Asking for Interview feedback: what to know

Why you should ask for feedback after an interview

Reaching out and asking for feedback can take a lot of courage. But, if you want to improve as a candidate, the best thing you can do is ask for interview feedback. This will better equip you to ace any future interviews - the job offers will start rolling in! How does it make you a better candidate? These are three main reasons:

1. Learn what recruiters are looking for
   The most valuable information you get out of asking for interview feedback is finding out what recruiters are looking for. That’s because they typically highlight the things that you did well and the things that you didn’t. This helps paint a picture of what recruiters are looking for in the role, so you’ll know what to do differently or the same next time.


2. Find out how you come across
   Getting feedback after an interview helps you realise how you come across. This is everything from your presentation to behaviour. Did you seem closed off? Did your interview outfit give a bad impression? This is where you’ll find out, so take the feedback on board to help make you stand out in the future.


3. Networking opportunities
   Staying in contact with the interviewer or recruiter is a great way to build a better professional relationship. This could come back to help you in many ways. They could immediately suggest other positions or companies, or help you out in the future. You never know who you’ll come across in your career, so ask for interview feedback to build better professional relationships.

As you can see, you don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to request some constructive criticism. So get started; follow up after your interview and ask for some feedback.

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How to ask for interview feedback

Interview feedback is typically asked for via email, but you can also ask by calling up the recruiter or interviewer. We recommend sticking to the mode of contact you’ve been using. Or, take advantage of your time in the interview itself to ask for feedback. This way, you’ll get an honest and candid response. Did you not get the result you were hoping for? You can also follow up after a job rejection to ask for interview feedback.

So what about what should you actually say? These are our three pieces of advice on how to ask for feedback after an interview.

1. Thank the interviewer
   Start off by thanking the interviewer for their time. This is not only courteous, but sets the tone for the rest of the conversation or letter. They’ll be much more willing to give you some interview feedback when you’re appreciative and considerate.


2. Remain positive and polite
   For similar reasons to thanking the interviewer, being positive and polite is key. Saying ‘give me interview feedback’ isn’t the way to go about it - they’re doing you a favour. This doesn’t mean using passive language, though; no ‘I was wondering if you could’. You can be assertive while still being polite.


3. Ask clearly and provide an explanation
   Why do you want interview feedback? That’s what you’ve got to make clear to interviewers. You don’t have to go too in-depth, but make your intentions clear. Those could be because you’re working on your communication skills or figuring out what the ideal candidate looks like. That way, they can tailor the feedback to what you want help with, and are also more likely to give it.

Use these top tips for your best chance to get some valuable interview feedback. You’ll be surprised how far being appreciative, positive, polite, and clear can take you. Want a guide to follow? Below is our example email on how to ask for feedback after an interview, but the same ideas can be followed if you’re calling or asking in person.

Feedback after an interview: example email

Hi/Dear [interviewer],

Thank you very much for taking the time to interview me. It was a pleasure getting to know you and the team, and I hope the decision-making process is going well.

I’m emailing to ask for feedback on my interview. I’m trying to become a better candidate, and would like to work on my communication and body language skills. Any advice or constructive criticism you could give me on how I presented myself in the interview would be much appreciated.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Kind regards,

[your name]

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Asking for interview feedback: in short

Asking for feedback after an interview is an important tool to grow professionally and personally. Why? You can:

• Learn what recruiters are looking for in a candidate;
• Find out how you come across;
• Keep a good relationship with the interviewers/employer.

Those are all well and dandy, but how do you ask for interview feedback? In your email, call, or conversation, you should:

• Be appreciative - thank the interviewer;
• Be positive and polite;
• Ask clearly - why do you want feedback? Make your intentions clear.

Asking for interview feedback is easier than it seems; just follow these tips, and you’ll be golden. For some example emails, just scroll up. Are you asking for feedback because of a job rejection? No worries, we can help you get back out there; check out our vacancies. Stand out to employers by following our CV tips, and then put them into practice with our free CV maker.

FAQs about interview feedback

• Is it okay to ask for feedback after an interview?

Of course! Asking for interview feedback can be valuable to your growth, and is often viewed positively by employers. It shows you care and are willing to develop.

• How long should I wait before asking for interview feedback?

There’s no set timeframe when asking for interview feedback, but it’s good not to wait too long. We’d recommend asking anywhere from 1-4 days after the interview or letter of rejection, as you’ll still be fresh in their minds.