How to deal with negative interview feedback

Receiving negative feedback after a job interview can be disheartening. It’s natural to feel disappointed or even frustrated, especially if you invested time and effort into preparing.  This can be felt even more by interviewees in the HR field as you’re usually the interviewer so should “know what good looks like”. 

 How you respond to this feedback can significantly impact your future job search and personal growth. Kerry White, Director at RedGreen Partners provides some thoughts and advice on how to effectively deal with negative job interview feedback. 

 1. Take a Moment to Process Your Emotions 

First and foremost, allow yourself to feel whatever emotions arise. It’s okay to be upset or discouraged. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward moving forward. Take a break, engage in an activity which calms your thoughts or talk to a friend who can provide support. This emotional processing will help you approach the feedback with a clearer mindset. 

2. Review and Reflect on the Feedback Objectively 

Once you’ve had time to clear your mind, revisit the feedback you received. Try to look at it objectively. Was the feedback specific? Did it highlight particular areas for improvement, such as your communication skills or technical knowledge? Understanding the details can help you identify actionable steps for improvement. 

3. Seek Clarification if Needed 

If the feedback was vague or unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to the interviewer or recruiter for clarification. A polite email expressing gratitude for the opportunity and asking for more specific insights can provide you with valuable information. This not only shows your willingness to learn but also keeps the lines of communication open for future opportunities. 

 4. Create an Action Plan 

Based on the feedback and your reflections, develop a concrete action plan for future interviews.  A good Recruiter could help and guide you on this too. This plan should include specific steps you can take to improve your interview skills such as: 

• Practice Mock Interviews: Engage in mock interviews, ask friends, family, or a Recruiter/Career Coach. This practice can help you refine your answers and improve your confidence. 

• Be Prepared: Have a plan of what topics and questions you believe may come up in the interview.  Make sure you have tangible answers and examples,(backed up by figures/stats) to discuss. 

• Proactive Answers: If you don’t have experience of a specific duty, think of a similar example to provide or have a hypothetical answer of what you would do in that situation/circumstance.   

6. Stay Positive and Resilient 

It’s easy to let negative feedback derail your confidence but maintaining a positive outlook is essential. Remember that every interview is a learning experience. Many successful professionals have faced rejection and criticism before landing their dream jobs. Use this feedback as a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block. 

7. Network and Seek Support 

Don’t underestimate the power of networking. Reach out to your professional contacts for advice, mentorship, or even job leads. Sharing your experiences with others can provide new perspectives and encouragement. Additionally, consider joining professional organisations or forums to connect with like-minded individuals. 

 8. Keep Applying and Stay Persistent 

Finally, don’t let one negative experience halt your job search. Keep applying to positions that interest you, each application and interview is an opportunity to improve and showcase your skills. Persistence is key in the job market and remember, your next opportunity could be just around the corner.  You can turn this experience into a valuable learning opportunity and with determination, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job that’s right for you - every setback can lead to a greater comeback! 

But Do Not Forget.... 

Feedback is subjective and (unless it’s an AI based interview), will be based on or influenced by human and personal opinions and from being with you for a short amount of time.  Consider ALL feedback but you don’t need to take everything onboard. Always remember; if they cannot see what you can bring to the role, maybe it isn't the right job or organisational for you - know your true value.   

Whether you’re looking for that next career move or recruiting into your HR team, who you partner with can make all the difference.  RedGreen Partners was founded on doing the right thing and treating everyone we partner with as equals. We support, counsel and guide our candidates on their goals, aspirations and progression through every step of their professional journey and our clients trust us and our ability to attract, engage and secure top talent.   

To have a confidential chat with Kerry White, Director at RedGreen Partners, please email kerry.white@redgreenpartners.co.uk or call 07831464981 

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