How To Ask The Recruiter For Feedback After A Job Rejection
It has been a few weeks after you interviewed for your dream job. Then you receive that dreaded email response: “We regret to inform you that you have not been selected for this position.” You make the best attempt to handle the news positively, but you start wondering why you did not get the job. We will go into more detail regarding how you can ask for feedback. Hearing what went wrong can help you as a candidate pinpoint the areas that you need to work on, whether it is your body language or your ability to come up with real life examples in a thoughtful manner.
How To Ask For Interview Feedback
Your best bet is to approach the individual that you spoke with early on in the interview process such as a recruiter or Human Resources associate rather than the hiring manager. Hiring managers are busy people and they are not required to provide you with feedback. A recruiter may be more willing to provide feedback since they are responsible for providing a positive experience for all candidates.
You can start off by sending that person an email as soon as the decision has been made. Say that you are appreciative that you had the chance to interview and that you are sorry that you did not get the position. Ask if they could spare a few minutes of their time for a phone call in order to discuss the areas where you could potentially improve. Moving the conversation from email to the phone is important since the recruiter will be more candid on the phone.
How To Ask For Feedback: Entry Level
When you are aiming for an entry-level job, you are more likely competing against a diverse array of other potential candidates. Whether or not the recruiter will be willing to offer you advice comes down to your likability. If you made a good impression, they will be more likely to help as you try to get your career on the right track. You want to come across as someone looking for guidance and advice.
Ask open-ended questions, such as:
- How can I position myself in order to be the top candidate for this type of job in the future?
- If I apply for a similar role at another company, what would you recommend in terms of focusing on developing specific skills?
In response, you should show appreciation for the recruiter sharing their insights.
How To Ask for Feedback: Mid-level
At this stage of your career with several interviews under your belt, you probably have a good idea of whether or not the interview went well. If the rejection takes you by surprise, you are going to want specifics in terms of a critique.
- What feedback do you have for me as a potential candidate?
- Are there any interview strategies you would recommend?
How to Ask for Interview: Executive Level
It becomes easier over time to solicit feedback the further along you are in your career. If the recruiter is hesitant to talk, ask any references that you have if the hiring manager spoke to what they were asked. For instance, if they asked why you held several jobs within a five-year period, this should clue you in that they were potentially apprehensive about your work experience.
What To Do If You Are Met With Silence
Try following up in a week or so if your initial request goes unanswered. Follow up three times and if you are not getting a reply? Some companies have a policy against giving feedback for liability reasons in case it turns into a PR issue or an EEOC discrimination claim.