rejection letters

IceDiamond

If you get a rejection letter, would you apply bother looking for feedback? Or would that be the wrong thing to do if you wanted to apply for a different job with the same company later on?

marybelle01

It's impossible to say. I have frequently provided feedback (whether asked or not - I always offer it). Most of the time, what I say is true and should (hopefully) be helpful - but I do spend quite a bit of time preparing it, and it is rarely "you were great but someone else was better". That almost always true to some degree, but it's the "why they were better and you weren't" that may help you! On the other hand, I have, on rare occasions, lied through my teeth! Because it is hard to say "Your paper application was fabulous but either you lied throughout (probable) or you are the worst interviewee ever because nothing you said on paper tied up with the evidence of the interview". I know people who absolutely refuse to give feedback because it is so stressful!


My advice would be to ask if they are willing to comment on how you could have improved your interview (because everyone can improve - even the person who got it!). That way you aren't coming across as challenging their decision, or piling on the stress for them to find something to say. It is easier to say "this could have improved your performance" without saying that if you had done that you would have got the job - it's more comfortable for you, and more comfortable for them. In that context - ask because they can only say no (some employers never give feedback and that is policy not to).

AP007

IceDiamond wrote: »

If you get a rejection letter, would you apply bother looking for feedback? Or would that be the wrong thing to do if you wanted to apply for a different job with the same company later on?

You don't mean after an interview do you?

I ask for feedback on all job applications and would most definitely chase up an interview.

Depending on the role and feedback if I would apply again.

Beachview_2

One of my cousins applied a good few times to a shoe shop before they gave her a job in it. I think she must have applied 3 times, at a guess. It was only a small shop, not a big company.

No idea if she ever looked for any feedback though.

phill99

Beachview wrote: »

One of my cousins applied a good few times to a shoe shop before they gave her a job in it. I think she must have applied 3 times, at a guess. It was only a small shop, not a big company.

No idea if she ever looked for any feedback though.

Fascinating.

KevInChester

It's definitely worth asking. I actually got a job due to asking about feedback, they said I was 2nd choice and as another job had come up they would like to offer it to me based on the previous interview. It was what led to me getting this new job (in the education sector).

The best part? The job I was offered was actually better hours, fulltime rather than part time.

National_Careers_Service

Hi there IceDiamond

I agree that’s it worth asking for some feedback after an interview. You might find you learn something really useful about how you came across, and that could help you prepare for your next interview. I guess the key thing is to treat this conversation almost like a mini interview and make sure you’ve thought about how you will ask for feedback. You want to come over as positive and not appear to be challenging the employer’s decision.

Maybe you could mention how interested you were in the vacancy and as marybelle01 suggested, ask how you could have improved your interview performance. You could wrap up the conversation by showing some interest in potential vacancies in the future and definitely thank them for their time.

Some employers might not offer feedback, but it’s ok to ask.

Best wishes

Penny