Here's how you can leverage rejection email feedback to enhance your job search strategy.

I agree with the opinion that it is crucial to take advantage of the feedback provided in a rejection email, even if it is brief or seems generic. Companies usually include specific reasons for not moving forward with a candidate, and these ideas can be valuable for your job search. Taking a moment to reflect on the feedback without taking it personally is important. It is essential to consider how it aligns with your self-assessment and the impression you wanted to leave during the interview process. This reflection can reveal discrepancies between how you perceive yourself and how others perceive you, which is invaluable for personal development.

I heard a peer say once “We should be thankful to anyone willing to give us feedback because it took them time to do so.” This is never more true in the world of recruiting where companies fear providing any feedback that might lead to questions about their adherence to recruiting legal standards. If a recruiter or interviewer gives you feedback, be thankful that they took the time. Even if the feedback isn’t practical or applicable, they took the time to do something that only benefits. You.

Let’s be honest: it’s a rare situation when a job rejection includes actionable, helpful feedback. So when that opportunity arises, make the most of it! Although it can be hard not to take constructive criticism personally, do your best to be positive about a chance to improve, and be honest with yourself about the feedback that was given. After you’ve taken some time to reflect, put it in action! Some things (like location, years of experience, levels of expertise, etc.) are not easy to change, but will only improve with time. Some things are more immediate (like interviewing skills, resume flaws, etc.), and you can jump into improving them right away. Regardless, do your best to use feedback as a tool for positive change!

Analyze feedback to identify recurring themes or areas for improvement. Adjust your resume and cover letter to address the concerns highlighted. Enhance your interview skills based on specific feedback provided. Apply the insights gained to tailor your job search strategy more effectively.

Understanding this element of your job search means that you must first accept that you may not be successful in your first few applications. Once you have done that, you are ready to know how to do this. If you are not shortlisted, the likelihood of obtaining feedback is somewhat limited, but not impossible, just because you receive what looks like an automated message, does not mean that it hasn't come from a human. Many job boards will allow the vacancy poster to 'bulk reply' to all those not shortlisted, which means a human really is on the other end of the message. A quick thanks for the acknowledgement and a request for brief feedback may generate a response. After an interview, the likelihood of obtaining feedback increases.

Don't take it personally. I once received a reply to a 'you weren't shortlisted' message with a 'don't care'! Which effectively burnt this person's bridge. Honest feedback does not constitute an opportunity to try to defend your position - going back to the panel with some kind of justification possibly won't work, no doubt the decision making process has been tough already. Once we've accepted that this wasn't the role for us, we can start to honestly think about the feedback we've been given. Ask yourself 'does this sound like me'? Always thank the sender for their feedback with a positive frame, you may see another opportunity with the same business in the future, so your interaction is important.

With any feedback, consider if the recommendation fits your approach. If it does, great! Fit it into your toolkit. If it doesn’t, consider how you might achieve the goal differently in a way that improves your skill set.

Now that a dialogue is open, you have a limited opportunity to engage. It is possible to not clearly discern what the interviewer means by what they tell you, so if you feel it is appropriate, why not ask 'what could I have done differently, that would have made me a stronger candidate'? Again, this is not the time to try to defend your position if you disagree with the feedback.

If the feedback leads to course work, training, or anything else lending itself to a certification, include this on your resume and your LinkedIn profile. If one potential employer found a skill lacking, you don’t want another to make the same conclusion.