Reaching out After Getting Rejected - Seeking Feedback

Purpose: Converting rejection into learning opportunity

Target: Recruiter or Interviewer who rejected you

Email Subject

Thank you for the opportunity - seeking feedback

Alternative subjects:

• Grateful for the [Company Name] interview experience
• Request for feedback - [Job Title] interview
• Thank you and hoping to learn from the experience

Email Body

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to reach out to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name].

While I'm disappointed that it didn't work out this time, I really enjoyed [specific positive aspect - e.g., "learning about your team's technical challenges" or "the system design discussion with [interviewer name]" or "the culture I experienced during the interview"].

I'm committed to improving my skills and would be incredibly grateful if you could share any feedback on my interview performance. Specifically:
• Areas where I could have done better
• Skills or knowledge gaps I should address
• Any advice for future opportunities

I understand you might be busy, so even a few brief points would be immensely valuable for my growth.

I'd love to stay connected and hope to cross paths again in the future. [Company Name] is doing amazing work, and I'll continue following your progress!

Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Best regards, 
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn Profile]

Tips for Success

Send within 24-48 hours of rejection
Express genuine gratitude despite rejection
Be humble and open to feedback
Don't be defensive or argumentative
Keep the door open for future opportunities

Do's

✓Thank them sincerely for the opportunity
✓Be specific about what you appreciated
✓Ask for constructive feedback
✓Show commitment to improvement
✓Maintain professionalism and grace

Don'ts

✗Don't argue with the decision
✗Don't be passive-aggressive
✗Don't demand detailed feedback
✗Don't burn bridges
✗Don't send angry or emotional messages

Placeholders Reference

[Name] - Recruiter or interviewer's first name

[Company Name] - Company name

[Job Title] - Position you interviewed for

[Specific positive aspect] - Something you appreciated about the process

[Your Name] - Your full name

[LinkedIn Profile] - Your LinkedIn URL

Follow-up Email

Subject: Following up - Feedback request

When to send: 7-10 days after initial email if no response

Hi [Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to follow up on my request for feedback on my interview for the [Job Title] position.

I completely understand if you're unable to provide detailed feedback. Even high-level guidance would be helpful for my professional growth.

Thank you again for the opportunity!

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Success Stories

Kavya S.

Got detailed feedback, improved, reapplied and joined 8 months later

Used feedback to address gaps, got offer in next attempt

Expected Response Rate:

20-35%

Best Time to Send:

Within 24-48 hours of rejection