It’s tricky asking for feedback after rejection
Q.Is it OK to contact a human resources person you found on LinkedIn to ask for feedback as to why you didn’t get an interview for a job that you thought was a great fit? I found the guy on LinkedIn and he has his personal e-mail address in his title. It’s a very big company and they don’t post HR contact info on the website. I feel like I’m stalking or being a pest, but feedback would be really helpful as I move forward with my job search.
A. LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool and can be helpful in a job search.
Feedback is also helpful. But sometimes HR professionals are reluctant to share feedback for a number of reasons. Some candidates express the need for feedback and then when you share it, these candidates become defensive and even downright nasty. Some candidates begin to re-sell their skills and experience to you when, in all honesty, it is too late. The offer has been extended and accepted.
In your situation, you need to be open to criticism before you contact this person. You have to be prepared to receive feedback that may be mixed, some positive, but also some negative.
You can send him a request to connect on LinkedIn. If he accepts, that’s an encouraging sign that he might be willing to engage in further dialogue. If he ignores your request, I would interpret that as a sign that he is less than enthusiastic about connecting on a post-interview basis.
I suppose you could e-mail him, too, since he has publicized his personal e-mail address on LinkedIn. However, if he didn’t share this e-mail address during the interview process, I would be reluctant to use it.
If you do connect with him, be professional, gracious, and thank him for reconnecting. He may keep you in mind for other opportunities or refer you to other HR professionals. It is a small world and you want to leave a good impression.
