When not chosen for a role (especially one you felt you interviewed really well for), what’s the best way to get feedback on why you weren’t selected? Reach out to the initial recruiter you interviewed with? I’ve never done this before but would love to know especially since I was head hunted for the role.

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You can ask, but don't expect to always get the truth. We have to be very careful when we tell candidates they weren't selected because legalities and people tend to be defensive. We are messengers. In your next interview, request an interview prep call so you have more indepth information on what to focus on with each individual you are meeting with.

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Great question. However, don't expect a specific answer. Here's why, legally most answers can turn into a legal issue for the company. In most cases they're going to say that they went with the other candidate who more closely aligned with the department, director or something similar. In today's market you have to assume that every job is highly competitive in terms of other qualified individuals

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I don't want to be mean, but it''s none of your business why a company DIDN'T hire you. There were probably 25 applicants with the same level of education and experience as you who did just as well in the interview. There's only one job. Don''t take it personally, don't think you did anything wrong, don't fret about what you could've done better. Aside from marrying the company owner's son or daughter, assume you did everything you could and just weren't picked for this one. You're a great catch, but there are so many other fish in the ocean.

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You can ask the recruiter if there was any feedback available as to why they went with the other candidate, or if there was anything you could do to improve your chances in the future.

But as D1 mentioned, many companies won’t provide feedback because it might be used against them for lawsuits.

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You can ask the recruiter but at the end of the day there really is no reason to ask. They usually won't give you much information and even if they do its not going to be necessarily helpful. I would just take it as a sign that his role wasn't for you and move onto the next one.

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Talk to the recruiter and try to steer the conversation to what happened and see if they have anything to volunteer. But generally speaking, potential employers won't give feedback. But if the recruiter wants to work with you going forward, they might have some insight or suggestions.

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