Getting Feedback After Job Rejection: The Unspoken Truths

You know that moment after a job rejection when time seems to slow down. Whether you're staring at an email or answering a call, it's that post-interview phase. All those months of job hunting, fine-tuning your resume, and gathering the courage for that one opportunity, it all culminates in this moment.

Then, you hear the words you didn't want to hear - rejection. It hits you like an unwelcome guest overstaying its welcome. What went wrong? This is where getting feedback becomes not just helpful, but a crucial step in your career journey.

Passive vs. Strategic Approach

Many job seekers walk into feedback sessions without a plan. They passively listen and ask generic questions, hoping for a hint of insight. But simply nodding along is not enough. You need a strategic approach, one that digs deeper and gets you some clarity. It's about asking the right questions to uncover the reasons behind the rejection. Take the lead, guide the discussion, and gather the precious feedback.

Leading the Feedback Talk

The power is in your hands with this approach. It's not about being confrontational; it's about investing in your growth. Be specific. How could you have approached things differently? What were the deciding factors? Did the company have a culture fit requirement you missed? Getting concrete information will make the feedback session worthwhile, giving you insights to refine your strategy for the next opportunity.

Understanding the 'Why' of Rejection

You made it to the final round, ticked all the boxes, but something didn't click. It's crucial to figure out what changed. Were there inconsistencies in your final interview compared to earlier ones? Did the company alter their expectations or perception of you as a candidate? These details bridge the gap between your application and the outcome.

Personalising the Interaction

Remember, those giving feedback are not your enemies. They could be your future teammates, mentors, or bosses. Engage with them as you would with any other professional in your career path. This mindset sets a tone of respect and could pave the way for future opportunities.

Areas to Address

The success of your feedback session depends on the depth of your questions. Here are some areas to consider:

• Clear Up Misunderstandings

• Address Perceived Skill Gaps

• Talk about Cultural Fit and Work Style

• Request Specific Examples

Strategic Inquiry, Not General Inquiry

The key is to ask targeted questions in feedback sessions instead of using plain old generic ones. Think strategically - shape the conversation to get specific insights, not just sit back and listen.

A successful feedback discussion isn’t just one where you nod along, it’s where you actively guide the conversation to get the information you need.

Let's take a closer look at how to ask strategic questions in a feedback session after an interview: 👇

Performance in Interviews

• "I received positive feedback during the interview stages. Could you help me understand what changed in the final decision-making process?"

This question aims to understand how the positive feedback you got during the interviews led to the final decision. It's essential to understand any discrepancies or changes in perception that influenced the outcome.

Comparative Feedback

• "What strengths did the selected candidate possess that set them apart for this role?"

Understanding what differentiated the selected candidate can provide insights into the company's priorities and preferences, helping you refine your approach for similar roles.

Decision-Making Criteria

• "Can you outline the key criteria that influenced the final decision? I'm interested in understanding all aspects, including those beyond my professional qualifications."

Gaining insight into the holistic criteria used can show you what they value and expect. This can help you better match what potential employers are looking for.

Unconscious Bias Awareness

• "What processes does the company have in place to address unconscious bias during the hiring process? How might these have played a role in the evaluation?"

This question is vital in assessing the company's commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, and its potential impact on their decision.

Future Opportunities and Growth

• "Based on our interviews, what type of roles within the company do you feel I would be better suited for?"

Directing the conversation towards future possibilities encourages the interviewer to envision you in different roles, offering a pathway to stay engaged with the company.

Cultural Fit and Diversity

• "How important was cultural fit in the decision-making process? Are there steps I could take to better align with the company culture?"

By addressing cultural fit, you're inviting feedback on how to integrate more effectively into the company culture or identify areas for personal development.

Personal Branding

• "Could you provide feedback on how my personal brand — influenced by my experiences — was received? If there were any hesitations regarding my background, could you suggest strategies or resources to help mitigate these concerns for future opportunities?"

This question allows you to understand how your unique background is perceived and offers a chance to address any misconceptions or barriers.

Constructive Criticism for Growth

• "I value honesty and openness for my professional growth. If there were any unspoken reservations, how could I address these in future applications or interviews?"

Openly seeking constructive criticism demonstrates your commitment to improvement and resilience, qualities highly valued by employers.

Inclusion and Diversity Goals

• "Could you share more about the company's goals around inclusion and diversity? How do these influence the selection process for new team members?"

This question aligns your interests with the company's broader goals, showing your commitment to contributing to a diverse and dynamic workplace.

Further Engagement and Open Dialogue for Improvement

• "Would it be possible to stay in touch for any future opportunities that you think might be a better fit? And can I ask for your permission to reach out periodically for advice or insights into industry trends?"

These questions facilitate ongoing communication, showing your interest in the company and willingness to adapt and grow based on their feedback.

Final Words

Every rejection serves as a valuable lesson, contributing to your growth and self-improvement. Incorporate 'No' into your journey of self-discovery to make it more relatable. Don't shy away from those post-rejection chats; they might just lead you to your next 'Yes'!

From my career coaching role, I've seen how impactful feedback can be post-interview when used right. It's a powerful tool that many job seekers overlook.

Keep in mind, feedback fuels personal development and career success. Seeking strategic feedback reflects your dedication to progress. It's a pivotal step, not the end, in your career journey. 

Now, gear up for that feedback meeting, treat it as an opportunity, prepare your roadmap of questions, and walk out not just with knowledge, but with a clearer path to your goals.

Good luck! 👍

P.S. If you're stuck after a rejection, unsure how to use feedback, I can help you through it. 😉

Sometimes opportunities knock when we least expect them. If you've just received a surprise interview invite and find yourself in need of immediate, expert assistance, I'm here to help.

With interview prep strategy, mock interviews, and personalised feedback tailored for your target role, you'll step into that interview not just well-prepared, but brimming with confidence.

With over 3,000 interviews under my belt, I've helped 980+ individuals land fulfilling careers and guided 500+ pros into executive roles. Just a taste of my global recruitment journey. So why wait? 

Email info@runwayexcellence.com for more info. Use 'Emergency' in the subject line for speedy booking. And if you need career advice, check my profile for a free discovery call, or simply Click here to book your spot.