Question: Has responding to a rejection email and asking for feedback really brought results?

17 Comments

1. Deb AllenJanuary 28,2025 at 3:00PM UTC

   Honestly the most common response we could provide is that another candidate was selected, or that we narrowed the candidate pool down to 2 for final interviews and we just know the selected candidates are closest to the qualifications sought after. Some companies also restrict recruiters or Hiring managers from providing that information so that it cannot become a legal issue if candidates do not receive the information well or do not agree with it.

2. AnonymousJanuary 28,2025 at 3:16PM UTC

   I'm guessing you sent personal thank you notes after you interviewed. Suggestion is to email one of those contacts and see if they are willing to give you feedback. Like another poster mentioned, they may not be allowed to do that. I received feedback for a recruiting role in staffing, from the recruiter that interviewed me. The answer? We want someone "moldable". What that means is you are older than what we seek and too experienced. It had zero to do with my abilities and everything to do with my age. I think I was early 40's then, looked 10 years younger, but hey, that was their loss. I could have tried to sue but honestly I wasn't interested in working with 20 something year olds who had no clue how to do the job. Take whatever feedback you can get in stride and if you can't get feedback, keep plugging away until you hit the job that fits you, the company and the skills all in one shot.

3. Kimberley Ferretti HammettJanuary 28,2025 at 3:17PM UTC

   Honestly, the only time I've ever received actual insight was when I was rejected from an internal promotion so I knew the hiring manager. However, if it only takes a couple minutes to send the request and you really want to know, I feel like it's worth a try. Of course not to a "no-reply" email, but in a case where you have a contact you can directly reach out to.. chances might be slim you get real feedback but to me it's not costing much to ask.

   Also, I think the way it is asked can make a difference in the case they do answer. Instead of leaving it open-ended for general feedback, I often pose more specific questions so I can get more specific, quality answers. "What could I have shown more of that would have made me a better candidate?" "Would I be a good team fit?" "Do you forsee any possible future roles that would align with my talents?" "Did anything in the interview process give the hiring leaders pause when considering me for the role?" Etc..

4. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 3:12AM UTC

   I've given feedback on occasion. It's a really tricky thing. Sometimes it's touchy feedback that might not land well (ex, bitching about your current boss - who's sitting on my hiring panel - in your cover letter is not a good look). Sometimes it truly is a matter of there being no bad choices, but you've only got one position and you have to pick one person.

   I did have one (internal) candidate who asked really specific questions like those mentioned here. I had actually sorted my advice into easy things that would feel very objective, and a couple of harder/touchier things that I wasn't sure I was going to share. But since she asked the very specific questions that were directly related to the harder feedback, I did share it. Later learned that she took it to heart, did what I recommended, and landed a much better position down the road a bit.

5. KatJanuary 28,2025 at 4:16PM UTC

   If it's a no-reply, email, don't bother. I just got a rejection for a job I was well qualified for. I asked the HR person for feedback, but all he did was restate the boilerplate rejection email. It was the usual "there were many qualified candidates, hard choice to make" song and dance. We'd all love actionable feedback when we don't get a job, but that's not going to happen.

6. AnonymousJanuary 28,2025 at 5:55PM UTC

   I have, and the recruiter was able to share that they loved me, but went with the other candidate who had a little more experience specific to the role.

7. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 2:14PM UTC

   The same happened to me, but then I got a call three weeks later from the hiring manager. The preferred candidate ended up staying with their current position, so I was offered the job. I felt that my conversation with the hiring manager seeking feedback as an opportunity for improvement may have helped (but it's hard to say).

8. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 28,2025 at 10:46PM UTC

   It came from a "no-reply" email address because you were dispositioned out in the system by the recruiter, triggering the sending of the email. You obviously can't send the request to that email address.

   I'm not exactly sure why candidates feel that feedback would be so helpful.

   There are many reasons recruiters don’t provide feedback including legal liability, candidates wanting to argue with you, curse at you, threaten you, even stalk you.

