Everyone has been there, you have spent hours working on a job application, maybe even days preparing for an interview, but still, you receive a rejection email. It is disappointing, but you can still turn this into a learning experience by asking for feedback after a job rejection.
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Dealing with a Job Rejection
Overcoming the feeling of rejection can be very difficult, especially if the job you were applying for was your dream job or your dream company. However, you have to work through this feeling of rejection in order to gain knowledge from the experience and become more resilient. So, here are some tips to help you progress through a job rejection.
Accept your feelings
First of all, you have to acknowledge and allow yourself to grieve. Accepting your emotions, whatever they may be, is the first step to becoming more resilient. You must give yourself the time and space to let them clear out of your system, and this will help you process these feelings easier next time.
Honesty
By not recognizing that another candidate was more qualified or presented themselves better than yourself, you are hindering your learning experience. You may have been rejected for a reason that was out of your control, and that is okay to recognize, but you also must accept that there are areas you can continue to work on.
Look at the experience from an outside perspective and identify the areas you felt you were weaker in so you can nail them during your next interview or application.
Getting Help
If you keep getting rejected for jobs, consider reaching out to a professional for help. It could be that your resume or your interview skills are not strong enough to secure the job; therefore, you need to really work on these skills in order to advance your career. Career coaches can help you improve your overall employability.
Why Should You Ask for Feedback?
By responding to a job rejection with a thank you email, you are advocating for your future self. By sending the hiring manager a thank you email, you will not only come across as more professional, but it will also set you up for success if another position at this company becomes available.
However, although it is advised to request feedback after an interview, it is important to recognize that not everyone will give you feedback. This could be due to potential legal repercussions or simply because the hiring manager does not have time.
When to Ask for Feedback?
When it comes to seeking out feedback, it is important to delay your email until the hiring manager has made the decision on whom they are hiring. So, wait until you receive an official rejection. Another time to avoid requesting feedback is during the interview, such as the infamous “what hesitations do you have about my candidacy?” question.
This is okay to do in sales roles but outside of this sector, avoid the question. You do not want to put hiring managers in a position where they have to give you feedback they were not prepared for, and most likely, the feedback you do receive will not be honest.
Who Should You Ask for Feedback From?
Sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you have spoken to multiple people when applying and interviewing for a job.
So, who do you thank and ask for feedback from?
The general rule with this is to reply to the person you spoke to last. Usually, the person who sent you the rejection email. However, if you were rejected via a phone call or from a person who was not involved in the recruitment process prior to the rejection email, then you can email the lead hiring manager or the person who was leading your interview.
If you do not have access to this person’s email, then send a thank you email to the company’s reception or HR department and ask that they forward it to the relevant persons.
Do’s and Dont’s
Don’ts
Asking for feedback is not a negotiation! Do not try to change the hiring manager’s mind as they have already made their decision. Make sure you do not have a negative tone throughout the email; you should be positive and professional. If you are provided with negative feedback, it is also important not to argue back and keep a positive tone; this is all a learning experience!
Do’s
Request to be contacted if another position opens up! This shows the employer that you are still interested in the company. Also, if it does not work out with their chosen candidate, you could be considered for the role again.
Use any feedback provided to improve yourself. There is no point in obtaining feedback if you do not use it. Keep positive; nobody likes sending out rejection emails. Therefore, making your communication a positive experience for the hiring manager will improve any future chances you may have with the company.
How to Ask for Feedback?
Responding to a rejection email can be difficult, especially if your emotions are high. To help navigate this, here are two templates you can use to thank the hiring manager and ask for feedback.
Example 1
Dear X,
Thank you for informing me of the outcome of my job application. While I am disappointed not to have been successful, I thoroughly enjoyed the process and learning more about your company.
If you have the time, I would be very grateful if you could provide me with some feedback so that I may improve for future job applications.
Once again, thank you for the opportunity.
Yours Sincerely,
Example 2
Dear X,
Thank you for the opportunity to interview with your company. It was wonderful to speak to both you and your team.
I would appreciate it if you would provide some feedback on my application and interview in order for me to improve these areas and become a better candidate. Additionally, if any future opportunities become available in your company that you believe I would be better suited for, I would appreciate being considered.
Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.
All the best,
Be Specific
Asking for feedback, in general, is important after any job rejection. However, if you noticed you were significantly weaker in one particular aspect during your interview or you are curious how this aspect compares to other applicants, you can ask for more specific feedback.
For example, you could ask the hiring manager for some feedback or improvements that could be made to your cover letter. Or if there are any courses they recommend you apply for to improve your chances in your next job application.
Asking more specific questions also makes it easier for the hiring manager to provide you with feedback. Instead of having to give you negative feedback on why you did not get the job, they are given the opportunity to respond with direct improvements you can make.
Need Some More Helpful Career Advice?
We all know that it takes a quality resume to even get the best interviews. So, check my advice on How To List Education On A Resume, Job Titles On Resume, the Most Important Skills To Put On A Resume, Achievements To List On Your Resume, and How To List References On A Resume.
Now to get that resume ready, take a look at our Motivation Letter Writing Guide, our guide on How To List Education On A Resume, or even my Hobbies and Interests To Put On Resume.
Online profiles are also essential in this modern day and age; therefore, our Best Linkedin Profile Tips and Best Linkedin Recommendation Examples will help get you started.
If you’re still a little confused, I recommend reading up on How to Write a KILLER LinkedIn Profile… And 18 Mistakes to Avoid, LinkedIn Profile Optimization For Dummies, Ignite Your LinkedIn Profile, LinkedIn For Dummies, as well as LinkedIn Riches: How To Use LinkedIn For Business, Sales and Marketing! all available online today.
Next, get noticed with an outstanding CV or resume; these online books are well worth a read! CVs, Resumes, and LinkedIn: A Guide to Professional English, the English for Academic CVs, Resumes, and Online Profiles, Marketing Yourself in the Age of Digital: CVs, Applications, Interviews, Social Media, LinkedIn, and the excellent Land Your Dream Job: Join the 2% Who Make it Past Resumé Screening.
And for the professional, check out Expert Resumes and Linkedin Profiles for Managers & Executives.
Final Thoughts
Feedback is a gift throughout our search for the perfect job. Even if you have been successful in your job application, you should consistently seek out feedback in order to continue to improve. If you have been rejected, it is important to stay positive and continue to improve yourself by getting feedback after a job rejection.
The very best of luck in your next interview!