Ghosted After Interviews? 3 Polite Ways to Demand Feedback
As job seekers, we’ve all experienced the disappointment of being “ghosted” after an interview. You put in the time and effort to prepare, show up on time, and present your best self, only to be left hanging with no follow-up or feedback. It can be incredibly frustrating and demoralizing, especially when you were genuinely interested in the position. But instead of stewing in silence and wondering what went wrong, take control of the situation by demanding feedback. In this article, we’ll discuss three polite ways to ask for feedback after being ghosted after interviews. Because let’s face it, a little feedback can go a long way in improving our interviewing skills and increasing our chances of landing the job we want.
Why Do Employers Ghost Candidates?
Before we dive into the ways to demand feedback, let’s first understand why employers ghost candidates. A common reason is that they simply forget to follow up. With the constant stream of applicants and busy workloads, sometimes candidates fall through the cracks. Another reason could be that the employer has chosen another candidate and doesn’t want to deliver the news personally. And in some cases, employers may not want to give feedback for fear of potential legal repercussions. While none of these reasons are ideal, they do happen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t ask for feedback in a polite and professional manner.
1. Send a Follow-up Email
The first and simplest way to demand feedback after being ghosted is to send a follow-up email. Keep the tone friendly and professional, and use it as an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and the company. Start by thanking the interviewer for their time and expressing your enthusiasm for the role. Then politely ask if they have any feedback or suggestions for improvement.
For example, you could say, “I wanted to follow up on the status of my application and express my continued interest in the position. I understand if you have chosen another candidate, but I would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide to help me improve my interviewing skills for future opportunities.” This approach puts the focus on your own growth and development rather than placing blame on the employer.
2. Reach out to Your Network
If you have connections within the company or know someone who knows the interviewer, consider reaching out to them for feedback. This can be an easier and more direct way to get feedback, as they may have more insight into the hiring process and why you were not selected. Plus, since you have a personal connection, they may be more willing to share their thoughts with you.
An effective way to approach this is by saying, “I recently interviewed with your company and really enjoyed the conversation. However, I haven’t heard back and was wondering if you could provide me with any feedback or tips for future interviews.” Remember to keep the tone friendly and avoid accusatory language.
3. Request a Phone Call
If you have not heard back after sending a follow-up email, consider asking for a phone call to discuss your interview. This approach is more personal and shows that you are genuinely interested in receiving feedback. It also gives the interviewer the opportunity to explain their decision and give constructive feedback.
A good way to request a call is by saying, “I understand you may be busy, but I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in more detail about my interview. I would love to learn more about ways I can improve my interviewing skills for the future.” This shows that you value the interviewer’s time and are truly interested in receiving feedback.
Conclusion
Being ghosted after an interview can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a reflection of your abilities or worth. By demanding feedback in a polite and professional manner, you are taking control of your job search and showing your determination to improve. Remember to keep your tone friendly and thank the interviewer for their time and consideration. With these three polite ways to demand feedback, you can turn a negative experience into an opportunity for growth and improvement.
