How to Ask for Interview Feedback

Question

Well, I had what I thought was a great, 45-minute interview for a job I really, really wanted!! I got the news yesterday that I don't go any further in the interview process. I am disappointed, but I also trust the process and believe it's okay. However, I want to ask what I could  have done better generally during the interview. I would also like to know specific to this interview why I am not going further. I feel comfortable asking the HR lady I have corresponded with, but, WHAT/HOW exactly do I ask??

Melanie · Answer

You can contact the Recruiter and ask for feedback. However, keep in mind many companies may not or give you something generic due to worries about being sued.

Been there.  Say something like thanks for the opportunity to interview and share my background with your company.  I really like your company and would like to be considered for other roles .  if there is any feedback to strengthen my candidacy I am open to hearing it. Good luck!

Annetta Moses · Answer

For each person that you interview with ask this question,  'based or this conversation, my resume, my skills,  and experience  do you have any concerns about my ability to fulfill the responsibilities of this position?' By asking this question I have sometimes been told there are no concerns and at other times the interviewer has expressed concerns usually related to perceived skill and experience gaps. One person said she was concerned that my experience with advertising was light. We had not talked about advertising in the interview and I mentioned one advertising project on my resume.  However, based on the interviewer's concern I then shared my experience working on several advertising projects. I didn't get an offer but I had information about what the interviewer wanted. I later learned that the company hired someone who had previously worked at an advertising agency.
Consider practicing interviewing and video tape yourself or ask a friend.  Did you maintain eye contact with the interviewer.  Were you responses concise, easy to understand, and answering the questions asked? Did you tell the interviewer you were interested in the company and the position? Did you communicate to the interviewer that you could do the job?

Logan · Answer

Hi, Kim! I ditto what everyone else said, and also encourage you to think of this as an opportunity to build the relationship with the HR representative/company. I worked in HR for many years and there were definitely candidates who stood out because they thanked me for the opportunity, let me know that they liked what they learned about my organization and appreciated being kept in mind for future positions.

Even if this position is filled, it may open up again and/or other positions that are up your alley might come open. Tending to the relationship and showing who you are as a person (e.g. who you would be as an employee) may just make the difference in the future.

I hope this helps!

Sharon Pobjecky · Answer

I agree that Melanie C’s advise is spot-on. And you won’t likely get feedback, for the reason she states. But if you do, listen, take notes, and thank them for their honesty.

StillClimbing@38 · Answer

Ugh - this so so frustrating!  I had a potential employer call me back and said, 'Oh we just LOVED you and you were SO poised and had such wonderful responses, etc. etc.'  At one point I just flat out asked, 'Well why didn't you hire me?'  She responded that the other candidate had 'more specific experience' in a certain area they were looking for.  Again, in another follow up interview conversation I asked for specifics and was told basically the same thing.  'We loved you, other candidate had more experience in X and your background is more in Y.'  Unfortunately sometimes they have someone else in mind the whole time they are interviewing you which REALLY sucks because then they're basically putting on an act.  Please don't let this discourage you, keep your chin up and keep putting your best foot forward.  These interviews are ALL learning opportunities to help you become comfortable with selling yourself.   Someone out there is going to see you for the talented person you are and you will land that job!

Kim Beasley · Answer

Here's the email I sent: Though disappointed, I very much appreciate the opportunity to interview and to share my background. I have a lot of respect for ******company name****and I would like to be considered for future openings. If there is any feedback that would strengthen my interview skills, resume, or general presentation, I would really appreciate that information.

Thanks for all your time and help!

Anonymous · Answer

I meant to say “built a business from scratch with revenue at 1.5B” sorry no coffee yet

Anonymous · Answer

Move on, why spend time wondering why. I know this sounds callous but why spin wheels wondering what happened . For all you know they went with someone they could paid less. Make friends with the recruiter especially if it’s a large company like IBM or something . “Keep me in mind if something doesn’t work out” always show  gratitude to  the hiring manager and all the people who set up the interview

Yesterday I had an interview and she says well you don’t have “this and you don’t have that” , I was thinking why did you set up an interview . Then she says she has a couple candidates lined up with these skills. Because I want the job I sent a thank you highlighting skills and how I built a business from scratch for 1.5B....if she wants mediocre , let her have it . Same with you, if they don’t want you someone else will. Hold your head up....move on. That’s what I did, wrote a compelling thank you but after I sent was pissed at myself for even having to prove my worth.

Hang in there, you’ll be ok. I promised

Kim Beasley · Answer

Thank you, Krista!! I am going to draft me email around your example!

Krista Haugner Sieg, MBA · Answer

There are already so many amazing comments listed!  I recently had a role I applied to internally where I didn't get it, so I reached out with the email (below), which did get a positive response.  I did also use the end of interview question about any concerns or additional information desired based off of the needs for the role (as Annetta shared).  In general, I try to keep things framed around learning I can do whether formally or informally.

'Thanks again for the opportunity to speak with you about xyz role.  While I wasn’t chosen, I would love some feedback so I can continue my development.  What recommendations do you have for development needed (skills or experiences) that I can pursue to be ready for the next opportunity?'

How to Ask for Interview Feedback

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