For South African graduates and entry-level job seekers
Rejection after a job interview can be crushing, especially when you've poured time, energy, and hope into the process. However, every interview, whether successful or not, offers a powerful opportunity to grow - and this often starts with interview feedback and learning how to ask for it.
So, if you've been turned down after an interview, here's how to handle interview rejection with professionalism and confidence, plus why doing so can help you improve your chances next time.
Why feedback matters
When you're at the start of your career, you're still building experience and confidence, and feedback from interviews can help you:
- Understand what worked in your application or interview.
- Identify areas for improvement, like how you communicated your skills or answered certain questions.
- Spot gaps in your experience or qualifications.
- Build resilience by learning from real-world insight.
Knowing how to handle interview rejection in a constructive way can turn disappointment into a learning opportunity. It's about moving forward with clarity, not only regret.
When and how to ask for interview feedback
Timing and tone matter. Wait until after you've received confirmation that you were not selected for a role before requesting feedback.
Ideally, send your request within a few days while the experience is still fresh in the interviewer's mind.
Sample Email:
Subject: Request for Interview Feedback – [Your Name]
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. While I'm disappointed not to have been selected, I appreciated the chance to learn more about your team and the role.
I’m continually trying to improve and would value any feedback you might have, particularly on areas where I can improve my future applications or interviews.
Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
This simple email shows maturity and professionalism, and it's the best way to show you understand how to ask for interview feedback the right way.
What kind of feedback to expect
Sometimes, you'll get very specific feedback - perhaps you needed stronger examples to back up your answers, or there was another candidate with more relevant experience.
Other times, you might receive a general response or no response at all. This isn't personal - some companies have policies that limit the feedback they can give.
If you do receive feedback, reflect on it with curiosity, not criticism.
Consider:
- Do I need to strengthen certain skills or experiences?
- Was I clear and confident in the interview?
- Did I research the company and role enough?
You might also want to discuss the feedback with a mentor, career advisor, or someone you trust. A fresh perspective helps.
Common feedback areas (and what to do about them)
Here are some common areas where candidates may fall short, along with ideas for improvement:
Lack of job-specific examples: Practise using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers.
Not tailoring the application enough: Revisit the job spec before applying and update your CV and motivational letter to reflect the exact skills and qualifications asked for.
Lack of confidence in the interview: Practise with a friend, record yourself, or consider joining a career workshop.
Limited experience compared to other candidates: Seek out volunteer work, internships, or short-term gigs to build your CV.
Understanding how to handle interview rejection means recognising that none of these shortcomings are final, they're simply stepping stones.
How RecruitAGraduate can help
At RecruitAGraduate, we work with many candidates who are just starting out, and we understand that the early stages of your career come with uncertainty. We aim to bridge that gap by connecting graduates to meaningful opportunities and by offering guidance every step of the way.
If you didn't get the job this time, it doesn't mean you won't get the next one. Every interview is a learning opportunity. Learning how to ask for interview feedback and how to apply it is a skill that will serve you throughout your career.
So take a deep breath. Ask the question. Reflect. Improve. And apply again. Your career is a journey - keep moving forward.
Looking for more guidance? Be in touch for expert support to help you succeed in your next job application