   Feedback is completely subjective. And typically, it's very specific - applicable to that specific position for that specific hiring manager or recruiter in that company.

   A reason given by one hiring manager for not moving a candidate forward, may be the exact thing that would make a different hiring manager WANT to move that same candidate forward.

   Maybe they're just a bad hiring manager. Maybe they're just a bad interviewer. Do you really want advice from that person? And what if you actually do change your resume or how you interview based on that bad feedback?

   Do your best and let it go. There's probably not anything you could have done better. Even if you feel you're a great fit for the position, chances are pretty good that there's someone who'd just a bit better of a fit.

9. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 4:25PM UTC

   I hadn’t thought about legal liability. Good point.

10. Vanessa LontocJanuary 29,2025 at 5:06AM UTC

    Hi Katherine! It's completely understandable to feel discouraged when you don't receive feedback after a job rejection. It can be frustrating and even disheartening.

    Keep in mind that many companies have policies that limit the feedback they can provide to candidates due to legal and logistical reasons. They may receive hundreds or even thousands of applications, making it difficult to provide personalized feedback to every applicant.

    Focus on what you can control: continue to refine your resume and cover letter, practice your interview skills, and network with other professionals in your field.

    Remember, every rejection is a learning opportunity. Keep your head up and keep searching.

11. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 2:54PM UTC

    Most likely, if you talk with the recruiter or hiring manager, they will say they found someone who was a better fit for the position. This could mean they had more experience, qualifications, and education or connected better with the interview team. Unfortunately, for the things you do have control over, they aren't going to say anything because that would open up the possibility for arguments or indicate bias that could cause them legal trouble. The best advice is to ensure your resume shows you are qualified for the job, network, and keep applying elsewhere. See if you can find a friend who would do a mock interview with you to give you practice and feedback. You might give them the questions you were asked at your last interview. Keep your chin up, and good luck!!

12. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 3:08PM UTC

    No. Move on.

13. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 4:23PM UTC

    Hey! At least you got a letter! I remember when I was job hunting there were some companies that never reached out at all. Move on no one has time for you. Civility isn’t considered a benefit anymore. Tho I disagree.

14. AnonymousJanuary 29,2025 at 6:21PM UTC

    If you applied or interviewed with a company that uses an ATS (applicant tracking system) generally these replies are baked into the system and automated by the phase of the interview process you are in. Once they decide not to advance you they generally put you into hold or rejection emails which go out automatically once they hire someone. Don't take it personally because automation mails got sent out. Ask the folks who you spoke with directly or the recruiter who navigated you through the process for some actual feedback. Companies that don't fear legal action will actually give you real feedback with content. If you need to find a company direct email check their PR page and use the same email pattern as there since they will be all the same internally. Good luck in your search there are other places that will want your talents!

15. KimberlyJanuary 31,2025 at 1:14PM UTC

    I’m wondering the same.

16. AnonymousJanuary 31,2025 at 1:41PM UTC

    I have not asked external interviewers for feedback as most won't answer or will not answer due to possible legal issues if they say something wrong. I always send out thank you notes/emails after each round of interviews. If it is a job I was really interested in or wanted , I have sent them a follow up email or letter after the rejection to say thank you again and to reiterate a few of my skills that really aligned with the job. I also ask them if they hear of anyone looking for a candidate with my qualifications if they would pass along my resume or contact me about those opportunities. I had it happen twice where they followed up a bit later with a few job opportunities to apply.

    I also suggest if you can to follow the interviewer(s) on Linked after you receive the rejection letter to help broaden your network.

17. AnonymousJanuary 31,2025 at 1:44PM UTC

    Interesting that you ask! I actually plan to send a follow-up for a position I was rejected for yesterday. I was fully qualified and would appreciate some feedback. Although I received a no-reply email, I still intend to reach out directly to the recruiter I interacted with.