How to Ask for Feedback After Interview?
Receiving feedback after an interview can be a game-changer in your career trajectory. It offers insights into your strengths and weaknesses, guiding your professional development. However, mastering the art of requesting feedback can be daunting. This guide explores formal and informal methods of soliciting feedback after an interview.
Let’s have a complete detail about how to ask for feedback after the interview
1. Formal Approach
2. Timing and When to Ask
Choosing the Right Time: Give the interviewer time to think about your interview before you ask for feedback, like waiting a few days or up to a week.
Picking the Right Way: Decide how you want to ask for feedback. Email or phone calls are good options. Think about what the interviewer might prefer and go with that.
Thinking About Their Schedule: Consider how busy the interviewer might be. Try reaching out when they’re not too busy so they have time to respond.
3. Crafting the Request
Expressing Gratitude: Start by showing your appreciation. Thank the interviewer for giving you the chance to interview. This shows that you’re thankful for the opportunity and professional, too.
Requesting Specific Feedback: Ask for feedback on certain things. Politely ask them to advise you on parts of your performance, like how you communicate or solve problems. Being specific helps them know exactly what you’re looking for.
Providing Context: Help the interviewer remember the interview better. Remind them of the job you applied for and discuss the important things you discussed during the interview. This can help them give you more helpful and relevant feedback.
4. Openness to Feedback
Demonstrating Receptiveness: Show that you’re open to hearing criticism. Let the interviewer know you’re willing to listen and learn from what they say.
Emphasizing Commitment: Let them know that you’re serious about improving yourself. Highlight how dedicated you are to getting better, both personally and professionally.
Ensuring Confidentiality: Ensure the interviewer knows you’ll keep their feedback private. Assure them that anything they say will stay between the two of you. This creates a safe and trusting environment for honest feedback.
5. Follow-Up and Respect for Response
Prompt Acknowledgment: Show that you’re on the ball by replying quickly after getting feedback. This not only shows that you’re professional but also that you value their time and effort in giving you feedback.
Expressing Gratitude: Always say thank you if the feedback is good or not-so-good. Let the interviewer know you appreciate them taking the time to help you improve.
Offering Further Discussion: If you need more help or clarification, don’t hesitate to ask. Tell them you’re open to chatting more if there’s anything you didn’t understand or want to discuss further. It shows that you want to learn and grow and value their input.
Read also: What is a Working Interview?
6. Informal Approach
7. Timing and Approach
Waiting for the Right Timing: Take your time before asking for feedback. Ensure it’s been a reasonable time since the interview before reaching out. This shows that you respect their time and allow them to gather their thoughts.
Choosing a Suitable Medium: Think about how you connected during the interview and choose a natural way to reach out. This makes it easier for the interviewer to respond comfortably.
Balancing Professionalism and Friendliness: Keep things professional, but don’t forget to add a touch of warmth. You want to come across as approachable and genuine, so infuse your request with a friendly tone while maintaining professionalism. This will help you establish a good rapport and facilitate the interviewer’s interaction.
8. Crafting the Message
Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your message is short and concise. Keep it simple so the interviewer can quickly grasp your request and respond easily.
Expressing Appreciation: Take a moment to thank the interviewer for their time and for considering you for the position. This sets a positive tone and shows you’re grateful for the opportunity.
Seeking Specific Feedback: Be clear about what you want feedback on. Ask for feedback on specific parts of your performance or areas where you could improve. This will help guide the conversation and ensure you get the necessary feedback.
9. Respectful Acknowledgment
Understanding Time Constraints: Show that you understand the interviewer’s busy schedule and respect their time constraints. This demonstrates your consideration and professionalism, which can leave a positive impression.
Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Stay positive and respectful in your response no matter what feedback you receive. It shows maturity and professionalism, regardless of whether the feedback was what you were hoping for.
Thanking for Feedback: Express gratitude for any feedback provided. Let the interviewer know you appreciate their time and effort in giving you feedback, reinforcing a positive relationship.
10. Follow-Up and Gratitude
Prompt Acknowledgment: When you receive feedback, acknowledge it promptly. Your professionalism will increase due to demonstrating your responsiveness and seriousness about comments.
Expressing Thanks: Thank the interviewer for their insights and the time they took to provide feedback. Reinforce your appreciation for their assistance, which helps maintain a positive relationship.
Reiterating Openness: Let the interviewer know you’re open to further discussion or clarification. This showcases your commitment to growth and improvement, reinforcing your dedication to learning from the feedback provided.
Frequently asked questions
1. How do you politely request a follow-up interview?
Subject: Checking in—[Your Name] / [Position Applied For]. I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to touch base regarding the next steps for the position role at the company name. Remain very excited about the opportunity and would appreciate any updates on the interview process timeline.
2. Tips for inquiring about your application status post-interview?
- Open with a professional greeting. Address the employer formally when starting your follow-up email.
- Show appreciation for their time.
- State the purpose of your message.
- Convey your continued interest.
- Politely request an update.
3. What’s a professional way to ask for a follow-up?
Advice: Keep it short. Politely ask if they’ve had a chance to review rather than implying they’ve forgotten about you. Provide context for any urgency if needed. End with a clear next step, explaining what you hope they’ll do and why it matters.
Sum Up
To sum up, asking for feedback after an interview is key for your career growth. Even though it might feel overwhelming, knowing how to ask for feedback can give you valuable insights into what you’re good at and where you can improve. Regardless of how you ask, always remember to be grateful, be receptive to criticism, and commit to improving. These methods will help you confidently navigate the feedback process and make the most of it to help you grow.
