How Do I Ask for Feedback after a Job Interview?

The ability to ask for feedback post-interview is an essential skill that is often overlooked. Understanding how to navigate this often tricky path can provide invaluable insights, sharpen your skills, and ultimately enhance your chances of landing your dream job. 

In this blog, we aim to guide you through the art of asking for interview feedback, providing you with the tools to turn an uncomfortable task into a constructive conversation. Whether you're a seasoned interviewee or new to the game, read on to unlock the secrets to progressing in your career journey.

Why you should ask for feedback

Soliciting feedback post-interview isn't merely a means of identifying areas for improvement; it also serves as a powerful tool that can significantly influence your career trajectory. 

Ascertaining your interviewer's perspective provides a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of how you're perceived professionally. This self-awareness can prove instrumental in shaping your professional persona and identifying which qualities and skills you should highlight in future interviews. 

Moreover, it demonstrates a growth mindset, the acknowledgement that there is always room for improvement and a willingness to learn from every experience are qualities that are greatly admired by employers. 

Lastly, feedback can provide closure, alleviating the uncertainty that often accompanies the post-interview process, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

Here are 4 ways you can ask for feedback after an interview:

• Express gratitude

One of the most effective approaches to seek feedback after an interview is by expressing gratitude. 

Thanking your interviewer for their time and the opportunity to learn more about the role and company sets a positive tone for the conversation. This gesture of appreciation not only demonstrates your professionalism, but it also opens the door for a constructive dialogue. 

Whether you choose to convey your gratitude through a handwritten note, an email, or a phone call, remember that your sincerity is key in encouraging your interviewer to provide you with valuable feedback.

• Be straightforward

After expressing your gratitude, a direct approach can be highly effective when asking for interview feedback. It's important to remember that your interviewer's time is valuable, so getting straight to the point in a polite and professional manner can often yield more fruitful results. 

You could say something along the lines of, "I appreciate your time and would like to learn from this experience. Could you please provide some feedback on my interview?" This straightforward approach reflects your self-awareness, eagerness to improve, and your appreciation for the interviewer's expertise. 

It’s key to approach this with sensitivity and respect, understanding that not all interviewers will be able or willing to provide feedback.

• Explain your intentions

Once you've thanked your interviewer and politely asked for feedback, it's crucial to clarify your intentions. This step is about setting the context for why you're seeking feedback. You might express this by saying, "I'm always looking to improve and develop my skills further, and your insights would be greatly beneficial to understand areas for improvement." 

By stating your intentions clearly and professionally, you reaffirm your commitment to self-improvement and professional growth, making it more likely that your interviewer will invest time in providing you with constructive feedback. 

• Ask for Specifics

Pursuing specific feedback can be an effective strategy in understanding your interview performance. After establishing gratitude and expressing your desire to learn, consider asking for particular areas of improvement. This could be phrased as, "Could you suggest specific areas or skills I could work on to improve?" 

Requesting direct pointers allows you to focus your professional development efforts effectively. It encourages the interviewer to provide constructive criticism, which is more insightful than vague or general feedback. 

This approach demonstrates your determination to hone your specific skills and shows your commitment to exceeding in future interviews.

The bottom line

Seeking feedback after an interview is not just about improving your interview technique - it's about nurturing a growth mindset and developing a more profound understanding of your professional image. 

By embracing this practice, you're not only revealing a willingness to adapt and learn but also demonstrating a proactive approach towards your career progression. 

So, the next time you find yourself pondering on the aftermath of an interview, remember to approach the situation as an opportunity for development, rather than a mere waiting game. 

Download our interview guidance pack to help you prepare for your next interview.