How To Ask For Feedback After Job Rejection? 12 Steps To Follow

How to ask for feedback after a job rejection? It can be not easy to hear that you didn’t get the job you wanted.

But, it is important to remember that rejection is not the end of the world. There are always other opportunities out there.

How To Ask For Feedback After Job Rejection? 12 Steps

One way to learn from your experience and improve your chances of getting hired next time is to ask for feedback from the employer.

This can be a difficult conversation, but it can be very helpful. So here are some tips on how to ask for feedback after a job rejection:

1. Thank The Interviewer:

Even if you didn’t get the job, it is important to thank the interviewer for their time. This shows that you are polite and professional.

Simply say something like, “Thank you for taking the time to interview me.”

Also, if the interviewer gives you any positive feedback, thank them.

Also, this is a good time to ask if you have any questions about the interview process or the job.

2. Ask For Feedback:

Once you’ve thanked the interviewer, you can then ask for feedback.

Start by saying, “I would appreciate any feedback you could provide.”

Be sure to be polite and humble when asking for feedback.

You can say, “I know I might not have been the best fit for the job. But I would appreciate any feedback you could provide.”

And while you might be tempted to ask why you didn’t get the job, resist that urge.

Instead, focus on getting specific feedback about your performance during the interview.

3. Listen To The Feedback:

Once you’ve asked for feedback, you must listen to what the interviewer says.

Don’t interrupt, and don’t argue with the feedback you’re given.

You may not agree with what the interviewer is saying. But it’s important to listen and consider their feedback.

Also, try to look at the feedback objectively. The interviewer’s opinion may not be the only opinion that matters.

But it can still give you valuable insight into your performance. And it can help you improve for future interviews.

4. Explain What You Will Do With The Feedback:

Once you’ve asked for feedback, explain what you will do with it.

This shows that you are truly interested in improving. And that you will be taking the interviewer‘s feedback to heart.

And it will also help to build rapport with the interviewer.

You can say something like, “I appreciate your feedback. I will work on _____ and _____ before my next interview.”

And then be sure to follow through!

5. Use The Feedback To Improve:

Once you’ve received feedback, use it to improve your performance in future interviews.

If the interviewer said you need to work on your communication skills, then focus on improving those skills.

If they say you need to be more ready, do your research before your next interview.

Use the feedback as a guide to help you get the job you want. Then, your next interviewer will be impressed with your diligence and will be more likely to hire you.

6. Give Feedback If You Have Any:

And if the interviewer asks for your feedback, don’t hesitate to give it!

You can use this opportunity to show that you’re a professional. Show them you are interested in helping the company improve its interview process.

By giving feedback, you’ll also be able to build a relationship with the interviewer. And potentially you will make a good impression.

7. Thank The Interviewer For Their Time:

Don’t forget to thank the interviewer for their time. This is just good manners.

And it will also leave a positive impression. You can say something like, “Thank you so much for your time and feedback. It was great meeting you.”

With the final thank you, you can also inquire about other positions that may be a better fit.

You might say, “Are there any other positions at the company that I might be a better fit for?”

By doing this, you’re showing that you’re interested in working for the company. And you’re also giving yourself another chance to get your foot in the door.

8. Keep The Door Open:

Even if you didn’t get the job, keeping the door open is important. You never know when you might need to contact that person again.

And you don’t want to burn any bridges. So, how can you keep the door open?

By staying in touch with the interviewer. Send them a LinkedIn request. Connect with them on social media.

And if you’re ever in their city, email them to see if they want to meet for coffee.

You never know when those connections might come in handy.

9. S.M.A.R.T Goal Setting:

Setting some goals is the best way to move on from a job rejection. But not just any goals. S.M.A.R.T goals.

S.M.A.R.T stands for:

– Specific

– Measurable

– Achievable

– Realistic

– Timely

For example, a specific goal might be to find a job in the same field that pays 10% more than your current salary.

A measurable goal might be to send out ten job applications per week.

An achievable goal might be weekly networking with three new people in your field.

A realistic goal might be to save up enough money to cover three months of living expenses.

And a timely goal might be to find a new job within three months.

You can give yourself a clear plan of action to follow and something to measure your progress.

10. Take Away The Positivity From The Rejection:

Even after rejection, remember that there are still many positive things in your life.

It can be easy to focus on the negative after a rejection. But try to take away at least one positive thing from the situation.

For example, you didn’t get the job you applied for. You can take away the fact that you were able to go through the interview process and gain more experience.

And with each interview, you’ll get better at selling yourself to potential employers.

11. Move On:

The most important thing to do after a rejection is to move on. There’s no use dwelling on the past and wondering what could have been.

Focus on the future and what you can do to make it better. Moving on is the only way to achieve success.

Your career is full of rejections. The key is not to let them get you down and to continue moving forward.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Knowing what you need to work on to improve your chances of getting hired next time can be helpful.

12. Seek Out New Opportunities:

Once you’ve moved on from the rejection, it’s time to seek new opportunities. There are plenty of other employers out there who would be happy to have you on board.

Start by updating your resume and submitting it to job postings that interest you.

Rejection can be discouraging, but it’s important to keep going. Remember that each rejection brings you one step closer to landing your dream job.

Don’t give up on your career goals just because you’ve received a few rejections. With perseverance, you’ll eventually find the right opportunity for you.

How To Increase Chances Of Getting Hired After Job Rejection

Once you have the feedback, take some time to process it. And follow these tips to increase your chances of getting hired next time:

1. Resubmit Your Application With The Feedback In Mind:

If you’re applying for a job and get rejected, don’t just give up. Instead, use your feedback to improve your application and resubmit it.

You can improve your application in many ways, such as:

– Updating your resume to reflect the skills and keywords that the employer is looking for

– Tailoring your cover letter to address the specific requirements of the job

You can also include a note explaining how you’ve addressed the feedback you received.

2. Check Your Social Media Presence:

In today’s world, employers will check an applicant’s social media as in hiring process.

So, make sure that your social media accounts reflect your professional image.

– Review your privacy settings and consider making your accounts private if necessary.

– Take down any photos or posts that could be unprofessional.

– If you don’t have a social media presence, now might be a good time to create one. LinkedIn is a great platform for creating a professional profile. You can use it to connect with potential employers.

3. Consider Taking a Course or Volunteering in Your Desired Field:

If you’re passionate about a particular field, consider taking a course or volunteering. Try to gain more experience.

This will not only show your dedication to the field. But it will also allow you to network and learn new skills.

Also, many employers are looking for candidates with experience. So, this could be a great way to make your application stand out.

Final Word:

How to ask for feedback after a job rejection? Start by thanking the employer for their time. Be professional and courteous.

Then, mention that you’d appreciate feedback on your application. Again, this shows that you’re willing to learn and improve.

Finally, end by asking if there’s anything you can do to improve your chances in the future.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to ask for feedback in a respectful and professional way. And you may even be able to turn a rejection into an opportunity.

Last Updated on 4 months by Shahzaib Arshad