Getting feedback after rejection
Getting a rejection email after all your hard work on a job application can be discouraging. Instead of feeling bad you can be proactive from the start and work to improve with each application. Don't wait until you have had 10 or more rejections!
How to ask for feedback
This depends on the type of communication you have had with the organisation. An email may be preferred to give the interviewer time to think. It also allows you to carefully phrase your request.
If you applied for the job through an agency, approach the recruiter who was handling the role. Showing you are determined to improve your application and interview presentation may encourage them to consider you for other roles.
What do I write?
Keep your request for feedback friendly and positive. Don’t use it to try to explain why you should be given another chance or make any excuses!
- Set your email out like a letter, including your contact details.
- Thank the interviewer for taking the time to consider your application.
- Express that you were disappointed at not getting the job (or an interview).
- Explain that you are looking to improve your interview skills (or applications) and would appreciate any feedback they may have on your performance.
- Remember to proofread your email! You still want to leave a good impression, as there may be opportunities in the future.
- Ask someone else to check the tone is positive.
Waiting for feedback
If you haven't heard back in a week, call or send a brief email to check if your request was received. Only follow up once.
Some interviewers may not give you any feedback at all. Sometimes company policy prevents them from sending feedback, or they may simply be too busy.
- 'Application documents did not clearly show you match the specific selection criteria'
- 'Incomplete application form" or "failed to follow specific application instructions'
- 'Poor written presentation' (expression, spelling, grammar)
How to improve
- Speak to careers staff to learn more about what employers expect of job application documents.
- As practice, re-write your application incorporating the feedback you received.
- Find out when careers staff on your campus check resumes. Bring in the advertisement and the full application to get tips on how to improve.
If you are getting interviews but no job offers, your written application was probably fine. The interviewer identifies your strengths and weaknesses for the role through your interview performance.
Common feedback about interviews
- Vague, brief, or general answers to interviewer's questions
- Lack of preparation or research on the organisation or role. This shows in weak answers to "why do you want to work for us?" and in not preparing any questions to ask the interviewer.
- Nervous habits or poor personal presentation
How to improve
- Refer to the employer's selection criteria to understand what they were expecting to hear in your answers.
- Think about different examples you could use to demonstrate those skills.
- Practice answering interview questions incorporating the feedback you received.
