The best examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples you can copy

1. Short, professional rejection follow‑up (the most used example)

Let’s start with the situation most people face: you didn’t get the job, and you’d like to know why. This is where many people freeze up, which is why the best examples of feedback after interview are short, polite, and easy to send even when you’re disappointed.

Here’s a clean example of feedback after interview request you can send within 24–72 hours of a rejection email:

Subject: Thank you and quick feedback request

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision regarding the [Job Title] role. While I’m disappointed I won’t be moving forward, I really appreciated the chance to learn more about [Company] and the team.

If you have a moment, I’d be grateful for any brief feedback you can share on my interview performance or areas where I could strengthen my candidacy for similar roles in the future. Even one or two points would be very helpful.

Thanks again for your time and consideration, and I hope our paths cross again.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Why this works:

• It acknowledges the decision without arguing it.
• It keeps the ask small: “even one or two points.”
• It focuses on growth, not guilt: “strengthen my candidacy.”

If you’re looking for real examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples, this one is your “everyday carry” email. You can send a version of it for most rejections—from early‑stage phone screens to final‑round interviews.

2. Feedback request after a final‑round interview (when you were close)

If you made it to the final stage, you can be a bit more specific. Hiring managers are more likely to respond when they’ve invested time in you and see you as a strong runner‑up.

Here’s a more detailed example of feedback after interview for a final round:

Subject: Thank you for the opportunity to interview

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position and to meet [names of interviewers or “the team”]. I enjoyed learning more about how you’re approaching [specific project, product, or initiative].

I understand you’ve decided to move forward with another candidate. Since I’m actively working on growing in [skill area, e.g., product strategy, stakeholder communication], I’d really value any feedback you might be able to share on my interview performance or where my experience fell short of what you needed for this role.

Even a few sentences would be very helpful as I continue my search and development.

Thanks again for your time, and I wish you and the team all the best with the new hire.

Best,
[Your Name]

This version shows you’ve reflected on your own growth areas and invites targeted comments. Many hiring managers appreciate that level of self‑awareness.

If you want examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples that cover different emotional tones, this one is your “I came close and want to level up” option.

3. Feedback request while you’re still in process (careful, but powerful)

Sometimes you walk out of an interview thinking, “That was… okay? Maybe? I wish I knew how I came across.” In 2024–2025, with more companies using structured interviews and scoring rubrics, it’s reasonable to ask for feedback before a final decision—if you do it thoughtfully.

Here’s a gentle example of feedback after interview you can send between rounds or after an early interview, especially with a recruiter or HR contact:

Subject: Appreciated our conversation

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for speaking with me about the [Job Title] role on [day]. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic you discussed].

As I continue through the process, I want to make sure I’m representing my experience as clearly as possible. If there’s anything you’d recommend I clarify or emphasize more strongly in future conversations with the team, I’d really appreciate your perspective.

I’m very interested in the role and in contributing to [team or company goal], and I value any insight that can help me put my best foot forward.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Notice what this does not do:

• It doesn’t pressure them for a decision.
• It doesn’t ask, “How did I do?” which can feel like fishing for reassurance.
• It frames feedback as a way to help you communicate better, not as a critique request.

Among the best examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples, this one is the most subtle. You’re not asking for a full review—just small pointers that can help you in the next round, whether at this company or another.

4. Bonus examples of feedback after interview for different situations

The three practical examples above will cover most people, but real life is messy. Here are additional real examples of feedback after interview tailored to common scenarios.

When you accepted another offer but still want feedback

This is surprisingly smart to do. It keeps the relationship warm and helps you grow.

Subject: Thank you and staying in touch

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the time you and the team spent with me during the [Job Title] interview process. I wanted to let you know that I’ve accepted another offer that aligns well with my current goals, so I’ll be withdrawing from consideration.

I really enjoyed learning about [Company] and would love to stay in touch. If you have any brief feedback on how I came across in our conversations or where I could continue to grow for future opportunities like this, I’d truly appreciate it.

Thanks again, and I hope we cross paths again down the line.

Best,
[Your Name]

This example of feedback after interview shows maturity and long‑term thinking, which recruiters remember.

When you were told you were “a close second”

Being the runner‑up is painful—but it also means the interviewer likely has specific, helpful notes.

Subject: Thanks again – would value your feedback

Hi [Name],

Thank you for letting me know about your decision for the [Job Title] role, and for sharing that I was a close second. I really appreciated the chance to meet the team and learn more about [specific initiative].

Since I was fairly close to your final choice, I’d be grateful for any feedback you can share on what tipped the balance toward the selected candidate or where you feel I could strengthen my profile for similar roles.

Even a couple of bullet points would be extremely helpful as I plan my next steps.

Thanks again for the opportunity and for considering me seriously.

Best,
[Your Name]

This is one of the best examples of feedback after interview when you know you almost got it. You’re giving them a clear prompt: “what tipped the balance?”

When you suspect a specific weak spot (e.g., technical skills)

If your gut says, “They weren’t convinced about my data skills,” you can invite targeted feedback.

Subject: Quick feedback on my interview

Hi [Name],

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] role. I appreciated our discussion about [topic].

As I continue to grow in [specific area, e.g., SQL, stakeholder management, people leadership], I’d really value your perspective. Were there particular parts of my background or interview answers that felt less aligned with what you needed for this role?

Any specific examples you can share would help me focus my development more effectively.

Thanks again for your time and consideration.

Best,
[Your Name]

This kind of targeted example of feedback after interview often yields more concrete, actionable advice than a vague “Any feedback?” question.

