How can I know what I’m doing wrong if I don’t get feedback?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 9:17PM UTC

   Ugh! The feedback process as an internal or external candidate is annoyingly frustrating. I don't hold my breath for feedback because sadly, it's common to not get any feedback or it's unclear. It doesn't make it right but there really isn't a requirement for recruiters to tell you anything. You're lucky if someone takes the time to tell you something; anything, but to answer your question, this is common (not normal) but common.

   As for the feedback you did receive, I would interpret that as they were looking for you to speak more to your soft skills (like leadership style/skills, communication skills). I don't want to assume if this is what they mean but you can also follow up by asking them to clarify what they mean.

2. AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 9:32PM UTC

   Even in non-management roles, a lot of positions require strong customer service skills. You say you can see where that's a valid point, so I would work on whatever it is about that comment that resonates with you. Do you come across as abrupt, roll your eyes when someone is asking questions that you've already answered (or scrolled past the answer to find your contact info in the first place), or otherwise come across as irritated or uninterested? These are the kinds of concerns I've seen with applicants when "people skills" is the reason I'm not offering the job. I did provide feedback for a couple of people (internal) and one of them had never had a customer service role and little opportunity to gain those skills in her existing position. I suggested she consider a holiday retail position or side job waiting tables to gain those skills. There may be volunteer or special project opportunities within your existing company that would give you a chance to build whatever people skills would improve your career options without the hardcore immersion of getting a part-time job temporarily.

3. AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 9:48PM UTC

   It might help to ask colleagues that you're close with or former colleagues that worked with you fir feedback on your work style.

   Also, take some personality profile tests online. Since you are in the dark as to how you relate to work and people, maybe these tests can inform you. Then maybe combined with input from colleagues you will get a more informed idea of who you are and how you approach the world and work

4. Rebecca A BrittNovember 2,2022 at 9:54PM UTC

   I've tried to be very candid with projects (I freelance but even when I was in companies) saying, "I'd like to check in with you (manager/stakeholder/client) every X (week or 3) to get feedback on how we can make this project successful. Candid feedback is appreciated.

   Or when I would finish a project internally, I'd ask the PM, "what could I have done differently that would have made your job easier?"

   It's important that people know that your not afraid of feedback because a lot of times they are afraid to give it and give it poorly.

   When interviewing, I like to make one of my questions be, "What gaps do you see in my skillset that might question you hiring me?"

   This often opens the conversation to "oh, I do have that background, here's an example." or "While you're right, that is a gap, I'm currently doing this course/book/mentoring to address it."

5. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistNovember 2,2022 at 10:28PM UTC

   There could be several reasons for this - people are busy with limited time in their schedules.

   Many companies do not allow hiring manager and/or recruiters to give feedback for legal reasons.

   Also, some hiring managers do not feel it's their job to help candidates become better candidates.

6. AnonymousNovember 2,2022 at 11:55PM UTC

   Maybe you should begin practicing interviews.

7. AnonymousNovember 3,2022 at 1:03AM UTC

   For packages that don’t make it to the interview stage, make sure you are ensuring your resume and cover letter covers the criticism keywords bc they use software not to reject packages.
   As far as interviews, Take a look at the key duties, and write out scenario questions that addresses how you solved a problem based on your specific skill and job duties, who you had to interface with, hierarchy wise and what were the results or outcome. Have at least 8 to 10 scenarios ready to discuss almost every question can have answers that hit on those areas to hit on your effectiveness and ability to work well with others, so if most of your responses does not talk about any sort of engagement regardless of mgt or not, should be an area to work on. Practice out loud in front of others or in front of a mirror if solo. Also do background research on the company. For ex, know the missions, values, etc and even if not asked, touch on it so they know you did your research and also become familiar with current objectives and highlights of the year if readily available

8. Sharon GrehanNovember 4,2022 at 12:10AM UTC

   Enhancing and showcasing your people skills is critical, regardless of whether you have direct reports or not. Very few jobs are truly 100% individual contributor-based and teamwork is crucial for better business outcomes. Try to seek out opportunities to work with various team members and use examples from these experiences in future interviews. For example, did your input helped the entire team be successful? Did you set others up for success? Did you mentor peers on skill sets that you are strong in to help better their careers? You may already have a lot of these experiences and if so, find ways to weave the examples into interviews. Most hiring managers are looking for people who are independent but can also make a team stronger. Best of luck!

9. AnonymousNovember 5,2022 at 1:48PM UTC

   Thank you for the advice everyone. I reached out to a trusted friend and I will be doing mock interviews with her. I believe she will remain objective.