Many people walk away from job interviews wishing they knew how to improve their performance for next time. Asking for feedback after an interview is a key way to learn what went well and where there is room for growth.
When handled the right way, this simple step can help any job seeker become a stronger candidate in the future. It shows a willingness to learn and a professional attitude, both of which are valuable in the job search process.
1) Send a thank-you email within 24 hours post-interview
Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours shows professionalism and keeps the connection strong with your interviewer. This message lets the hiring manager know you value their time and are truly interested in the job. It can set you apart from other candidates and makes following up for feedback much easier.
In the thank-you email, be appreciative, mention something you learned in the interview, and restate your interest in the position. Keep the message brief and polite. Tools like RoboApply’s email CRM can help you draft and track thank-you emails quickly and efficiently.
A typical thank-you email might look like this:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you very much for meeting with me today to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about the position and your team’s work on [mention a key topic from the interview].
I am excited about the opportunity to contribute and further support your goals at [Company Name]. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sending this type of email within a day after your interview can help you leave a positive impression. If you need help organizing or sending thank-you notes, RoboApply is an easy way to manage interview follow-up, create professional messages, and track recruiter replies. For more tips and templates, visit this guide on thank-you emails after an interview.
2) Politely express your interest in receiving feedback
After an interview, it is important to clearly and politely ask the interviewer for feedback. This allows the candidate to show interest in improvement and professional growth. Keeping the request simple and respectful increases the chances of getting a helpful response.
The best way to express interest in feedback is to thank the interviewer for their time and then ask for guidance on how to improve. A short and direct message works best. Using a polite tone makes the message more likely to be well received.
Below is a full-length example of a feedback request email that candidates can use. It is written in a clear and professional way, making it easy to copy and adjust for personal use:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your team and the position.
If you have a moment, I would be grateful for any feedback you could share about my interview or application. Your advice would help me improve and better prepare for future roles.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Those using RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant can also practice different ways to ask for feedback before sending a real email. RoboApply can review messages for tone and clarity, helping users create polite and effective requests every time.
For more ideas on how to phrase feedback requests, readers can explore tips at The Muse’s guide on how to ask for feedback after an interview.
3) Ask open-ended questions about your interview performance
Open-ended questions give hiring managers a chance to share more details about your strengths and areas for improvement. Instead of simple yes or no answers, these questions invite helpful, thoughtful feedback. This can help candidates learn what went well and what to focus on for future interviews.
When following up after an interview, include questions like “What skills or qualities could I improve for similar roles?” or “Are there parts of my interview that stood out, either positively or negatively?” These questions encourage detailed answers that are more likely to help you grow. For more tips and sample questions, Resume Genius has recommendations at the end of their guide on how to ask for feedback after an interview.
Using a tool like RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant can help you prepare strong questions beforehand and review feedback afterward. RoboApply also tracks interview follow-ups in its job tracking dashboard, so you can easily keep all your feedback organized.
When you reach out, your message can be brief but clear. For example:
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. I enjoyed learning more about [Company] and the [Job Title] position. I’d love to know if there are any areas where I could improve my interview performance, or specific skills you think I could develop further. Your insights would be very helpful as I continue my job search.
Thank you again for the opportunity.
Best,
[Your Name]
This approach makes it easy for hiring managers to respond with tips and ideas you can actually use.
4) Mention specific parts of the interview to show engagement
Referring to specific moments from the interview shows the hiring manager that the candidate was attentive and values the process. It also makes the feedback request feel more genuine and personal, instead of generic. Candidates can mention a question that challenged them or a topic they found interesting.
For example, a candidate might write in their feedback request, “I appreciated our discussion about time management strategies during the interview. I would be grateful to know how my answer came across and if you have any advice on how I could improve my response.” This makes it easier for interviewers to give targeted, meaningful feedback.
Mentioning details from the conversation can also remind the interviewer of who the candidate is, especially if they interviewed many people. This approach works well with RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant, which helps users review their performance and identify key moments to reference in their follow-up emails.
More tips and sample messages for asking interview feedback can be found on helpful sites like The Muse’s guide to asking for feedback or Indeed’s recommendations, but using specifics will always stand out.
