So, you applied for a job but unfortunately didn’t land it. Want to know what you can do to boost your chances next time? The first step you can take is to request feedback on your job application – it can provide you with invaluable insights which you can take with you moving forward. So, how exactly can you go about this? Talent’s Melbourne Managing Director, Simon Yeung, provides his recommendations:

1. Be timely and specific

Yeung suggests asking for feedback relatively quickly after finding out you were unsuccessful, “your application will still be fresh in their mind, so they can provide you with relevant and detailed feedback”. It’s also a great idea to go in with specific questions so that the hiring manager can really hone in on what you want to know. You can ask what they perceived your greatest weaknesses to be, or whether your qualifications and experience were sufficient. You want your feedback to be as clear and specific as possible. This will allow you to easily identify where improvements can be made, and will enable you to work towards being that ideal candidate in future.

2. Maintain a positive attitude

Yeung says that “maintaining a positive attitude is key”. Don’t go in on the defence when seeking feedback. Go into it with a positive attitude. You aren’t going in there to interrogate the recruitment manager as to why you didn’t get the job – you want feedback as to how you can improve in future. Make sure to frame it this way when approaching the topic. Enter with an angry mindset and the manager will be thinking “phew, we dodged a bullet”. This isn’t what you want to be remembered for.

3. Make improvements

Yeung suggests “asking questions for self-improvement”. Ask relevant questions that will allow you to make improvements to become the best version of yourself you can be. Taking the time to collect this feedback and to self-reflect, will allow you to do just this. Maybe it involves upskilling or gaining more experience. Whatever it may be, be open to making changes and making the most of the opportunities this feedback can bring.

4. Don’t take it to heart

Yeung advocates for having a thick skin when asking for feedback, “Don’t be too sensitive when it comes to receiving feedback. It is meant to be constructive”. Use it as motivation to be your best self. Maybe your qualifications or experience aren’t there, and that’s fine. This particular job probably wasn’t the right fit – now have the opportunity to apply elsewhere,. Otherwise, this is the perfect opportunity to update your skills so that you have a greater chance of landing that role, or similar, in future.

5. Take it on board

Yeung’s key takeaway is to “listen and listen!”. Take note of the feedback, reflect on it, and use it to ace your next application. The way you handle this feedback is also a reflection of your character. Handle it gracefully and professionally, and you won’t be burning any bridges – it may just be that they even consider you for a future role!

Being rejected from a job isn’t fun, but consider it a learning experience. Gather your feedback, take it on board and you will be one step closer to landing your dream role.

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