Getting a rejection email sucks, but that doesn’t mean your job search ends there.
One of the smartest things you can do next? Follow up to ask for feedback.
It shows professionalism, helps you improve, and keeps the door open for future opportunities at the same company.
In this guide, you’ll get:
- Easy-to-copy email templates to ask for feedback
- Tips on what to say (and what not to)
- A way to track if your email was read, so you’re not left guessing
Quick Answer: How to Ask for Feedback After an Interview Rejection
- Thank the interviewer for the opportunity (Here are some other examples of post-interview thank you emails)
- Politely mention that you’d appreciate any feedback
- Keep it short, respectful, and focused on improvement
- Don’t push, just show professionalism and openness
- Follow up once if needed (and only after giving it time)
1. Simple Feedback Request After Rejection
You just received a job interview rejection. Keep your response short, polite, and focused on learning.
Subject: Thank You + Quick Feedback Request
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role.
While I’m disappointed, I truly appreciate the opportunity to be considered and to learn more about [Company Name] during the interview process.
If possible, I’d be grateful for any feedback you could share about my interview. I’m always looking to improve and would value any insight you can offer.
Thanks again for your time, and I hope our paths cross again in the future.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Before hitting send, use MailTracker to set a follow-up reminder. If there's no reply in a few days, you'll get a nudge to check in (without forgetting or waiting too long.)
2. Asking for Feedback to Improve
If you're actively applying and want to sharpen your approach, make it clear you’re looking for honest input, not fishing for compliments.
Subject: Request for Feedback on Interview – [Your Name]
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] at [Company Name]. While I understand I won’t be moving forward, I’d really appreciate any feedback you’re able to share.
I’m working to improve my interview performance and would welcome any notes (big or small) that could help me in future conversations.
Thanks again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
With MailTracker, you’ll see if the hiring manager opens your email more than once, a sign they may be reviewing your message or thinking about responding.
3. Asking for Feedback + Staying Open to Future Roles
Didn’t get this one, but liked the company? This email keeps the tone positive and the connection alive.
Subject: Thank You + Feedback Request
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. While I’m disappointed in the outcome, I appreciated learning about the team and the role.
If you’re able to share any feedback, I’d be grateful. I’d also love to stay in touch for any future opportunities that might be a better fit.
Thanks again for your time, and best of luck in finding the right candidate.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
4. Feedback Request After a Panel Interview
Panel interviews can be intense. If you had multiple interviewers, it's a good idea to thank the whole group and ask for collective or individual feedback.
Subject: Request for Feedback – [Job Title] Interview
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for coordinating the panel interview for the [Job Title] at [Company Name]. It was a pleasure to meet with the team and learn more about the role.
While I understand I wasn’t selected, I’d really appreciate any feedback from you or the panel that could help me improve in future interviews.
Thanks again for the opportunity and for your time throughout the hiring process.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
If your email hasn’t been opened after a few days, MailTracker will send you a notification that your email was never opened, so you can send a better follow up.
5. Feedback Request After Reaching the Final Stage
If you made it far in the process, it’s totally fair to ask for more detailed feedback, just keep it respectful and brief.
Subject: Following Up on Final Interview – Feedback Request
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for the chance to be considered for the [Job Title] role at [Company Name]. I enjoyed the entire interview process and appreciated the opportunity to meet with several members of your team.
While I’m disappointed by the outcome, I’d be grateful for any feedback you could share, especially as I continue to grow and refine my approach in future interviews.
Wishing you the best as you move forward with the right candidate.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
6. Feedback Request After Second Interview
If you made it to the second round, it means you were a serious contender. This is a good chance to learn what tipped the decision.
Subject: Thank You + Quick Feedback Request
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] at [Company Name], and for the follow-up conversation in the second round. I really appreciated getting a deeper look into the role and the team.
While I understand the decision, I’d truly value any feedback you’re able to share about my performance. It would help me improve as I continue in my job search.
Thanks again, and I wish you success in finding the best fit for the team.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
7. Asking for Feedback with Interest in Another Department
Sometimes the role isn’t the right fit, but you’re still interested in the company. Here’s how to keep the conversation going.
Subject: Feedback Request + Continued Interest
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] at [Company Name]. While I understand I wasn’t selected, I remain very interested in your team and would love to be considered for future roles, particularly in [Other Department/Team].
If you’re able to share any feedback from my interview, I’d really appreciate it. I’m always looking for ways to improve.
Thanks again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
8. Follow-Up After No Response
Didn’t get a reply to your feedback request? It’s okay to follow up once, as long as you keep it professional and brief.
Subject: Quick Follow-Up on Previous Email
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I just wanted to follow up on my email from a few days ago regarding the [Job Title] interview at [Company Name].
If you’re able to share any feedback, I’d really appreciate it. I completely understand how busy things get, and I value the time you took to meet with me during the interview process.
Thanks again for the opportunity.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
See If Your Feedback Email Was Opened (or Ignored)
When you're asking for feedback after an interview, not knowing if your email was even read can be frustrating.
That’s where MailTracker helps.
Get real-time notifications when your email is opened, reopened, or left unopened.
Set a follow-up reminder before you send (so you don’t forget or wait too long).
Whether you're requesting feedback, following up, or just keeping communication professional, MailTracker gives you clarity.
Get our forever free plan and track up to 20 emails/month, or start the advanced plan anytime with a 7-day free trial.
FAQs: Feedback After Interview Rejection Email
Should I reply to a job rejection email at all?
Yes. A brief reply shows professionalism. Even if it's a simple thank you, it helps you leave a positive impression for future positions.
Can I ask for feedback even if the rejection was a form email?
Definitely, many professional rejection emails don’t include feedback, but you can still ask respectfully. It shows maturity and a focus on professional growth.
Why don’t companies always give feedback?
Due to legal reasons, time constraints, or a high volume of qualified candidates, not all hiring teams provide constructive feedback, even if they’ve done a thorough review.
What should I say when asking for feedback?
Thank the hiring team for their time, acknowledge the recruitment process, and simply ask if they’re open to sharing any insight that might help with your next job or career path.
