How to Ask an Employer Why You Didn't Get the Job

Frustration is understandable after you ace an interview and later find out that you didn't receive the position for which you applied. Ask for interview feedback. Use it as a guide when you're attending future interviews. A polite request over the phone or through email is perfectly appropriate and can help you understand why you were passed over for the position. If you opt to ask for feedback over the phone, be respectful and offer to call at a time that is more convenient for the interviewer.

Phone Request

• 1

  Call the human resources manager or the hiring manager at the company in which you interviewed for a position.

• 2

  Thank the representative for the opportunity to interview and for letting you know that you did not get the position. For example, you could say: "Thank you for the opportunity to interview and be considered for the job. I appreciate your considerate letter informing me that I did not receive the position."

• 3

  Ask if the representative could provide any explanations about why you were passed over for the position.

• 4

  Ask for any advice or suggestions for future job interviews.

• 5

  Thank the representative for their time and feedback.

Email Request

• 1

  Address your email to the human resources representative or hiring manager who interviewed you.

• 2

  Thank the representative for the opportunity to interview with them and for letting you know that you didn't receive the position.

• 3

  Ask for any feedback or suggestions concerning your interview. Ask specifically if there was anything in particular during the interview that kept you from being chosen for the position.

• 4

  Thank the representative for their time and any feedback they are willing to give.