After an interview, you can request feedback by sending a polite, concise follow-up email to the recruiter or hiring manager. Don't leave it too long, though. You want them to remember your interview while it's still fresh.
But what should you actually write? Which questions should you ask, and how do you respond if the interviewer gets back to you? We'll walk you through the process, with practical tips from the Arizona Observatory team to help you get the most out of your request.
Why Should Graduates Ask for Feedback After an Interview Rejection?
Asking for feedback helps you understand what the interviewer thought of your answers, where you fell short, and what you could do better next time. You might have felt confident about your answers, but the panel may have wanted stronger examples of your skills.
For instance, a recruiter might tell you that your answers relied too heavily on university projects. That gives you something specific to work on before your next interview. You could prepare examples from a part-time job, volunteering, or an extracurricular activity to show how you've used those skills outside the classroom.
You can also get a better idea of what employers expect from graduates. A job description might list communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as requirements, but feedback can reveal how well you demonstrated those skills during the interview.
And don't overlook the impression you leave after the rejection. Thanking the interviewer and responding professionally shows that you can handle disappointing news gracefully. If another suitable position opens up, the recruiter may remember that interaction.
Graduate Interview Feedback Request: How to Structure the Email
Binghamton University's advice on requesting feedback recommends keeping your message professional and appreciative (and we agree). A short, polite email respects the recruiter's time and makes your request easier to understand and respond to.
So, what should you actually include? These five suggestions will help you structure your email without making it longer than necessary.
Reply on the Same Thread, Within 48 Hours
Reply directly to the rejection email rather than starting a new conversation. This keeps your interview details and the recruiter's previous message together, so they can quickly identify your application.
It's also best to send your request within 48 hours of receiving the rejection. The interview will still be fresh in the hiring team's memory, so they can recall specific answers or moments from your conversation more easily.
And you don't have to reply immediately. Take some time to collect your thoughts if you need to, but try not to leave it for several weeks.
Thank the Interviewer Before You Ask for Anything
Open with one line thanking them for their time and the chance to interview. Name something specific, like the case study you worked through or the team you met.
For example:
"Thank you for taking the time to meet with me about the Graduate Marketing Assistant position. I enjoyed learning more about the team and the projects you are currently working on."
A couple of sentences are enough. You want to sound appreciative without making the email unnecessarily long.
Say Plainly That You'd Value Their Feedback
Once you've thanked the interviewer, explain that you'd appreciate some feedback on your performance.
You could write:
"I understand that you have decided to move forward with another candidate, but I'd really appreciate any feedback you could share about my interview."
Keep the request direct and polite. You don't need to apologize for asking or make it sound as though you're questioning the hiring decision.
You can also mention that even a brief comment would help you prepare for future opportunities. This shows that you respect their time and don't expect a detailed evaluation.
Ask One or Two Specific Questions
Don't simply ask, "Can you tell me why I wasn't selected?" That doesn't give the interviewer much direction. They might have concerns about how you answered certain questions or feel another candidate had more relevant experience or skills.
Instead, ask one or two questions about a specific part of your interview. For instance, you could ask whether your answers showed the skills they wanted. You could also ask if there were opportunities to give stronger examples of your experience.
And don't send five or six questions in one email. Recruiters are often handling several applications and may not have time to answer them all. Stick to one or two focused questions so the recruiter can respond without having to work through a long list.
Keep the Door Open for Future Roles
If you're still interested in working for the company, let the interviewer know. You could mention that you'd welcome the opportunity to apply for another suitable position or graduate program in the future.
For instance:
"I remain interested in opportunities with your organization and would be happy to be considered for any suitable graduate openings."
Finish with a simple thank-you, your full name and your contact details. You can then send the email and give the interviewer some time to respond.
Graduate Interview Feedback Email Example
Putting those suggestions together, your email could look something like this:
Subject: Re: Graduate Marketing Assistant Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to interview me for the Graduate Marketing Assistant position. I enjoyed learning more about the role and meeting the team.
Although I am disappointed that I was not selected, I would appreciate any feedback you could share about my interview. In particular, I'd like to know whether my examples demonstrated the skills and experience you were looking for.
Any suggestions on how I could improve for future interviews would also be greatly appreciated.
I remain interested in opportunities with [Company Name] and would welcome the chance to apply for suitable positions in the future.
Thank you again for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Feel free to adjust this example to suit your interview. If there was a particular question you struggled with, replace the general feedback request with a more focused question about that part of the conversation.
What Questions Should You Ask for Interview Feedback?
The best questions focus on something the interviewer actually observed during your conversation. Rather than asking whether you were a good candidate, ask about a particular answer, skill, or assessment that could use some improvement.
Here are a few examples you can adapt:
- Your Work Experience: Did my examples demonstrate enough practical experience for this graduate position?
- Your Interview Answers: Was there an answer where I could have explained my skills or experience more clearly?
- Your Technical or Case Exercise: Did my approach to the assessment meet the expectations for this role?
- Your Skills: Which skill would you recommend I develop before applying for similar positions?
- Your Application: Was there anything in my CV or cover letter that I could have presented more effectively?
You don't need to ask all five. Think back to the interview and choose the questions that relate to your least confident moments.
For example, if you struggled to answer a question about teamwork, ask whether your response gave the panel enough evidence of your ability to work with others. If you completed a technical assessment, ask whether there was anything you could have approached differently.
You might not get a detailed answer to every question. But giving the interviewer something specific to consider makes it easier for them to offer useful comments.
What If the Interviewer Doesn't Respond?
Sometimes, you won't receive a reply to your feedback request. In other cases, the recruiter might send a short message that doesn't explain much about your performance. Neither outcome means you did anything wrong.
Some employers have policies that prevent interviewers from providing individual feedback. Others simply don't have enough time to respond to every candidate. Here's how to handle the two most common situations.
No Reply at All
Give the recruiter around a week to respond. If you haven't heard anything by then, you can send one short follow-up email, like this:
"Hello [Interviewer's Name],
I wanted to follow up on my previous email about interview feedback. I understand you may be busy, but I'd appreciate any comments you could share when you have a chance.
Thank you again for your time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]"
If there's still no response, leave it there. Sending repeated messages is unlikely to get you the feedback you're looking for. Instead, review your interview notes and identify any answers you could improve.
A Short, Generic Note
You might receive a response such as, "We decided to proceed with a candidate whose experience was a closer match."
Although this doesn't tell you much about your interview, you can still use it as a starting point. Look at the job description again and compare its requirements with the examples you gave during the interview. Did your answers demonstrate the skills and experience the employer was looking for? If not, think about what you could improve before applying for a similar position.
And if the reply leaves you unsure about a particular point, you can politely ask one brief follow-up question. However, respect the recruiter's decision if they can't provide further details.
Keep Asking and Keep Moving Your Career Forward
Now you know how to ask for feedback without making the request awkward or putting the recruiter on the spot. When the next rejection arrives, use what you've learned to send a short, polite email and ask where you could improve.
Take any feedback you receive and put it into practice before your next interview. Even a small change to how you explain your experience or demonstrate your skills can help you give stronger answers.
Need more guidance as you prepare for your first graduate job? Contact Arizona Observatory for practical career guidance to help you take the next step.