Job interviews are stressful enough, but not knowing where you went wrong afterward can make the rejection even harder to process. Yet one of the most underrated career moves is also one of the simplest: asking for feedback.

Despite nearly every candidate wanting feedback, only a small percentage actually receive it. In India, for example, just 41% of candidates say they got any feedback post-interview. The result? Most people keep repeating the same mistakes, unknowingly stalling their progress.

This guide will walk you through how to ask for interview feedback in a way that’s respectful, professional, and genuinely helpful. From email templates to timing tips and what not to say – we’ve got you covered so you can learn from every interview and come back stronger.

What is an Interview Feedback Request Email?

An interview feedback request email is a polite and professional message you send to the interviewer or hiring manager after the interview process. Its primary purpose is to seek constructive feedback regarding your performance during the interview. 

This email serves as a valuable tool for you when you want to understand what went well, areas that need improvement, and reasons behind the hiring decision. If leveraged correctly, it can be your most beneficial asset on the road to career growth.

Why Request Feedback After a Job Interview?

Asking for feedback after your job interview might seem daunting, but it can be a game-changer for your career. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Unlocks Continuous Improvement - When you request feedback, you gain clarity on your strengths and weaknesses. This insight helps you identify the skills you need to sharpen and develop your career further. Over time, this process builds a foundation for constant learning, ensuring you remain competitive in your field.
• Enhances Performance in Future Interviews - Constructive criticism helps you fine-tune your interview technique and professional presentation. Knowing what hit the bull's eye and exactly where you missed the mark allows you to prepare better, improving your confidence and increasing your chances of success the next time you interview for a job.
• Strengthens Professional Relationships - Reaching out respectfully for feedback shows maturity and a genuine interest in self-improvement. This leaves a positive impression on recruiters and interviewers, possibly opening doors for future opportunities within the same company or industry. Additionally, it also expands your professional network.
• Boosts Self-Awareness - Interview feedback, both positive and negative, sharpens your understanding of how you present your skills, experience, and personality. It highlights the gaps you might have overlooked and helps you present a more polished version of yourself going forward.

Now that you’re clear on what feedback emails are and why they’re important, another thing you need to know is what is the best way to leverage them for maximum impact.

When and How to Request Feedback After an Interview

The timing and manner in which you ask for feedback play a crucial role in how your request is received and the usefulness of the information you receive. Here’s how to request feedback:

1. Timing Your Feedback Request Correctly

Don’t send a request for feedback immediately after or even within 24 hours of your interview. It's essential to wait until you've received official communication about the interview outcome before requesting feedback. This ensures that the interviewer has had sufficient time to evaluate all candidates and make a decision. 

Reaching out prematurely can be perceived as impatience. Once you receive a rejection or even a neutral response, it's appropriate to ask for feedback. If the reply is positive, it is still recommended to request for feedback before accepting the job offer. It’ll give you an idea about what qualities your company values in you.

2. Mode for Requesting Feedback

Email is the preferred mode for requesting interview feedback. It allows you to clearly articulate your request and provides the interviewer with the flexibility to respond at their convenience. Just ensure your email is concise, polite, and professional. Avoid using informal language as this can undermine your request’s seriousness. In case the recruiter reached out to you over the phone, you can request for the feedback on the same call.

3. Choosing the Specific Queries

Instead of bluntly asking, "How did I do?", which can lead to vague responses, pose targeted questions. For instance, inquire about specific aspects of your performance, such as:

• "Were there any areas where you felt I could have elaborated more?"
• "Could you provide feedback on my responses to the technical questions?"
• "Did I demonstrate the skills and experience you were seeking for this role?"

Such questions encourage the interviewer to provide actionable insights that can aid in your professional development.

When Not to Ask for Feedback

Knowing when not to ask for feedback after an interview is just as important as knowing when to ask. Here are some scenarios where it’s best to hold back on asking for interview feedback:

• When the Hiring Process Is Still Ongoing - Asking for feedback in the middle of ongoing rounds can appear impatient or may reveal uncertainty about your own performance, which could be counterproductive.
• When Reason for Rejection is Already Stated - In case the reason for your rejection is clearly explained in their message or the rejection is due to unavoidable circumstances like high competition, refrain from asking for feedback.
• When Rejection Email Doesn’t Encourage Dialogue - If you receive a rejection message that closes the door firmly without offering a chance for discussion, it’s usually a sign that they don’t intend to provide feedback. 
• When the Interviewer Has Explicitly Declined Feedback - Sometimes, interviewers state upfront that they’ll be unable to share feedback due to company policies or legal concerns. 

Sharpen your interview skills with Topmate’s expert-led mock interviews. Get real-time feedback that helps you identify gaps and boost your confidence before the big day.

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Next, we’ll explore the right way to write interview feedback request emails that get noticed and elicit meaningful replies.

Constructing the Feedback Request Email

By this point, we’ve firmly established why requesting feedback after the interview is crucial for you. However, the way you construct your feedback request email can greatly impact the likelihood of receiving a helpful and timely response. Additionally, crafting a clear, polite, and professional email shows your commitment and respect for the interviewer's time. 