5) Keep your feedback request concise and professional
A feedback request should be short, direct, and polite. Hiring managers are often busy, so keeping the message clear and respectful raises the chances of a reply. Avoid extra details and stick to the main point.
Start by thanking the interviewer for their time. State that you’re seeking feedback to improve. Make sure the tone is professional, whether you are writing an email or a message on LinkedIn.
Here is an example of a concise feedback request email:
Subject: Thank You for the Interview
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I appreciate your time and consideration.
If possible, could you please share any feedback on my interview or application? I am always looking to improve and would value your thoughts.
Thanks again for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Using a professional approach like this keeps communication clear and positive. RoboApply’s email CRM for outreach can also help automate and track your messages, making follow-up easier. For more tips, see detailed ideas on keeping your feedback requests short at this guide for concise feedback emails.
6) Use a clear subject line such as ‘Request for Interview Feedback’
Using a clear subject line in your email helps the recipient know right away what the email is about. This makes it more likely your message will be opened and read instead of ignored or lost in a busy inbox. A direct subject line also shows respect for the hiring manager’s time.
Good options include writing exactly what you are asking for, such as “Request for Interview Feedback – [Your Name]” or “Follow Up: Interview Feedback for [Job Title].” These subject lines are straightforward and tell the reader what to expect.
A strong subject line can also help your email stand out, especially if the recruiter gets a lot of messages daily. Using a clear request like this is recommended by multiple career coaching sites.
If you use RoboApply’s email CRM, you can set templates with clear subject lines and track when your messages are opened or replied to. This makes follow-up simple and effective.
7) Avoid pressuring the interviewer for an immediate response
After an interview, it’s important to give the interviewer enough time to reply. Do not ask for feedback right away or expect an immediate answer. Interviewers often have busy schedules and need time to gather their thoughts or check with others before giving you feedback.
Sending one polite follow-up message is usually enough. Wait at least a few days after your interview before reaching out. When you write, keep your message friendly and patient, making it clear you understand they may need some time.
For example, you can say, “Thank you for meeting with me earlier this week. I enjoyed learning about the team and the position. If you have any feedback from my interview, I would be grateful to hear it whenever you have a chance.” This shows respect for their time and encourages a reply without pressure.
Using a tool like RoboApply’s email CRM can help you track your communications and remind you when enough time has passed before you send a follow-up. If you don’t get a reply right away, avoid sending several more messages. Instead, give them space and check back in only after a reasonable gap.
This approach helps keep your relationship with the company positive and professional. If you want to see more sample messages or manage your outreach, RoboApply can simplify and organize your follow-ups so you don’t have to worry about timing or tone. For more detailed advice, check out guides like this one on how to ask for feedback after an interview.
8) Follow up once if you don’t hear back after one week
If a week has passed since sending your feedback request and you have not received a reply, it is appropriate to follow up once. This gives the interviewer a reminder without appearing pushy. Keep the message polite, short, and focused on your interest in improvement.
Sending a follow-up message shows you are still interested, but also respects the other person’s time. Use a professional tone and thank them again for the opportunity, even if you didn’t get a response yet. Most job experts agree that one follow-up is enough—avoid repeated follow-ups.
Many job seekers use email to follow up, but tools like RoboApply’s email CRM for outreach can help track your messages and remind you when it’s time to send a follow-up. This helps you stay organized and avoid missing any chances to connect.
Example follow-up email:
Subject: Follow-Up on Interview Feedback
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to follow up regarding my interview for the [Job Title] position last week, as I have not yet received feedback. I am eager to learn how I can improve for the future.
Thank you again for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
9) Accept all feedback graciously, both positive and negative
When someone provides feedback after an interview, it is important to stay calm and open, regardless of whether the comments are positive or negative. Being gracious shows that the candidate respects the interviewer’s time and opinion. It can also leave a good impression for future opportunities.
If the feedback is positive, a simple thank you and acknowledgment works well. Recognizing what went well helps reinforce good habits and keeps the tone professional and friendly. For example, a candidate might reply, “Thank you for sharing your feedback with me. I’m happy to hear that my communication skills were strong during the interview.”
