‘Did I get the job?’ How to ask for feedback after an interview
The build-up to an interview can fly by fast as you prepare yourself for the big day. But afterwards, days can drag on as you check your phone, refresh your emails and … nothing.
So how do you work through finding out if you got the job, and getting feedback on your skills, suitability or the interview?
Hiring can be a huge process for the people on the other side of it, so sometimes it’s up to you to get that feedback.
We asked two recruitment experts to share their tips on how to follow up after a job interview – and how to know when it’s time to let go.
During the interview
Ask when you can expect to hear back
“Towards the end of your interview, you will usually be asked if you have any questions of your own. This is where you should ask questions about the role, the team, the interviewer, the business and the learning and development opportunities,” says David Cawley, Senior Director of Hays.
The end of the interview is also the best time to ask about the next steps in the recruitment process and when you can expect to get feedback, says Kristine Tuazon, Director of Good People HR. She says, “Asking about next steps and feedback timelines at the end of an interview is a natural progression in the conversation and signals that you are genuinely interested in the role.” This will also give you some idea of when to expect feedback.
Straight after the interview
Reiterate your interest in the role
Whether or not the interviewer gave you a firm date on when you’ll hear back, it’s wise to contact them quickly to thank them for their time.
“If you were interviewed directly [by a hiring manager from the company], be proactive and send a thank you email, expressing your enthusiasm to join the company,” Cawley says. “Sent in the evening or the next day, this email can be an important factor in the employer’s decision-making process.”
Share any concerns (if going through a recruiter)
“If you used a recruitment consultant, give them immediate feedback after your interview,” Cawley says. “This needs to include any areas you felt you may have fallen down on – perhaps you have a nagging doubt about a specific answer you gave or forgot to highlight a certain valuable skill or experience. They might be able to help you figure out how to address that with the interviewer in any follow-up communication.”
Cawley adds, “Your recruiter will be collecting feedback from the interviewer as part of their process, but this is a good opportunity to remind them that you would be very interested in hearing any feedback the interviewer has, positive or constructive.”
A few days after the interview
Request feedback and ask about next steps
“If you’ve been given a clear indication of when to expect feedback from the recruiter or hiring manager, it’s reasonable to follow up after that date has passed,” explains Tuazon. “For example, if you were told you’d hear back by the end of the week and haven’t, a short, polite email the following business day is appropriate.”
“However, if you weren’t given a clear timeline, following up one to two weeks after your first interview is generally considered a reasonable window.”
While both phone and email are acceptable ways to get in touch, but one may suit better depending on the type of follow-up.
“Because hiring managers are often busy, email is typically the quickest and most effective way to get a response,” says Tuazon. “It allows the hirer to reply between meetings and other work commitments, whereas a phone call can sometimes put them on the spot.”
Be polite and patient
Keep your communication professional, no matter who you’re communicating with or how.
Rejection can be disappointing, especially if you were genuinely excited about the role, but it’s important to remain polite and professional at every stage, says Tuazon. “How you respond matters, even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. Staying professional helps maintain relationships and ensures you’re considered for future opportunities with the business.”
If you do receive a rejection letter, especially if you were one of the final candidates, a courteous follow-up email thanking the interviewer for their time, expressing that you enjoyed learning about the role and team, and politely asking if they have any feedback can leave a strong final impression.
Know when it’s time to let it go
Stay active in your job search while you wait. “However well your interview went, do not by any means cancel any other upcoming interviews you have scheduled for different roles, or give up the job hunt on this basis alone,” Cawley advises.
Some recruitment processes take longer than others. But if you haven’t received any further feedback within a week, it’s time to shift your energy and focus to the next opportunity, Tuazon says. “If you don’t hear back from a hiring manager, try not to take it personally. It simply wasn’t the right opportunity, and it’s important to move forward so you don’t miss out on other potential roles.”
Whatever the outcome, you can learn from your experience and use it to make the next one better. “Think about what is making you so keen for this opportunity, and use it to steer your search for similar roles,” Cawley says.
