Why You Should Ask For Feedback After Getting Rejected

Getting rejected is not the most pleasant feeling in the world. That one rejection letter can shatter your hopes and dreams and definitely serve as a mood killer. While your first reaction might be to throw a fit (and probably head out for some ice cream) it might surprise you to know that asking for feedback after getting rejected might be the smartest thing you can do. We do know how hard it is to ask for feedback after getting rejected. However, here are a few reasons why you should swallow up your pride and actually go ahead and ask for feedback:
You’ll Prove That You Want to Learn and Grow
Sometimes when we fail, we lose the will to push on forward. Believe it or not, failure can actually give you the opportunity to grow. So many successes usually sprout from mistakes and failures. Making mistakes will make you more diligent, careful, and alert. If you didn’t get the position that you were dreaming of, then you should probably pack up the courage and ask the interviewer the reason you’ve been rejected.

When you reach out to the interviewer or employer and ask them for feedback, you’ll show them that you actually care about learning and growing. Now you may think “But they rejected me, why should I care what they think?” The truth is, when you subtly show them that you’re willing to learn from your mistakes, you will definitely keep your opportunities open in the future, because you never know, you might actually work for them again in the future!
You’ll Gain Insight That Will Help You Improve Your Job Search
Now that you’ve heard the interviewer’s feedback, you will have to use it to your own advantage and start polishing yourself. This will help you prepare yourself for the next interview. If the interviewer told you that you lacked a certain skill, then you should start working on it. Accepting feedback and constructive criticism will direct you on a new learning path. By working on your mistakes, you will most definitely improve your job search.

Constructive criticism may be hard to hear, but acknowledging the mistakes you’ve made can actually help you avoid making them in the future. However, keep in mind that your rejection may have nothing to do with a mistake that you’ve made. It may have to do with the fact that you were not qualified enough for the position. If that’s the case, then you will know what your weaknesses are, and then you can start working on them to strengthen your chances for the next position you’re applying for.
You’ll Learn Something New About Yourself
Sometimes, we make mistakes that we are completely unaware of. Chances are if you never ask for advice or feedback, you might never uncover certain habits of yours. For instance, the interviewer might share with you a certain habit of yours that cost yourself the job. Maybe you were constantly fidgeting in your seat, playing with your hair, avoiding eye contact, interrupting the interviewer or even attempting to complete all their sentences. Maybe you have the habit of talking too much and digressing off topic. Listening to the interviewer’s feedback will make you more aware of certain things that you were probably unaware of.