Time to Read: 5 minutes

Asking for Feedback After Job Rejection Summary:

• Understand that job rejection is not a direction reflection on you or your skillset, and in fact, asking for feedback after being rejected from a job is a big career growth move.
• Responding and asking for feedback after job rejection is often an overlooked step in the job search/interview process.
• A lay out of the key points to include in addition to a job rejection email template to produce an effective and thoughtful follow-up.

We talk a lot about the etiquette within the job search and interview process, and we discuss at length about when a candidate gets the job. But what is the etiquette and protocol if you do not get the job?

It is totally understandable; getting rejected for a job can be disappointing and disheartening. The last thought after a job rejection is to get back in touch with the interviewer and endure more negative emotions. However, it is important to remember job rejection is not a reflection on your skills and abilities. Asking for feedback after job rejection can be used as a learning opportunity.

Reaching back out to the interviewer and gaining more feedback on your job rejection is huge step in your career growth. Gaining specific feedback on your interview skills, experience, and/or qualifications will only help you improve.

Top 6 Key Points to Include in a Job Rejection Email

Writing this email may seem uncomfortable at first. Use the below list from Profiles Recruiter, Jessica Hurley, as your guide to writing a well-thought response to a job rejection:

1. Thank the interviewer for their time and acknowledge the time and attention they took with your application and professional materials.
2. Highlight something you loved about the company! Just as you would within your interview, share other findings that attracted you to the company.
3. Be honest about how you are feeling with this job rejection. It is OK to be disappointed. Share that as well as the why. If you communicate effectively and professionally, adding in this piece of information is valid.
4. State that you would love to be considered for future roles. This is where it is important to steer clear of an argumentative and defensive tone to not sever ties. Maybe you were not right for this role, but what about future roles?
5. Ask if there was anything different you could have done in the interview or ask if one of your skills or job titles could have used more experience. This will help prompt specific feedback on why you did not get the job.
6. If you got to the reference stage, ask if it would have been helpful in the future if I provided a different person for reference.

Rejection Email Template

Not so sure where to start? Here is an example of a job rejection email from our very own Director of Recruitment, Christena Peterson, to get you started:

Subject Line: Request for Feedback – [Position]

Email Content:

Hi (insert hiring manager name),

I genuinely appreciate the time you spent learning about my experience, skills, and me as an individual. I equally enjoyed meeting with you and learning more about your expectations of someone in this role.  

Although I was not selected for this opportunity, I value feedback to support my personal and career growth. Do you have any recommendations on how I can improve my interview style and/or general feedback as a learning opportunity?

Many thanks for your time. I wish you the best of luck in your search and await any observations you’re willing to share!

Regards,

(insert name)

(add contact information)

Job Rejection Support with Profiles

Not getting the job is no fun, and it is hard to not let the negativity get to you. What if you did not have to do it alone?

With the backing of a creative and marketing recruiter, you can better navigate this often-unexpected step in the process. Our recruiters are there in your corner to help with interview prep as well as even being a buffer to asking for feedback after job rejection. Our strong client relationships allow for open communication and transparency, which can ultimately help all parties in the end.