How to Write an Interview Feedback Email to HR: Tips & 4 Sample
13 March 2025
Blog
The interview’s over. You felt confident, but now there’s silence. Wondering how you performed? Requesting interview feedback isn’t just about closure—it’s a strategic move for career growth.
A CareerBuilder study found that only 26% of candidates request feedback, yet 52% of hiring managers appreciate follow-ups after rejection. By simply asking, you’re already standing out.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
How to write a professional interview feedback email to HR
- 4 customizable email templates
- Mistakes to avoid & expert recruiter insights
- Best ways to follow up if you don’t get a response
Why You Should Always Ask for Feedback
1. Turn "No" Into "Not Yet"
Feedback reveals blind spots you might not notice:
- “Your responses lacked specific metrics; providing data-driven examples could strengthen your answers.”
- “You focused too much on tasks instead of leadership impact.”
Real-Life Example: One candidate applied feedback from a rejection, improved their storytelling, and landed the same role at a better company 3 months later!
2. Sharpen Your Interview Skills
Use feedback to:
Identify Weaknesses: If technical questions were challenging, consider additional training.
Highlight Strengths: Emphasize aspects that impressed interviewers in future interviews.
Pro Tip: Keep a “Career Growth” folder with past interview feedback and revisit it before future interviews.
3. Stand Out Professionally
Most candidates ghost recruiters after rejection. A well-crafted interview feedback request email helps you stay on their radar for future opportunities.
Recruiter Insight:
“I once hired a candidate 6 months after rejecting them because their graceful feedback request stood out.”
How to Write an Interview Feedback Email to HR
![Email composition window with a subject line “Interview Feedback Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]”](https://mli2w8imrnr8.i.optimole.com/w:1024/h:683/q:mauto/f:best/https://mavenjobs.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/4.webp)
1. Subject Line That Gets Opened
✅ Good:
“Follow-Up: Interview Feedback Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]”
“Thank You & Feedback Request – [Your Name]”
Bad:
✖ “Quick Question” (Too vague)
✖ “Why Didn’t I Get the Job??” (Too aggressive)
2. Personalized Opening
Use the interviewer’s name (triple-check spelling!).
Example:
“I really enjoyed learning about [Company]’s plans to expand into AI—it aligns perfectly with my experience in SaaS scaling.”
3. Clear (But Humble) Request
✅ General Feedback:
“Could you share 1-2 areas where I could improve my interview approach?”
✅ Skill-Specific Feedback:
“How could I have better explained my Python automation experience?”
3. Gratitude x2
Thank them at the beginning and at the end.
No matter what the feedback is—always respond with appreciation.
4 Interview Feedback Email Templates
Template 1: General Feedback Request
Use this template if you want general feedback after a first-round interview.
Subject: Follow-Up Interview Feedback Request – [Your Name] – [Job Title]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
Thank you again for discussing the [Job Title] role with me on [Date]. I enjoyed learning how [Company] approaches [specific challenge/goal] and wanted to follow up.
As I refine my interview skills, I’d appreciate any feedback you could share about my performance. Were there areas where I could have provided clearer examples or better aligned with the role’s needs?
Either way, thank you for your time—I hope we can stay in touch!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio]
Template 2: Post-Rejection Feedback Request
If you didn’t get the job but want constructive feedback, use this post-rejection template.
Subject: Thank You & Feedback Request – [Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re well! While I’m disappointed I wasn’t selected for [Job Title], I’m grateful for the interview opportunity.
To grow from this experience, could you share 1-2 areas where I could improve? I’d love to strengthen my [technical answers/leadership examples] for future roles.
Thank you again for your time and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn Profile] | [Portfolio]
Template 3: Asking About a Specific Skill
If you want feedback on a particular skill, use this:
Subject: Feedback Request: [Skill] Demonstration – [Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope your week is off to a great start! I’m reflecting on our conversation about [Skill] during my [Job Title] interview and would value your input.
Could you share how I could have better showcased my experience with [Skill]? Your advice will help me refine this area.
Thank you again for your time!
Best,
[Your Name]
Template 4: Polite Second Follow-Up
If you didn’t receive a response, send this gentle follow-up:
Subject: Gentle Reminder: Feedback Request – [Your Name]
Hi [Interviewer’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well! I wanted to circle back on my request for feedback about my interview for [Job Title]. I completely understand busy schedules, but any quick insights would mean a lot.
No pressure at all—thank you again for your time!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Being Too Vague: Don’t just ask, “How did I do?” Be specific about what you want to improve.
Sounding Entitled: “Would you be open to sharing…” > “I need feedback.”
Skipping Proofreading: Typos undermine professionalism—use Grammarly.
Over-Following-Up: Send one reminder max, then move on.
Ignoring the Feedback: If they respond, thank them—even if it’s harsh.
