How to Ask Why You Didn't Get the Job

Job seekers are often curious why they weren't selected for a job, but it can be hard to find out why another candidate was chosen over you. Employers typically won't share much, if any, meaningful feedback with candidates, especially if they are fearful of litigation.

Why Employers Don't Provide Information

Job candidates can and do file employment discrimination claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) against employers who rejected them, often claiming that they weren’t hired because of their gender, race, disability, or religion. Thus, many companies are wary of sharing feedback regarding unsuccessful interviews.

Of course, you’re just looking for information so that you can improve, but employers don’t know that.

That said, you have nothing to lose in strategically asking for a critique. Worst-case scenario, the employer won't respond. Best-case scenario, you may get information to help improve your chances of getting hired next time around—whether by this employer (should an appropriate job open in the future) or by another.

How to Ask Why You Weren't Hired

Occasionally, employers will share some feedback with candidates who represent a genuine interest in improving their job search communications. You'll have better luck if you don't ask directly why you weren't hired.

Instead, frame some specific questions for input such as:

• "Did you identify any key qualifications for this job that were missing in my background?"
• "Do you have any suggestions regarding how I might improve upon my resume and cover letter?"
• “Did you feel like my job references could have been stronger?”

Employers are generally more likely to share feedback verbally than via email due to concerns that any written response may be used as evidence against them if a hiring decision were to be legally contested.

One way to get feedback is to initiate a conversation by sending a brief email or LinkedIn message asking if you could talk on the phone to get some constructive input to enhance your skills.

Example Email Message Asking for Employer Feedback

Example Email Message Asking for Feedback by Email or Phone

What to Do if You’re Granted a Feedback Interview

If your interviewer agrees to discuss your unsuccessful interview with you, then rejoice! This will not only be an opportunity for you to gain feedback but may even help you to make a final positive impression. This may open the door to eventual employment with the company should an appropriate position open in the future.

As mentioned above, the questions you ask should be framed so that they simply ask for advice for the future; they shouldn’t ask directly about your performance in the interview itself. Begin your phone conversation by sincerely thanking the interviewer for their time, then pose questions similar to the following. If possible, try to reaffirm your interest in the employer:

• If for some reason your new hire didn’t work out and you reopened this position in the future, which marketing or personal skills do you think I should strengthen in order to be reconsidered for the job?
• Do you have any tips on how I could have better researched your company before our interview?
• Is there any advice which you might give me in order to enhance my interviewing style?

Conclude the conversation by thanking the interviewer once again for their time and, if their feedback has been largely positive, by expressing your hope that they will consider you for a future position.