How to ask for feedback after an interview

You finished the interview, waited, and got the decision. Whether it was a “yes,” a “not this time,” or a “we’ll keep your resume,” you can still win the moment. The smartest move is to request post-interview feedback, brief, polite, and focused on growth. This guide shows you exactly how to do it without sounding pushy, with copy-and-paste email samples and expert advice you can use today.

How to ask for feedback after an interview: email samples

Short, polite, and specific wins. Customize one of these—send within 24-48 hours.

Email templates for every outcome

Still in the running — polite request for feedback after an interview

After a phone interview — best way to ask for feedback

Got the job — professional note to request interview feedback

Why post-interview feedback matters (benefits you can’t ignore)

Improve your next interview with targeted interview feedback.
Small tweaks compound: tighter examples, clearer STAR stories, fewer fillers, sharper achievements.

Open the door to more opportunities via post-interview follow-up.
A gracious note often leads to, “We’ll keep you in mind for X,” or a referral.

Learn about the competition from hiring feedback.
Understand gaps in skills, industry exposure, or seniority so you can close them.

Drive personal & professional growth with candid feedback.
You’ll spot patterns, messaging, confidence, structure, that you can deliberately practice.

Understand how others see you through interview feedback.
Reality > assumptions. You’ll learn how your tone, depth, or examples land.

Add a contact to your network with a thoughtful feedback request.
You’re memorable, humble, and coachable, traits recruiters remember.

Want to go deeper on the power of constructive feedback? See Harvard Business Review on feedback and growth.

Step-by-step: request feedback after an interview (without sounding pushy)

1. Time it right (24–48 hours). Send soon—while your conversation is fresh.
2. Keep it concise (4–6 lines). Respect inboxes. Ask one or two specific questions.
3. Be specific. Try “What one thing would have strengthened my candidacy?”
4. Stay neutral and grateful. No debate, no defensiveness—this isn’t an appeal.
5. Offer optionality. “A few bullet points or a quick line is perfect.”
6. Use the best channel. Email first; LinkedIn is fine if you’re already connected.
7. Don’t chase. One polite request is enough. If no reply, move on with grace.

Expert tips to maximize your odds

Personalize every note. Mention the role, date, or a detail from your chat.

Mirror their language. If they say “Client Solutions,” use that term in your email and resume.

Turn feedback into action. Update bullets, quantify results, tighten your summary.

Track patterns. If two interviewers flag depth on metrics, fix it this week.

Leverage tools to iterate. Scan your resume against job ads with an ATS checker (e.g., Jobscan) and refine with an AI builder like Rezoom.io you keep the human voice, tools handle structure and keywords.

Always thank them. Whether they reply or not, you’ve reinforced a positive impression.

Do’s and Don’ts for feedback requests

Do

Key takeaways: how to ask for feedback after an interview

• A single, well-timed request can accelerate your growth.
• Use concise emails, ask one focused question, and accept answers graciously.
• Convert insights into stronger resume bullets and sharper stories.
• Tools help with structure; your authenticity closes the deal.

Next step: refine your resume with Rezoom.io so your achievements are crystal-clear for both humans and screening systems.

FAQ: FAQs: asking for interview feedback

Should I ask for interview feedback after a rejection?

Yes, once. A short, appreciative note can yield insights and preserve the relationship.

How do I politely request feedback after an interview?

Use a concise email: thank them, ask one specific question, and make it easy to reply (bullets welcome).

How can I beat automated resume screening before I ask for feedback?

Tailor your resume to the posting, use exact keywords naturally, keep formatting simple, and quantify impact. A quick scan with an ATS resume checker plus Rezoom.io alignment helps.

Should I let AI write my resume before the post-interview feedback step?

Let AI draft; you humanize. Tools can accelerate structure and keywords, your voice adds credibility.

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