I recently interviewed for a job that I was really excited about.

Anonymous

June 4,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

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I recently interviewed for a job that I was really excited about. The company decided not to move me on to the final round of interviews. Is it ok for me to ask the recruiter for feedback behind their decision? This was for a high level executive position that I definitely am qualified for. The interviews I had went really well and I just can’t stop thinking about it.

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MistyJune 4,2023 at 1:47PM UTC
Yes, you can ask for feedback but remember, you want to be polite and not make it sound as if you’re accusing anyone.
Debra SesholtzJune 4,2023 at 1:57PM UTC
There is no harm in asking. They may or may not provide you with feedback. You can also express your interest in the company and see if you can apply for other open roles, now or in the future.
AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 2:09PM UTC
Yes, there is no harm in asking for feedback. I did this after getting dinged after several interviews and was gratified to learn that it was not my skill set but that they went with an internal candidate.
AnonymousJune 4,2023 at 2:23PM UTC
You should definitely ask for feedback! Do it politely, but it is very important especially for a higher level executive position.
AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 2:10AM UTC
Sure, if their decision was a recent one there is no reason not to since their decision is fresh in their minds.
If their decision is more than a few weeks I would not bother.
Megan LeasherJune 5,2023 at 11:27AM UTC
Definitely ask! They might not be willing, but you'll never know if you don't try. Plus, it shows that you care about why you didn't get the role and/or how you were perceived in the hiring process.
AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 12:30PM UTC
What do you have to lose, ask! If they are able to provide feedback they will. If they don't, move on, this wasn't your next It.
Dave ObertingJune 5,2023 at 1:02PM UTC
Ask someone you interviewed with, not HR. Whichever person you had best rapport with. The first thing on HR's mind all the time is the risk of getting sued, so they won't tell you anything substantive.
AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 1:35PM UTC
You can certainly ask. It never hurts to do so, provided it's done politely and professionally. Doubtful you'll get anything substantial in return, as companies are often wary of inviting litigation. If they decline to provide feedback, simply be gracious and move on.
AnonymousJune 5,2023 at 5:36PM UTC
Yes, absolutely. I would reach out to the hiring manager vs the recruiter (if the recruiter was 3rd party or agency this is the correct approach for sure.) Congratulate them for finding the best fit and ask for some feedback to understand why you fell short of the role or if there was something missing in your skillset that did not align. They might not share details- some companies will just say we had a lot of people to choose from. But, it is peace of mind. If its in a crowded market they might have had lots of options so don't beat yourself up too badly.
roseJune 6,2023 at 12:27PM UTC
I always ask for feedback for any position I'm interested in. Please take note that the feedback has been close to nil, and when provided, vague and unhelpful. Chin up and ask though. it doesn't cost a dime.
Katherine Metres Akbar, Interview Coach & Resume ExpertJune 6,2023 at 12:51PM UTC
Yes, absolutely! Just keep in mind that they won't tell you the whole truth, which is that they liked, trusted, and/or felt confident about others more than you. And as Anonymous said below, reaching out to the hiring manager would be more effective (as well as open the door to having that person in your network). I hope you got their contact information? Also note that your qualifications got you the interview, but you'll need to bring your top social and emotional skills to get the offer. That's why my husband and I created Interview AikidoTM, a spiritual and interrogative approach to getting the offer. You can watch a short video about it here: https://www.yeswriting.com/interviewing/ If you'd like, you can also book a free Career Success Consultation to learn about getting my interview coaching help. I'd love to prepare you to get the offer the next time, because your time and peace of mind are too precious to keep going through this.
Joann S. LublinJune 6,2023 at 3:10PM UTC
I agree with other commentators that you should seek feedback both from the hiring manager and recruiter involved. But go one step further: Use that feedback to alter your approach during future job interviews -- or perhaps to get additional skills training. Best of luck!
Jeannette SeiblyJune 6,2023 at 4:12PM UTC
Yes. Talk with one or two people that were part of the interview process. Be very responsible not to come across as defensive.
Format: I believe I am qualified for the position and would like to know what I was missing. I value your opinion and would love to hear your feedback. THEN LISTEN! Make appropriate changes. Apply for the next opportunity.
Krystin MorganJune 6,2023 at 4:36PM UTC
It's absolutely fine to ask! Many companies don't allow recruiters to provide feedback, but it never hurts to ask.
Farah BajwaJune 7,2023 at 6:44PM UTC
Absolutely! I've done that before :)