Do You Need Feedback?

Before I get to deep into this post, I want you to think about how you feel if someone, like your boss told you they wanted to give you feedback. How do you feel about that statement? Do you get apprehensive? Do you get nervous? Do you ask, “What did I do?” or “Did I do something?” or “Am I in trouble?”.

“What did I do?” “Did I do something?” are my initials responses. However, I will also say, that I have learned to embrace feedback. Good or bad, I want to know. How about you? Do you want feedback or would you prefer not to know.
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Back to the post, Do you need feedback? If you have been interviewing with multiple companies for multiple positions and no one is calling you back? You need feedback. You absolutely need to know what is in the way. What is in your way? Why can’t you seem to get a nibble from someone?

Feedback can be a scary proposition. It can be unnerving, it can be painful, it can be embarrassing, it can be… But without it, how will you know what you need to improve?

Do you need feedback? YES! We all need feedback. If you are struggling in your job search you need feedback. A career coach is one option. Hiring managers is another. Not every hiring manager will give you feedback, especially on the spot.

My recommendation is that you wait the timeframe given to you by the hiring manager. If they told you they will be making a decision in the next couple of days, all you can do is wait. After the time frame has expired, it is ok to call the manager. If they have made a hiring decision, it is ok to ask for feedback about your candidacy. Be prepared for a “no” up front. Don’t let that stop you. Communicate to the hiring manager, your desire to improve you skills, your desire to improve your interviewing skills as well as any other area in order to gain an opportunity with another company.

My point for today, ask for feedback. I believe too many people >”operate from mystery” rather than endure the pain of feedback. Ask for the feedback.

More to come tomorrow! I look forward to hearing your comments about feedback!