Do you ask for feedback after job interviews? In the article below, we will share with you some tips on how to request feedback after an interview, including examples of what to say.
You have taken part in an interview recently. You have skilfully answered all the questions, established rapport with the interviewers and asked some insightful questions at the end. You may start to wonder when you would learn the result and whether you should follow up and ask for feedback.
Feedback is important. You could use it to develop your interview skills, improve your presentation and communications, and increase your chances of success. It is essential that you ask for feedback in a professional and timely manner.
Why does feedback matter?
Feedback matters as it helps you develop your interview skills. Feedback can help you become aware of your so-called ‘blind spots’ and make it more likely that you will succeed the next time.
When should you ask for feedback?
If you receive a ‘rejection’, it is best to ask for feedback as soon as possible. If the recruiter calls you on the phone, you should ask for feedback straightaway. In the event that you receive an email, do respond as soon as you can. We will share with you below some templates which you can use and make tailor-made.
What if you do not hear back?
At times, recruiters may take several weeks to send out their decisions. This may happen when the job is not yet fully approved, or any unexpected delays occurred as a result of staff sickness or annual leave. The panel may be waiting for the budget for the role to go through the final approval process.
Other times, there may be a number of vacancies to manage, and the increased workload in the human resources team could lead to delays. If you have not heard from the recruiter, do try to follow up politely to enquire about the status of your application.
Why follow up if you have not heard anything?
There are several benefits to following up:
- You may be informed of delays and stop making the wrong assumptions about being rejected
- You can reiterate your interest in the job
- You may learn the result earlier (and celebrate some good news)
- You can quickly continue with your job search if you haven’t been successful
Many job applicants are concerned about not knowing what to say. They worry about looking desperate, saying the wrong things or spoiling their chances of success. Some people simply do not realise that following up is an essential part of the job application process.
You could use the template below to follow up and ask for feedback (template 3).
How to ask for feedback
Start with appreciation. Say ‘thank you’ for the interview and for learning about the role and the organisation.
Be detailed. Do specify what vacancy you have applied to, including the reference number (if any). If you give the recruiter the title of the vacancy and the application reference number, you will make it easier for them to look up the status. Do also highlight when the interview took place.
Keep it short. Try to make your email about a paragraph long (about 5-7 lines for the main text). If you need to, do ask a trusted friend to proofread your email.
Be formal and professional. Do use formal and coherent language, and make sure that your writing is free of grammatical or punctuation mistakes.
Be clear. It is essential that you are brief, clear and specific. Your email should not include unnecessary or irrelevant information. Avoid using long sentences or jargon. End your email with a request, e.g. to receive some brief feedback on the interview.
How to use the feedback
Feedback can help you gain valuable insights into your performance, communication skills and your strengths and weaknesses. You will be able to use the interview experience as a learning opportunity and increase your chances of landing a new job in the future.
Why keep records?
Keeping accurate records of your job applications will help with monitoring your progress. You will be able to easily identify how many applications you have made and how many interview invitations you have received. Having an organised approach is key because you will quickly be able to find important information (e.g. who to contact for following up).
Email Template 1 (after not being offered the job)
Dear XY,
I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for the opportunity to interview for XX role at XX (name of the organisation). It was a real pleasure to meet members of the interview panel and learn about the position.
I am aware that I have not been successful on this occasion. However, if possible, I would be very grateful for any feedback on my performance. Your insights would be invaluable in helping me improve and develop further.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
XY
Email Template 2 (after not being offered the job)
Dear XY,
It was a pleasure to attend my interview for XX role on XX/XX/XXXX. Many thanks for providing information about the role, the team and the organisation.
May I please ask if you could kindly provide some feedback on my interview? This would really help me to develop my skills and to perform better in the future.
Again, thank you for your time and for the interview opportunity.
Kind regards,
XY
Email Template 3 (if you have not heard)
Dear XY,
I am writing to express my continued interest in the XX role at XX. I have submitted my application form on XX/XX/XXXX and attended an interview on XX/XX/XXXX.
I would like to enquire about the status of my application and check if there is any further information that you may need.
Also, if you have any feedback on my interview performance, I would be grateful to receive any insights.
I would like to thank you for considering my application.
Yours sincerely,
Kind regards,
XY
Leave a Reply