Getting the most from interview feedback

As a recruitment consultant, one of the most important conversations I have with candidates is the post-interview feedback call. Whether the news is good or not quite what you were hoping for, this discussion is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, refine your approach, and set yourself up for future success.

The key to making the most of this conversation is to approach it with an open mind. I understand that waiting for feedback can be nerve-wracking, but remember—this isn’t just about whether you got the job. It’s about understanding how you performed, what stood out to the employer, and where you can improve. Even if you were successful, there are always things you can take away to strengthen your interview skills for the future.

When we begin our conversation, we will share the employer’s overall impressions of your interview. If you were successful, we’ll talk about next steps, but if the role wasn’t offered to you, we will provide clear and constructive feedback so you have a full understanding of the decision. Sometimes it’s a matter of experience, sometimes another candidate was just a slightly better fit, and sometimes it’s simply down to chemistry or internal hiring decisions. Whatever the case, our goal is to give you constructive, honest feedback that will help you develop.

One of the best ways to make this conversation productive is to listen first and reflect before responding. It can be tempting to defend your answers or push back against certain points, especially if you feel you performed well. But the most valuable thing you can do is take in the feedback objectively. If something isn’t clear, ask for examples. Instead of “You could have structured your responses better,” we can help break it down—maybe you needed to be more concise, give more tangible examples, or focus more on your impact rather than just your responsibilities.

A good feedback conversation isn’t just about what didn’t go well—it’s also about recognising what you did right. If the employer was impressed by how you handled a particular question or saw potential in your leadership skills, take note of that. Those are the strengths you should continue to emphasise in future interviews. Knowing what worked can boost your confidence and help you refine your approach.

If you didn’t get the job, it’s natural to feel disappointed, but we encourage you to see this as part of the journey rather than a setback. This is a chance to learn and improve. If a particular skill gap was mentioned, we can talk about ways to address it. If cultural fit was a factor, we can discuss what kind of roles or organisations might be a better match. Remember, not every rejection is about ability—sometimes, it’s simply about finding the right fit.

Beyond the feedback itself, this call is also an opportunity to keep the conversation going about your career. We want to know what other opportunities interest you, what kind of roles you’re targeting, and how we can support you moving forward. If this role wasn’t the right one, there will be others. Keeping a strong relationship with your recruiter means we can match you with opportunities that align even better with your skills and ambitions.

After the call, we always recommend taking some time to reflect. Write down key points, think about how you can apply the feedback, and if necessary, start planning how to strengthen any areas that could be improved. Every interview is a learning experience, and the candidates who take feedback on board are the ones who progress the fastest.

The feedback conversation is more than just a reflection on one interview—it’s a stepping stone to future success. Whether you’re celebrating an offer or learning valuable lessons for next time, each experience brings you closer to the right opportunity. By embracing feedback, staying open to growth, and maintaining a strong relationship with your recruiter, you’ll continue to refine your approach and strengthen your position in the job market. The right role is out there, and with every conversation, we’re one step closer to finding it together.