Negative feedback can feel tough, but it should be viewed as a chance to improve. Instead of becoming defensive, it helps to listen carefully, thank the interviewer, and show appreciation for their honesty. According to these tips on accepting feedback gracefully, accepting criticism calmly is essential for personal growth.
Using a tracking tool like RoboApply’s job application dashboard helps keep organized records of all interviewer comments for future review. This can help applicants focus on patterns and areas to improve after each interview. RoboApply also offers an interview coaching assistant, so users can practice using the feedback before their next opportunity.
No matter the nature of the feedback, always respond promptly and politely. Short replies such as “Thank you for your honest feedback, I appreciate your time” help keep the conversation positive and professional.
10) Use feedback to identify areas for improvement
After getting feedback from an interview, take time to read it carefully. Feedback often shows specific skills or habits that may need work. For example, it might point out weak answers, gaps in experience, or unclear communication.
Write down each point of feedback. Make a list of which skills or interview sections need improvement. This helps keep the process organized and allows a person to track their growth over time.
Focus on making real changes. If an interviewer suggests working on behavioral questions, practice those with a friend or use a reliable tool like RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant. RoboApply gives AI-powered feedback, sample answers, and helpful practice questions to build confidence.
Use the information to update a resume, cover letter, and interview strategy. If the feedback is about resume wording or content, take advantage of RoboApply’s resume grammar checker or ATS optimizer. This ensures every application is strong and ready for the next opportunity.
If the feedback shows gaps in skills or experience, look for training, workshops, or courses to close those gaps. Take small steps and set clear goals for the next application or interview.
For more tips on using feedback for self-improvement, check guides like the step-by-step article from TechNeeds on how to ask for feedback after an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Requesting feedback after an interview should be direct but polite. Focus on clear communication, being respectful of the recruiter’s time, and using simple language when making contact or following up.
What is the appropriate way to request feedback from a recruiter post-interview?
It is best to send a thank-you email within 24 hours of your interview. In addition to your appreciation, politely ask if the recruiter can share any feedback on your interview performance. Show interest in growing from your experience, and keep the message brief and respectful. Being specific about the interview helps show genuine engagement.
For job application management and email outreach, RoboApply has a built-in email CRM that makes follow-up faster and more organized.
Can you provide a sample email template for asking about interview performance?
A clear email template helps make the request easy. Include a thank you, express your interest in feedback, and keep the language professional.
Here’s a sample template:
Hello [Recruiter’s Name],
Thank you for meeting with me to discuss the [Job Title] position. I appreciate the opportunity to learn about your team and company. If possible, I would be grateful for any feedback you could share about my interview performance. Your input would be valuable for my continued growth.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Best,
[Your Name]
You can send and track feedback requests easily using RoboApply’s email CRM.
What is the recommended waiting period before inquiring about interview feedback?
Wait until you have either received a response to your initial thank-you email or at least 7-10 days after the interview before following up if you have not heard back. Avoid asking for feedback too soon, as the hiring process may still be ongoing.
Using tools like RoboApply to track your interview dates and follow-up reminders can help keep your communication timely.
How should one approach asking for feedback following a job rejection?
After receiving a rejection notice, reply with a short, polite email. Thank the recruiter for the opportunity, acknowledge the outcome, and then request feedback that could help you improve for future interviews.
It is important to show professionalism and not argue the decision. RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant can help you draft professional messages in these situations.
What is the best approach to asking for interview feedback over the phone?
Be concise and respectful if you call. Start by thanking the recruiter for the opportunity. Kindly ask if they can share any feedback to help you improve in future interviews. Respect their time, and be prepared that they might prefer email or may not be able to give feedback immediately.
RoboApply’s interview coaching assistant can prepare users with questions and talking points before making follow-up phone calls.
How do you professionally inquire about the status of your job application?
Send a short follow-up email if you have not received an update in about 7-10 days after your last contact. Be polite and restate your continued interest in the position. Ask if there are any updates on your application status and whether there is a timeline for next steps.
RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard helps monitor application statuses and set reminders for timely follow-ups.
