Is it a good idea to ask for feedback after case interview (2nd round interview)?

Hi there,

Please don't. It's a high risk no reward proposition.

I'm a big fan of asking them about x thing in the case, but moreso from a “how did it turn out” or “did you find that x market forces or y major event or z structural consideration affected the results” NOT from a “please tell me how I did”

You always want to show that you're driving forward with thinking, curiosity/inquisitive, and thinking through things. Not that you hope you did well. Make sense?

Honestly, I would be disappointed as an interviewer if you asked me that question. Even though I can perfectly understand that you're anxious for feedback.

This space at the end of the interview is reserved to ask some really interesting question about the interviewer´s experience at the firm, possibilities for career development, maybe some challenging aspects of the work, etc. It is explicitly intended to help you make the right decision (and maybe less explicitly an opportunity to continue building rapport with the interviewer).

If you asked me as an interviewer about the framework instead, I would question your priorities and judgement.

Asking this shows immaturity, lack of judgement and lack of confidence. You cannot ask how the interview is going during the interview.

You ask for feedback… when they call you to give the result of the interview.

A good question at the end of the interview is nothing like this. It is actually asking the questions on things that would help you make an informed decision on whether or not you really want to work there, or on how start with the right mindset on your first day on the job.

Don't forget this is a two way street. You are also selecting which company you want to work for. If you don't go with this mindset you are devaluing yourself.

Hi there,

My impression from many years interviewing is that asking for feedback during the interview is not mature behaviour.  I've only seen very junior candidates do so.

One reason for this is that instead of taking the opportunity to learn about the company and also demonstrate your interest with insightful questions, you're choosing to ask how you did, which you undoubtedly find out rather soon.  

Just be patient and use the interviewer's time for better things.

Hope this helps,

Allen

Hi there,

even if you ask, unlikely the interviewer will share so early as s/he usually takes time to reflect and put a report together and share his/her feedback with the recruiting team. 

There may be a discussion when the recruiter gives you some feedback but it must come from her/him (happens to me, after the case we spoke about my current situation and I was sharing about another opportunity I had waiting for BCG and commenting that I wouldn't join as a consultant, only if they offer me a Project leader role, the Partner shared that he sees me as Project leader, but very quickly he said, he needs to align with the rest of the team if they will give me offer and what offer it will be). 

Hence I wouldn't ask at that moment, but ask the recruiter when s/he comes back to you, after 1st and/or 2nd round for the feedback, areas you did well, and if there are any areas for improvements. 

Wishing you all the best!

Lucie

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Best not to ask this during the interview. And even if you ask, they wont let you know anyway. Interviewers follow a guideline, reflection process and then document feedback. When HR/Recruiter get back to you, you can ask for specific feedback then.

Do note that most firms are appalling in providing accurate feedback specially if its negative. Practices vary by country & office. 

At the end of every interview, do you own self reflection. You will have a pretty decent idea of where you could have done better. Dont be super critical, rather pay attention to your performance with an open mind.

As Ian pointed out, this is generally not the best approach for receiving feedback.

An interview is an evaluative process and there are many steps involved, including for example corroborating your performance vs peers which happens after the interview. By asking for immediate feedback you are putting the interviewer in an awkward situation where they have to provide immediate feedback to you in a way that does not disclose whether they think they want to hire you or not. It also reflect poorly on you because it shows a lack of maturity about how the process works (for example you would not want to put your client in an uncomfortable position during a project by demanding immediate feedback on an idea etc.)

You will rarely get truly good evaluative feedback from an interview, most honest feedback will be received via coaches or peers who have the ability to provide clear and concise feedback. Most people avoid confrontation and would prefer to just say you did well or have 1 or 2 areas to improve as it is much easier to do so.

Best,

Udayan