bad call.
Ask for feedback after job rejection: Examples
Here's a sample email asking for feedback after job rejection and a sample of what to say in a phone call:
Example #1: Email
Hi Rose,
Thank you for letting me know your decision, which I understand and respect. I appreciate getting to know more about the business and the time you took to interview me and review my application.
Would you be willing to provide feedback about my interview performance and my resume? I want to use this opportunity to learn and grow as a professional moving forward. I would deeply appreciate any feedback you could provide.
Once again, thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Jane Jones
Example #2: Phone
Thank you for calling and informing me about your decision—I completely understand and respect it. It was a pleasure getting to know more about the Company's Y business. Would you mind providing me with some feedback about my interview performance and resume? Is there something I could improve moving forward?
After hearing their response, ask one follow up question—if you have any—then, wrap it up with expressing your gratitude. For example:
Thank you, this feedback is really helpful. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, I appreciate it.
What if you don't hear back?
If you send an email asking for feedback and don't receive a response, follow up once. “Send one polite follow-up email after a week or two,” Mostyn says. If you don't hear back, move on. “Some employers may not provide feedback due to policy or time constraints, so it’s best to move on,” he adds.
Remember it's not personal—the hiring manager or recruiter it's likely only following company policy or doesn't have any free time on their schedule. If you do hear back and it's bad feedback, it's not personal either. They're simply expressing their impression based on your interactions with them. See what you can improve and apply in your next application.