Here’s how to build an effective feedback request email, section by section.

1. Subject Line: Ensure Clarity and Purpose of the Email

The subject line is the first thing the recruiter sees, and it sets the tone for the email. It must be concise yet clear enough to indicate the email’s purpose without sounding demanding. Opt for subject lines that are straightforward and professional, such as:

• Request for Interview Feedback – (Your Name)
• Following Up on Interview – Feedback Request
• Appreciate Your Feedback on My Interview Performance

A clear subject line helps the interviewer immediately understand your intent, increasing the chances that your email will be opened promptly. 

2. Opening: Start with Gratitude for the Opportunity and Their Time

Opening your email with gratitude establishes a positive tone. Begin by thanking the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to discuss the role. This not only shows professionalism but also reinforces your genuine interest in the position. For example, a warm opening could be:

"I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to interview me for the (Job Title) position at (Company Name). It was a pleasure learning more about the team and the exciting projects underway."

Expressing appreciation sets the right mood and shows you value the effort they invested in the interview process. 

3. Main Body/Request: Politely Ask for Specific Feedback 

The core of your email is the feedback request itself. Frame your request politely and specify that you’re seeking constructive criticism or suggestions to improve. Avoid sounding demanding or entitled; instead, emphasize your commitment to professional growth. A well-crafted sentence might be:

"I would greatly appreciate it if you could share any feedback on my interview performance, particularly areas where I could improve or skills I should focus on developing further."

If you want to be more specific, you can request feedback on certain parts of the interview, like your answers, technical skills, or cultural fit. 

4. Sign-off: Thank Them Again and Express Continued Interest 

Conclude your email on a courteous and optimistic note. Thank the interviewer again for their consideration and express your ongoing interest in the company or future opportunities, regardless of the outcome. A fitting sign-off could be:

"Thank you once again for your time and consideration. I remain very interested in the possibility of contributing to (Company Name) and look forward to any feedback you can provide."

Ending on a positive note ensures clarity and leaves the door open for further communication.

Now that you understand the key elements of a professional feedback request email, it’s time to see these principles in action. 

Sample Interview Feedback Request Email

Based on everything we’ve discussed up till now, here’s a sample email you can adapt for your own use when asking for feedback for your interview performance.

Subject: Request for Feedback Following My Interview for Software Developer Role

Dear (Interviewer’s Name),

Thank you very much for taking the time to interview me for the Software Developer position at (Company Name). I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn more about the role and your team.

I would be grateful if you could share any feedback on my interview performance, particularly regarding my technical skills and problem-solving approach. Your insights will help me identify areas where I can improve for future interviews.

Thank you again for your time and consideration. I look forward to any advice you may have and hope to stay connected for any future opportunities.

Best regards,
(Your Name)
(Your Contact Information)

This feedback request email balances eagerness to grow with professionalism, without sounding too pushy or adamant. It’s a good way to politely but tactfully request the recruiter to share their feedback with you.

Let Topmate’s experts review your resume to highlight your strengths and fix weak spots. Pair it with the feedback from your previous interview for a winning job hunt strategy.

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Next, let’s discuss some effective strategies for asking for interview feedback in the right way. 

Best Practices for Requesting Feedback After an Interview

How you ask for interview feedback greatly impacts the quality and usefulness of the response you receive. To ensure your request is well-received and constructive, here are some best practices you should follow.

• Send Your Feedback Request Promptly - Aim to send your request within 24 hours after you receive the interview outcome. This window ensures the interviewer still remembers you and your performance clearly. Delaying your request or sending it too soon jeopardizes your chances.
• Keep Your Message Positive and Professional - Use positive language that reflects gratitude and eagerness to learn. Avoid sounding defensive or confrontational, even if you are disappointed by the outcome. Maintaining a respectful tone conveys maturity and emotional intelligence, which leaves a lasting positive impression. 
• Be Clear and Concise - Keep your feedback request brief and to the point. Avoid writing lengthy emails filled with multiple questions or justifications. A concise message that clearly states your intent to improve based on their feedback is more likely to receive a response. 
• Show Openness to Constructive Criticism - When requesting feedback, it’s important to communicate that you genuinely want to hear both your strengths and weaknesses. Show that you value honesty, even if the criticism may be tough to hear.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to ask for interview feedback can set you apart from other candidates and accelerate your career growth. Interviewer feedback is a valuable asset to understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement. When approached thoughtfully and professionally, requesting feedback shows your eagerness to learn, adaptability, and genuine interest in self-improvement.

At Topmate, we understand that preparation is key. Our mock interviews simulate real interview scenarios with experts who provide honest, actionable feedback. These sessions can help you practice your responses, handle tough questions, and present yourself confidently. Plus, you get to experience the dynamic of interviews without the pressure, making you more prepared for the real thing.

Ready to refine your interview approach and learn how to ask for interview feedback with confidence? Book your mock interview with us today and take control of your career growth. For more tailored guidance and support, reach out to our team now!