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Seeking Feedback
Why is it important?
Try to treat each job application and interview as a learning
opportunity. Aim to get some feedback from the employer when you
are unsuccessful. Even though it is daunting to ask why you
were unsuitable, you may be able to use the information to
improve your application and interview skills.
Few applicants request feedback and thereby miss a very valuable
opportunity to gain an insight into their suitability for a role.
Gaining the greatest benefit from feedback involves listening
carefully to the reply without being defensive or trying to
"explain". Take the response on-board and reflect on it –
you can decide later whether the information was constructive.
Note that some employers have a policy of not providing feedback
due to fears of appeal or litigation. Some employers also find it
difficult to effectively communicate honest, valid, and useful
information to the candidate, particularly if this feedback could be
perceived as negative. However you won't know if you don't ask.
Seeking feedback is an important skill for the workplace too. Being
able to identify areas of concern and take action before they
become problems will improve your chances of success in the workplace.
Samples
General Tips
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Seek feedback as soon as possible after the interview as
interviewers / recruiters may forget the specifics of the
applicant / interview.
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Thank the person for considering your application or for
taking the time to interview you.
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Begin by saying something positive about the interview or
the application process.
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Be positive and enthusiastic about the job and the
organisation.
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Convey your disappointment and the fact that this was a
position you really wanted rather than one out of a hundred
you have applied for.
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It can be emotionally draining for interviewers to deal
with disgruntled applicants. Don’t get defensive or start
arguing your case for the job.
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Remember you may want to apply for another job in this organisation, so make sure you create
a positive impression.
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Let them know you are still interested if another opportunity
should arise. It may happen that the person they hire may leave
for some reason.
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The contact person is under no obligation to provide feedback
so don't press the point.
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Consider the feedback as constructive criticism and not intended
to destroy your self esteem.
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Thank the interviewer for their time in both interviewing
you and for providing feedback that will assist you in
improving your technique for the future.
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