How to Decode Interview Feedback to Smash the Next One!

You’ve just had a job interview, and the hiring manager comes back with a polite but frustrating response: “Thanks for your time. We’ve decided to move forward with a more experienced candidate.”

What do you do next? Do you simply thank them and move on? No way! There’s a golden opportunity here to gather valuable insights that can help you nail your next interview.

This blog post will guide you through understanding and using interview feedback to your advantage.

Why ask for feedback?

Receiving a rejection after an interview can be disheartening, we get it. But you can either accept it and move on, or you can turn it into a learning opportunity. What are you going to choose?

This blog post is for the latter.

Disclaimer: Most recruiters won’t offer feedback spontaneously; they prefer to avoid potential conflicts or uncomfortable conversations. Instead, they often give a generic reason, like choosing a more experienced candidate, because it’s hard to dispute.

However, the real reasons for rejection are usually more specific and insightful. Understanding these can greatly improve your performance in future interviews.

Asking for feedback isn’t about arguing your case—it’s too late for that—but about preparing yourself to smash your next opportunity.

Handling rejection positively

Before diving into feedback, it’s important to handle the rejection gracefully. You don’t want to be that candidate who reacts badly (yes, you’ll be gossiped about by the hiring team).

And another thing. Sometimes, the first-choice candidate declines the offer, and the company looks to the next best option. If you’ve left a positive impression, you might be that second choice. Besides that, demonstrating maturity and a willingness to improve puts you in a great light, which means they’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities.

Here’s how to request feedback constructively: “Thanks so much for your time and for getting back to me. I fully understand your decision. Could you please provide some specific feedback, so I can better articulate my experience and skills in future interviews?”

This approach shows professionalism and a genuine desire to improve, which many recruiters respect.

5 common pieces of feedback

Let’s break down five common pieces of interview feedback, discuss what they really mean, and see how you can improve your interview skills for next time.

1. “We went with someone with more experience”

If the recruiter chose someone with more experience, it could mean they didn’t see enough evidence of your skills in a specific area compared to the chosen candidate. Reflect on the interview: did you provide relevant examples of your skills and knowledge? Did the recruiter need to ask clarifying questions, or did they nod and move on?

If you struggled with certain questions, was it because you couldn’t think of a relevant response or didn’t give one at all?

For your next interview, prepare by thinking about any certification, project, or volunteer work where you demonstrated the necessary skills. If you lack direct experience, consider taking online courses or finding opportunities at your current job to gain those skills. There’s always a way to bridge the gap.

2. “You didn’t provide enough detail in your answers”

Sometimes, candidates assume that stating they have the necessary knowledge is enough. However, recruiters look for detailed examples because they want to see how you apply your skills. If you didn’t give enough detail, the STAR format—Situation, Task, Action, Result—can be your best friend.

The STAR method provides a structured way to answer competency-based questions by giving enough context for recruiters to understand your thought process and actions.

If you’re unfamiliar with STAR, it’s worth researching and practicing it before your next interview.

3. “You didn’t seem very enthusiastic about the role”

Enthusiasm is key in an interview. Interviewers want candidates who are genuinely interested in the position and the company. If you appeared neutral, they might assume you won’t be motivated to perform at your best. You don’t need to do cartwheels, but showing genuine interest is essential.

You can demonstrate enthusiasm by thoroughly researching the company and expressing why you’re interested in the role. Mention specific projects they’ve done, or values they hold, that resonate with you. Look for examples on their website, social media, or in the news.

This research will not only show your interest but also help you connect with the interviewer on a deeper level.

4. “You didn’t ask enough questions”

Interviews are a two-way street. If you didn’t ask enough questions yourself, it signals a lack of curiosity or interest in the role.

Prepare two or three well-thought-out questions in advance. These could be about the team, company culture, growth opportunities, or specifics about the role that weren’t covered during the interview.

5. “You don’t seem to be a good fit for our company culture”

This feedback can sting, but it often comes down to preparation. If you didn’t make a strong impression, it might be because you were nervous or unprepared. Interviewers look for candidates who will mesh well with the existing team and align with the company’s values.

Before your next interview, research the company culture thoroughly. Mention one or two of their values or brand traits that you admire when asked why you’re interested in the job or company.

For example, if the company is big on corporate social responsibility and it resonates with you, bring it up. Most companies have a values section on their website—find something that you genuinely connect with and use it to your advantage.

Conclusion

Decoding interview feedback isn’t always easy, especially when you’re emotionally invested. However, understanding what interviewers are really saying can give you a significant edge in your next interview.

Some final tips:

• Always thank the recruiter for their time and feedback, no matter how you feel about the rejection. Stay positive and professional! They’ll remember it.

• Take notes on the feedback you receive and think about how you can address these points in future interviews.

• The more you practice interviewing, the better you’ll get. Use feedback to guide your practice sessions and mock interviews.

• Continuously work on developing your skills and gaining new experiences. This will make you a stronger candidate over time.

Remember, every rejection is an opportunity to grow and improve. Until next time, go smash that interview!

Key takeaways

• Instead of sulking, use interview feedback as a learning tool to identify areas for improvement and come across better in future interviews (+ leave a lasting positive impression + potential for future consideration)

• Ask for insights with a phrase like, “Could you please provide some specific feedback so I can better articulate my experience and skills in future interviews?”

• When explaining your experience, structure your answers using the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate your skills and achievements

• Show your excitement for the role by mentioning specific projects or initiatives of the company that resonate with you, such as a recent innovation or project

• Ask insightful questions about team dynamics, company culture, and professional development opportunities to show your genuine interest in the role

• Before your interview, identify and mention the company’s values that you admire, such as their commitment to sustainability or innovation, to demonstrate cultural alignment

For more insights, tips and strategies related to this topic, be sure to read our other articles: How to Use ChatGPT to Write The Perfect Cover Letter & Applicant Tracking Systems – Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy? & 5 Bad Interviews | Lessons Learned and Tips for Success & How to Prepare for Job Interviews with AI - Questions & Prompts

Related questions

How can I get useful feedback after a job interview?

Request insights by saying, "Could you provide specific feedback so I can improve for future interviews?" This helps you understand areas for improvement.

What should I do if I get rejected after a job interview?

Handle rejection professionally and ask for constructive feedback to learn and enhance your performance in future interviews.

How do I interpret vague interview feedback?

Look beyond the generic reasons and seek specific feedback. Use this information to identify patterns and areas where you might need to enhance your responses or skills.

Why didn’t I get the job even though I thought the interview went well?

Your interview feedback might reveal that you lacked detail in your answers or didn’t fully demonstrate your enthusiasm or fit with the company culture.

What are common reasons for not getting hired after an interview?

Common reasons include lacking detailed examples, not showing enough enthusiasm or knowledge, or not fitting well with the company culture.

How can I show enthusiasm in a job interview?

Research the company thoroughly and mention specific projects or values that resonate with you to show genuine interest and enthusiasm.

What are some effective ways to respond to rejection from a job interview?

Respond graciously, express thanks, and request specific feedback to improve your future interview performance.

How can I align myself with a company’s culture during an interview?

Research the company’s values and culture beforehand and discuss how your personal values and experiences align with them during the interview.

What should I do if I didn’t ask enough questions during my interview?

Next time, prepare thoughtful questions about the team, company culture, and growth opportunities in advance to show your engagement and interest.

How can I use interview feedback to improve my next job interview?

Analyze the feedback for areas of improvement, practice addressing those areas, and incorporate specific examples and detailed answers in your next interview.

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