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This guide will walk you through the right way to request interview feedback, including best practices, email templates, and tips to make the most of the feedback you receive.
How to Request Feedback After an Interview
Following a structured approach when requesting feedback ensures professionalism and increases the likelihood of receiving a helpful response.
1. Express Gratitude
Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position in your subject line. Regardless of the outcome, showing appreciation for the opportunity leaves a positive impression and demonstrates professionalism.
2. Be Specific About Your Request
Rather than simply asking, "How did I do in my next interview?" frame your request in a way that encourages useful insights.
For example:- “I’d love to hear any feedback you have on my interview performance, particularly regarding my communication and problem-solving skills.”
- “Could you share any areas where I could improve for future opportunities?”
3. Keep It Concise
Your request should be brief and to the point. A few well-crafted sentences are enough to express appreciation, request feedback, and invite a response without overwhelming the interviewer, making it a polite follow-up email.
4. Maintain a Professional and Positive Tone
Even if you are disappointed by the outcome, remain courteous and professional. Avoid sounding defensive or demanding. Instead, frame your request as a learning opportunity, showing a willingness to improve and grow with a growth mindset.
5. Make It Easy to Respond
Interviewers are often busy, so keeping your request simple and open-ended can increase the chances of getting a response. Let them know that even a short piece of advice would be valuable to you.
When to Ask for Feedback
Timing plays a crucial role in receiving meaningful feedback for your next opportunity. Consider these scenarios when deciding the best time to reach out:
- After Receiving a Rejection: Wait at least a day or two before reaching out. This allows you to process the outcome calmly and ensures your request is professional rather than emotional.
- Post-Interview Without an Update: If a week or more has passed without a response, send a polite follow-up requesting feedback. This also demonstrates professionalism and continued interest in future roles.
- After Multiple Interview Rounds: If you advance through several stages, especially the final rounds, hiring managers are more likely to provide detailed feedback. Their insights can help refine your approach for future opportunities.
- When You Have Built Rapport with the Interviewer: If you have a positive connection with the interviewer, they may be more open to offering constructive feedback. A respectful request in such cases can provide valuable insights and help maintain a professional relationship.
Best Channels for Requesting Feedback
Choose the channel based on your relationship with the interviewer and the company’s communication style for a professional and effective request.
- Email – The most professional and widely accepted method, allowing for a thoughtful and documented response.
- Phone Call – Suitable for informal settings or when you have built a strong rapport, offering immediate insights if appropriate.
- LinkedIn Message – A good option if you're connected and have maintained contact, ideal for networking-focused interactions.
Example Templates for Requesting Feedback
A well-crafted message should be polite, appreciative, and to the point. Here are a few email templates you can use:
Template 1: General Feedback Request
Template 2: After Reaching the Final Interview Round
Template 3: After Receiving a Rejection
Why Requesting Interview Feedback Matters
Receiving feedback after an interview can be a valuable learning opportunity. Here’s why it’s worth requesting:
1. Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
Feedback helps you understand what you did well and what areas need improvement, whether it’s your communication style, technical knowledge, or overall confidence during the interview. Knowing your strengths allows you to leverage them in future interviews while recognizing weaknesses gives you a chance to work on them.
2. Enhance Future Performance
Constructive criticism provides insights that can help you refine your interview technique to become the ideal candidate. Whether it’s structuring your answers more effectively, improving body language, or handling challenging questions better, applying feedback can make you a stronger candidate for future opportunities.
3. Demonstrate Professionalism
Requesting feedback respectfully and appreciatively shows maturity, a willingness to learn, and a proactive attitude that contributes to a positive reputation. Even if you weren’t selected for the role, leaving a positive impression on the employer can benefit your professional reputation.
4. Gain Insights on Hiring Decisions
Sometimes, feedback can provide clarity on why another candidate was chosen over you. Understanding what the employer prioritized—whether it was a specific skill, experience level, or cultural fit—can help you tailor your approach in future applications and interviews.
5. Expand Your Professional Network
Engaging in a feedback discussion keeps communication open with the employer. Even if you weren’t selected this time, showing professionalism and interest in growth could lead to future job opportunities, referrals, or even mentorship connections within the industry.
What to Do After Receiving Feedback
Receiving feedback is valuable, but how you respond to it can make a big difference in your professional growth. Follow these steps to make the most of the insights you receive:
- Reflect: Take time to process the feedback objectively. Consider both strengths and areas for improvement without taking criticism personally.
- Ask for Clarifications: If any part of the feedback is unclear, politely ask for further explanation to ensure you fully understand the suggestions.
- Apply Feedback: Use the insights to refine your interview skills, improve your responses, and address any identified weaknesses for future opportunities.
- Stay Positive: View feedback as a learning opportunity rather than a setback. Constructive criticism helps you grow and perform better in future interviews.
- Express Gratitude: Thank the interviewer for their time and feedback, regardless of the outcome. Showing appreciation demonstrates professionalism and leaves a positive impression on potential future opportunities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Asking for Feedback
- Being Defensive: Responding negatively or arguing against feedback can harm your professional reputation and discourage honest insights.
- Requesting Too Soon: Give the interviewer enough time to finalize their decision before reaching out. Asking too early may come across as impatient.
- Being Vague: Asking general questions like “How did I do?” may not yield useful feedback. Instead, ask specific questions about areas like communication, technical skills, or interview performance.
- Ignoring Feedback: Failing to reflect on and apply the feedback defeats the purpose of requesting it. Use the insights to improve and prepare for future opportunities.
- Following Up Excessively: Sending multiple requests for feedback can come across as pushy or unprofessional. If you don’t receive a response after a reasonable time, move forward and focus on applying lessons learned from your experience.
Conclusion
Requesting interview feedback is a proactive step toward personal development and career growth. It not only enhances your future performance but also demonstrates your commitment to self-improvement and the importance of giving feedback. By following these best practices and using the provided templates, including a sample email you can confidently seek valuable insights from interviewers.
