How To Ask For Feedback After a Job Interview

Job interviews are challenging, to say the least. Most job applicants make mistakes during the interview that prevent them from getting a job offer, but they never know what those errors are. If you know how to ask for feedback after your interview, you can avoid making costly mistakes.

Know That You Can Get Feedback

First, you should know that you can get feedback. In fact, most companies are happy to let you know what you can do to improve your interviews. You just can't expect them to volunteer the information.

The first step to getting feedback is knowing that you won't encounter resistance when asking for feedback. And, if an employer does refuse to offer feedback, they're probably not a company you want to work for. You need to overcome any anxiety or fear that keeps you from asking for constructive criticism.

Tips for Getting Feedback without Asking

There are a few simple things you can do to get feedback without ever asking for it. To get started, you can do the following:

Consider the Problem

It's possible that you didn't do anything wrong during the interview. If you aren't applying for the right jobs, you won't progress past the interview. Before you start looking at your own faults and flaws, think about the job title.

Hiring managers don't always choose the right people to interview. Even if you're not applying for the right jobs, you could make it through to the interview stage. However, there's no chance you'll make it any further.

You also won't move forward if you're not prepared for the interview. Did you spend enough time getting yourself ready for the day? For example, did you pick out the right attire or research the company? All too often, people don’t perform well in interviews because they didn't do anything to prepare.

Self-Evaluate

Before you start asking questions, do some self-evaluating. Write down the interview questions and the answers you gave to them. Were your answers truly appropriate? Although it's easy to fool yourself, be as honest as possible.

Another way to self-evaluate is to video yourself answering mock interview questions. When you watch the replay, pay attention to your body language, tone, and other details. Are there ways in which you can improve?

Seek Advice from Peers

If you have any trusted friends, ask them for help with your interview skills. Have them role play with you, and ask you a list of common interview questions. For the best results, ask your friends to ask the questions at random and to make up a few of their own questions.You may want to record the exchange for future reference.

When your friends are done hosting a mock interview, ask them for their input. The key to this part is to truly listen to what they have to say. While you might want to be defensive, push those feelings aside. Allow yourself to soak up the criticism and learn from what your peers have to say. You should take notes to keep a record of all your feedback.

Professional Help

Depending on your situation, you may want to seek assistance from a professional. Career coaches sometimes provide interview practice and training. Although you will need to pay for the service, you can greatly benefit from it.

This is a great option for individuals who feel stuck, or don’t have any confidence in their interview skills. However, pick your professional with care. Spend time researching the company or coach, and only choose someone who has great references.

Tips for Asking a Hiring Company for Feedback

You can ask your hiring company for feedback, and this is invaluable. As you might expect, the best feedback comes from companies who chose someone else over you. You may want to run and hide after you get passed up for a job but doing so means you miss out on feedback.

Here are a few tips for getting the information you need to improve:

Time it Well

The longer you wait to ask for feedback, the less likely you are to get it. Typically, the best time to ask for feedback is immediately. If a hiring manager calls you to inform you about your missed opportunity, ask them about the situation. In the case of an email response, send an email back within 24 hours.

Ask Good Questions

You should never ask an employer why you didn’t receive the job. Instead, accept the fact that you weren’t successful and ask a more constructive question. For example, you could ask them how you can improve your performance, what your weaknesses are, or if they have any advice to offer.

Have the Appropriate Tone

When you ask for feedback, make sure you have the appropriate tone. You shouldn’t come across as argumentative or injured in any way. Rather, ask in a way that’s non-emotional or just curious. You need to make it clear that you’re genuinely interested in self-improvement or you will miss an opportunity for feedback.

How to Move Forward with the Job Search

Getting feedback from a hiring manager or peers can be daunting. However, it can also be career-changing. The things you learn from your search for feedback can greatly improve your chances of finding a new job. Sometimes, all it takes is a minor adjustment to make you a much more suitable job applicant.

Always take note of your feedback, or you might forget it. Even if you get a job offer soon, you never know when you will need to be on the job hunt once again. In addition to keeping a record of your feedback, you should also take steps to improve your own interview performance. This means holding mock interviews, adjusting your answers, and preparing for interviews.

Of course, this alone isn’t enough to guarantee jobs. You also need to make sure you’re applying for the right jobs, sending the right resume, and doing everything in your power to improve your interview skills.