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What to do after rejection (feedback&thank you letter)?

Hi guys, keen to listen to your advice on two things:

(1)Feedback collection: What would be the best way to seek feedbacks after rejection? Is it always best to reach out to HR, or should I reach out directly to the interviewer? The HR didn’t provide any feedback at this stage.

(2)Thank you letter: is it necessary to write a thank you letter to final round interviewers, just to express the interest to apply for a mother time?

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Top answer
Moritz
Coach
on Mar 11, 2022
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

Sorry to hear! I respectfully disagree with others about not asking for feedback. You should absolutely ask and show your willingness to work on your skills!

There's two good reasons for that:

  1. It will make an impression with the HR person (who you should be contacting about this for the sake of good order) and is a good segue into the discussion where you enquire about another attempt in the future.
  2. It will actually allow you to do better with other firms in the future and grow as a professional. MBBs have very strong feedback cultures (too strong for some…) and it's in line with their culture to share.

Hope this helps a bit! Better luck next time!

Pedro
Coach
edited on Mar 11, 2022
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | 1.5h session | 30% discount 1st session

The feedback is usually useless, so don't worry.

Regarding the thank you letter, it is not necessary - it is polite, but won't really make a difference on you getting another chance. However, networking is a great skill to develop. You never know which contacts may be useful in the future, and who are the people who will want to stay in touch.

on Mar 11, 2022
Empathic coach, former McKinsey Engagement Manager |Secure offers from top consulting firms

Dear candidate, really sorry to hear. Do not worry. If you are ok not to get feedback, then rather dont ask. A thank you message is ok. Best regards

Deleted user
on Mar 11, 2022

Overall, if you had a good interview experience and believe you have a shot at the firm next time, then by all means write to or call HR to check whether they are willing to provide any feedback- keep expectations low as most big firms are shit at this.

Regarding Thank You, you can send a short, nice , polite Thank You note to HR and interviewer. No harm. But make sure its genuine.

8
Ian
Coach
on Mar 11, 2022
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I would personally say yes to both, but please don't expect much.

The feedback generally will be generic in nature and the thank you letter will not impact your odds in the future.

That said, it's always good to stay cordial, and, neither of those actions hurts by any means. Go for it!

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