If You Don’t Get the Job: Ask for Feedback (The Right Way)

Rejections sting—but as you know, in biostatistics, quality data is everything. I this case, that includes data from a “no.”

Most candidates walk away disappointed or discouraged. But the most strategic biostatisticians? They treat rejection as a learning opportunity.

If you didn’t get the job, don’t let the trail go cold. Instead, use it as a moment to gather insights that can sharpen your next application.

I’ve personally done this after several rejections—and yes, sometimes I got silence in return. But when I did get a response, it was a game-changer. I learned where my resume was unclear, which qualifications I lacked, and even how my interview answers were being interpreted. That kind of feedback helped me pivot, improve, and eventually land stronger roles.

Here’s a message you can copy and tweak:

“Subject: Thank you + Quick Question

Hi [Name],

Thanks so much for letting me know about the decision—I appreciated the opportunity to be considered.

If you have a moment, I’d be grateful for any feedback on where my application fell short or how I might strengthen my fit for similar roles in the future.

Thanks again, and I hope we cross paths down the road.

Best,
[Your Name]”

You’re not asking them to reverse their decision—you’re showing humility, professionalism, and a desire to grow. That alone leaves a positive final impression (which matters more than you think).

💡 Action Step: Turn Rejection Into Data
If you don’t get the job, don’t walk away empty-handed. Send a short, gracious message asking for feedback. Not everyone will reply—but when they do, you’ll gain valuable insight to make your next application stronger. In a field that values iteration and improvement, this is one of the smartest moves you can make.