How to Gracefully Ask for Feedback After Being Rejected for a Job

Respond to rejection messages within one business day. If it’s an email, aim to reply within 24 hours. For voicemails, return the call within the same timeframe during standard working hours (typically not on weekends or holidays). If you answer the call in real time, that’s your chance—go ahead and ask for feedback then.

• Stay positive and professional at all times.
• Thank them for both the interview and taking time to share their decision.
• Convey your disappointment with grace. This shows maturity and reinforces your gratitude.
• Once that’s done, go ahead and request insights about your interview. Keep reading for what to ask—and what to steer clear of.

Start by expressing your thanks. A simple line like “Thank you for considering me for this position” goes a long way toward building goodwill and encouraging useful feedback.

• Add a personal touch like “It was a pleasure meeting your team and learning about the company.”
• If you spoke with specific individuals, name them: “It was great to meet you and Charlie,” or “Please pass along my thanks to Maria.”

Share your disappointment in a respectful tone. For example, “While I’m disappointed I won’t be joining your team, I truly appreciate the opportunity to apply.” This shows respect and continued interest.

• Include a detail or two about the role or team if possible.
• For instance, “Though I’m disappointed not to work with Alex and the HR team, I’m grateful for the experience and wish you all the best.”

Show your commitment to personal growth. Saying something like “I’m always looking to sharpen my skills and would be grateful for your feedback” highlights your willingness to learn. It also signals that you value their perspective, which might encourage them to respond.

• If you're speaking over the phone, try saying, “If you have a moment, I’d love to hear any brief feedback on my application.”

Pose focused questions. For example, “Are there one or two things I could have done differently in the interview?” Since hiring teams are often short on time, keeping your questions short and specific shows you respect their schedule and makes it easier for them to reply.

• Inquire if any key qualifications were missing. Recruiters often choose applicants who closely match the job criteria—this can help you discover any gaps.
• Write down any insights you’re given. Focus on concrete suggestions you can act on.
• Use each piece of feedback as a stepping stone. Rejection isn’t easy, but it can lead to meaningful improvement when taken constructively.

Seek feedback on your resumé and cover letter. You might ask, “Do you have any comments on my resumé or CL?” Pay close attention to what stood out positively, what didn’t land, and anything that might have been missing.

• During a phone call, have your materials in front of you. Mark important notes and highlight areas to revise.
• If you submitted additional materials like a portfolio or test, feel free to ask about those too.
• Example: “Did my writing samples reflect what you were looking for?” or “Were there any areas in the test where I could have done better?”

Wrap up by asking for any other insights. “Is there anything else you’d like to share?” This opens the door for extra thoughts that may not relate directly to your earlier questions.

• Save this for the end of your conversation or email—it allows them to expand on anything they think is important.
• For emails, you can soften it as a statement: “Feel free to share any other thoughts or feedback you may have.”

Close with a sincere thank you. You can also leave the door open for future opportunities by saying something like, “Thank you again. Please keep me in mind if any suitable roles open up.”

• In an email, consider ending with “Thank you again—I look forward to hearing from you,” or “Thanks, and please share my regards with the team.”
• You might also acknowledge seasonal moments: “Thanks again. Wishing you a joyful Thanksgiving.”

Hello Michelle, I really appreciate you getting back to me about your decision. While I’m disappointed I won’t be part of your team, I’m thankful for the interview opportunity and I wish you continued success. I’m always striving to grow, so I’d truly value your input on how I presented myself and my application. Could you share one or two areas where I might improve my interview performance? Were there any specific qualifications or experiences I was missing? Also, any insights on my resumé or cover letter would be much appreciated. I’d be grateful for any suggestions you can provide to help me better position myself for similar roles. You can reach me via this email during standard business hours, or by phone at 917-555-2313. Thanks again for your time and consideration. Wishing you all the best, Adam [email protected] 917-555-2313

Dear Mr. Rosetti, Thank you for updating me on your hiring decision. Though I’m disappointed not to be selected as a Junior Associate, I’m grateful for the chance to have interviewed for the role. I’d like to turn this into a learning moment to improve going forward. If you could share a few minutes of your time, I’d be thankful for your perspective on how I could have presented myself more effectively. Were there key qualifications or experience I lacked? I’d also be grateful for any thoughts on my cover letter and resumé. Any additional feedback would be sincerely welcomed. You can contact me at your convenience at this email address or call me at 908-555-1881. My availability is listed in the signature below. Thanks once again, and please pass along my thanks to Maria and everyone at ABC Associates. Kind regards, Dana Rodriguez [email protected] Office: +1 (908) 555-1881 Fax: +1 (908) 555-1200 Mon - Wed: 9:00am - 5:00pm PT Thu: 8:00am - 6:00pm PT Fri: 10:00am - 3:00pm PT

Skip overly general questions. Posing questions like “What should I have done differently?” or “How can I improve?” might be too vague for someone with limited time to respond.

• It’s better to wrap up with a more concise question or open invitation.
• For instance, try saying, “Is there anything else you’d be willing to share?” or “Please let me know if you have any further feedback.”

Refrain from debating the feedback you receive. Even if the recruiter’s comments seem off-base or unfair, challenging them is unlikely to help. It can give the impression that you're unwilling to learn or accept critique, and may prevent you from benefiting from valid insights.

• If the feedback stings, consider stepping away and revisiting it later. Taking time to cool off can make it easier to process constructive criticism.

Try not to ask directly why you weren’t selected. While the question is understandable, it may come across as intrusive. Recruiters often can’t disclose the specific reasons behind a decision, especially if it involves confidential considerations.

• In some instances—like a low test score—it might be obvious, but the recruiter still might not be able to confirm it explicitly.

Hold off on follow-up questions unless invited. It’s natural to want further explanation, but keep in mind that any feedback you receive is a professional courtesy, not an obligation. Pressing for more might come across as pushy. One respectful message or call is usually enough.

• The only exception is if they’ve explicitly said you can reach out again. In that case, a second inquiry may be appropriate.