How to ask for feedback after the interview?
3 min | Travis O'Rourke | Article | Interview advice
![A woman smiles widely as she looks at a man.](https://www.hays.ca/documents/63372/4551645/Candidates-Career-Advice-Blog-Banner-Interview_Feedback-537x302-US.png/603ca022-ff18-db4f-70b3-82e47ddf4921?t=1720828748500)
If you’re unsure how to approach the company and your recruiter, or perhaps you already know what to do but want to strike the right tone, this article provides guidance on how to request feedback after a job interview.
Ask for your feedback
Sometimes we wonder how to ask for feedback from a job interview. After all, it's normal to feel anxious while waiting for an answer.
How long do I have to wait?
Managing anxiety during the post-interview period is crucial, as hiring processes can be time-consuming and each company follows its own procedures. To gain clarity on the selection process, consider asking the following questions during the interview:
- Company timeline: Inquire about the timeline for filling the vacancy. Is the position starting immediately or in the next quarter or semester?
- Next steps: Ask about the subsequent stages in the selection process.
- Contact timing: Find out how long it typically takes for the company to reach out to candidates.
- Feedback for unsuccessful candidates: Seek clarification on whether the company provides feedback to candidates who don’t progress in the selection process.
If you don’t receive feedback after the interview, consider reaching out to recruiters within 7 to 10 days. Use the same communication channel you’ve been using throughout the conversation with the company. Whether it’s email or phone, keep your message concise and professional. And remember, paying attention to signs of a successful interview can also provide valuable insights.
Here are some examples to inspire you in crafting your post-interview feedback request message. Feel free to adapt the templates according to your style and also according to your dealings throughout the process with the company.
Formal template
Subject: Feedback selection process - Vacancy XYZ
Dear Mary, good afternoon!
First, I hope you are well! I would like to thank you for your time in our interview last week and reaffirm that I am very interested and excited about the opportunity. Would it be possible to inform the schedule of the next steps of the selection process? If I am not part of the candidates being considered for the next phase, I would appreciate being informed.
Thank you!
Yours sincerely,
[First and last name]
[Contact phone number]
Informal form
Subject: Feedback selection process - Vacancy XYZ
Hello Mary, good morning!
First, thank you very much for your availability last week for our interview, I am very interested and motivated with the opportunity. I am very interested and motivated with the opportunity. Would it be possible to inform a status of the selection process and what would be the next steps, please? I would like to be able to organize myself. But, if I have not been selected for the next phase, I would be very grateful if you could let me know.
Thank you very much and have a great day!
[First and last name]
[Contact phone number]
By text message
Hi Mary, how are you? I am [NAME], who participated in an interview with you on XX/YYY for vacancy XYZ. I am very motivated with the vacancy opportunity, and I would like to know what the next steps in the selection process are. I look forward to hearing from you, thank you.
In summary, navigating the post-interview phase is essential for job seekers. By requesting feedback, understanding the selection process, and maintaining effective communication, candidates can enhance their chances of success. Remember, each interview is a learning opportunity, and thoughtful follow-up can make a significant difference in your career journey. Best of luck!
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About this author
Travis O'Rourke
President of Hays Canada & CCO, Hays Americas
Travis is a Marketing graduate from Fanshawe College and was the 2023 recipient of their Distinguished Alumni Award. He joined Hays after holding various leadership roles elsewhere in the Canadian staffing industry. Travis setup and established Hays' outsourced talent solutions business and played an integral role in building Hays’ temporary and contract divisions throughout Canada. Initially joining Hays with a deep background in Technology, he holds extensive cross functional knowledge to provide clients with talent solutions in Financial Services, Energy, Mining, Manufacturing, Retail, and the Public Sector.