When you get no response to your first request

In 2024–2025, many recruiters are handling hundreds of candidates and using applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automate parts of the process. A polite nudge is fine after a week or two.

Subject: Following up on feedback request

Hi [Name],

I know you’re busy, so no worries if this isn’t possible, but I wanted to quickly follow up on my earlier note about feedback on my interview for the [Job Title] role.

If you’re able to share even one or two points on how I might improve for similar opportunities, I’d really appreciate it. If not, I completely understand and appreciate the time you and the team have already invested.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

This keeps the door open without sounding pushy.

5. How often do candidates actually get interview feedback now?

Before we go further, it helps to reset expectations.

In recent years, many employers have become more cautious about giving detailed feedback because of legal risk and time pressure. For example, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reminds employers to be consistent and avoid comments that could be misinterpreted as discriminatory (eeoc.gov). Some companies respond with only a generic line like “We went with a candidate whose experience more closely matched our needs.”

At the same time, there’s a strong push—especially in tech and professional roles—toward better candidate experience. Surveys from major job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn (you can find their reports on hiring trends at linkedin.com and indeed.com) show that candidates increasingly expect respectful communication and some form of closure.

What this means for you in 2024–2025:

• You may not always get detailed notes, even with the best email.
• When you do get feedback, it’s often short but still useful (“We needed more experience with X”).
• The way you ask matters a lot. That’s why these examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples focus on being brief, respectful, and growth‑oriented.

If a company can’t share feedback, don’t take it personally. Use other sources too: mock interviews, mentors, or college career centers (many universities, like those listed at careeronestop.org from the U.S. Department of Labor, offer guidance even to alumni).

6. How to customize these examples of feedback after interview

Think of the examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples above as starter dough. You’ll get the best results if you shape them to your own situation. Here’s how to do that without overthinking it.

Swap in one specific detail

Instead of:

“I enjoyed learning more about the team.”

Try:

“I enjoyed learning more about how the team partners with sales on go‑to‑market strategy.”

One concrete detail proves you were engaged and not sending a mass‑produced template.

Match their tone

If the recruiter was formal, keep it formal. If they were friendly and casual, you can loosen up slightly:

Formal:

“Best regards” / “Thank you again for your time and consideration.”

Casual:

“Thanks again for the great conversation.” / “Best” or just your name.

Keep your ask small

The reason these best examples of feedback after interview work is that they respect time. Phrases like:

• “Even one or two points would be helpful.”
• “A few sentences would be great.”

…lower the barrier to replying. You’re signaling, “This doesn’t have to be a big project.”

Don’t argue with the feedback

If you ask for feedback, treat it like data, not a debate. You don’t have to agree with every comment, but arguing back (“Actually, I do have that experience…”) shuts the door for future roles.

A better move is to thank them and, if needed, quietly adjust how you present your experience next time.

7. Using feedback to actually get better (not just feel worse)

Honest feedback can sting. It can also be the fastest way to improve.

Here’s a simple way to process whatever feedback you get:

One: Write it down in your own words.
Two: Ask, “Is this about skills, experience, or communication?”
Three: Decide on one small action you can take.

Examples include:

• If it’s about skills (“We needed stronger Excel modeling”), you might take an online course from a reputable provider or community college.
• If it’s about experience (“We chose someone with more leadership background”), you might look for stretch projects or volunteer leadership roles to build that muscle.
• If it’s about communication (“Some answers weren’t structured”), you might practice with a friend, a mentor, or a career counselor. Many universities and nonprofits offer mock interviews; you can search resources via careeronestop.org, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

If feedback touches on mental health or stress in interviews, it can help to build stress‑management skills in parallel. Organizations like the National Institute of Mental Health (nimh.nih.gov) and Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org) offer science‑based tips on managing anxiety that can carry over into interview performance.

The point is not to fix everything at once. Use the examples of feedback after interview emails to gather input, then pick one thing to improve for your next conversation.

FAQ: Common questions about asking for interview feedback

How soon should I ask for feedback after an interview?

For a rejection, sending a request within 24–72 hours works well. You’re still fresh in their mind, and it doesn’t feel like you’re revisiting old news weeks later. If you’re still in process, wait until after a specific stage (for example, after the first round) and use a lighter touch, like the in‑process example of feedback after interview above.

Is it okay to ask for feedback if I was rejected after only a phone screen?

Yes, as long as you keep your email very short and polite. You’re less likely to get a response at that stage, but it does happen—especially if the recruiter sensed potential but a specific mismatch (like location, salary range, or required certifications).

What if they say they can’t provide feedback?

Thank them anyway. Many companies have policies against detailed feedback for legal reasons. You can reply with something like, “I understand and appreciate you letting me know. Thanks again for the opportunity.” Then seek feedback from other sources: mentors, colleagues, or professional associations.

Can asking for feedback hurt my chances with the company in the future?

When you use respectful wording like the examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples in this article, it usually does the opposite. You’ll stand out as someone mature and growth‑oriented. As long as you don’t argue with their decision or send multiple pushy follow‑ups, you’ll leave a positive impression.

Can you give more examples of feedback after interview emails I can adapt?

Yes. The bonus scenarios above—accepting another offer, being a close second, suspecting a specific weak spot, and following up after no response—are all real examples of feedback after interview that you can lightly customize. Swap in your role, company name, and one or two specific details from your conversation, and you’ll have a message that feels personal rather than copy‑pasted.

If you take nothing else from this, remember: you don’t need the perfect words. You just need a clear, respectful request. Use any of these examples of feedback after interview: 3 practical examples, tweak them to sound like you, hit send—and let each interview, even the rejections, move you one step closer to the offer you want.