You’ve just finished your interview, and you're anxiously waiting for that follow-up email. It finally arrives, but instead of a job offer, you’re greeted with feedback. What do you do?
It can be tough to receive negative feedback, especially after putting your heart and soul into an interview. It's easy to feel discouraged, but it’s important to remember that feedback is a valuable tool for growth. A well-crafted response can show your professionalism, demonstrate your eagerness to learn, and even open the door for future opportunities.
Acknowledge and Thank
First and foremost, thank the interviewer for their time and for providing you with feedback. This shows your appreciation for their effort and demonstrates your professionalism. A simple, "Thank you for taking the time to provide me with feedback" goes a long way.
Understand the Feedback
Take the time to carefully read and understand the feedback provided. Don't jump to conclusions or get defensive. Instead, try to see things from the interviewer's perspective. Identify the specific areas where you could improve and try to understand the reasoning behind their observations.
Think of it like this: Imagine you’re baking a cake. If someone tells you, "The cake is a little dry," you wouldn't immediately throw the whole cake out. Instead, you'd try to figure out why it was dry. Maybe you didn't add enough moisture or maybe you baked it for too long. The feedback is your "recipe" for improvement.
Address Concerns Respectfully
Once you've analyzed the feedback, you can begin to address the concerns. While it's important to acknowledge any valid points raised, don't feel obligated to agree with everything. If you disagree, explain your perspective respectfully and provide evidence to support your point of view.
Think about a time you were giving someone feedback. Imagine their reaction if you simply brushed off your suggestions or got defensive. Wouldn't you be more inclined to help them if they were receptive and open to your input?
Show You're a Learner
Demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow. Highlight how you are already working on improving in the areas they mentioned. If you are enrolled in any training programs or taking steps to develop those specific skills, mention those efforts.
For example, if the feedback is that you lack experience in a particular software program, you can mention that you’ve started an online course or are currently working on building your skills. This shows initiative and a willingness to learn.
Focus on the Positive
Even though you didn't get the job, don't solely focus on the negative. Highlight your strengths and reiterate your interest in the position. Remind them of your skills and qualifications that are relevant to the role.
Think of it as a "win-win" situation. You're getting valuable feedback that can help you in your job search, and they're getting a chance to see you in a positive light.
Express Gratitude and Future Interest
End your email by expressing your gratitude for the opportunity and your continued interest in the company. You can mention that you're eager to apply for future opportunities.
Imagine someone sending you feedback, but then ending the email without expressing any gratitude for your time or effort. Wouldn't it feel a little off? Ending on a positive note leaves a lasting impression.
Example Email
Here's an example of a professional email response to interview feedback:
Subject: Re: Interview Feedback for [Position Name]
Dear [Interviewer Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with feedback on my interview for the [Position Name] role. I appreciate you taking the time to share your observations.
I understand that my [mention specific area of feedback] could be improved. You're right that [explain your understanding of the feedback]. I've already started taking steps to address this, such as [mention your steps for improvement].
While I'm disappointed that I wasn't selected for the position, I remain highly interested in [Company Name] and its mission. I am confident that I can bring value to your team with my [highlight your skills and qualifications].
I would be grateful for the opportunity to apply for future positions that align with my skills and experience.
Thank you again for your time and valuable feedback.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Dos and Don'ts
Here are some additional dos and don'ts to keep in mind:
Dos:
- Be prompt and reply within a few days of receiving the feedback email.
- Use a professional tone and avoid slang or informal language.
- Proofread your email carefully before sending it.
- Be specific and address the feedback directly.
- Keep the email brief and focused.
Don'ts:
- Don't argue or get defensive.
- Don't make excuses for your shortcomings.
- Don't overshare personal information.
- Don't make it about getting the job. Focus on growth and learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if the feedback is very negative?
Don’t let negative feedback discourage you. Remember that every interview is a learning experience. Focus on the areas where you can improve and use this feedback to strengthen your future interview skills.
2. Should I follow up with a phone call?
It depends on the situation. If you feel that a phone call would be beneficial, you can always ask if the interviewer would be open to a quick call to discuss the feedback further. But always follow up with an email confirming your conversation.
3. What if the feedback is vague or unhelpful?
If the feedback is vague or unhelpful, you can politely ask for clarification. Ask them to elaborate on specific areas where you could improve.
4. What if the feedback is inaccurate?
If you feel that the feedback is inaccurate, you can politely explain your perspective. But avoid being confrontational or argumentative. Focus on providing evidence to support your point of view.
5. What if I never received feedback?
While not ideal, it’s not uncommon to not receive feedback after an interview. If you haven’t received feedback after a reasonable amount of time (usually 1-2 weeks), you can send a polite follow-up email. Simply thank them for their time and express your continued interest in the position.
Conclusion
Receiving interview feedback can be a challenging experience, but it's important to remember that it’s a valuable opportunity for growth. By acknowledging the feedback, addressing concerns respectfully, and showing your willingness to learn, you can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive one.
Remember, each interview is a chance to refine your skills and improve your performance. Even if you don't get the job, you're gaining valuable insights that will help you succeed in future interviews. So, keep your head up, learn from your experiences, and continue to strive for your goals. You’ve got this!