You were called for a job interview and you thought you had just nailed that one. Yet someone else got hired. What was in the heads of those who make the selection that they did not pick you as their first choice? Is there a way to find out later what they thought about you?

Sometimes there is, but don’t get your hopes up too high. The people who’ve interviewed you are employees of that organisation. So they have to be very cautious about how much information they release publicly.

Call them

Normally if the job is offered to someone else, you might never hear back from the employer. Or else you get a polite rejection message: “We appreciate your taking the time to meet with us, however, we have elected to go with a candidate who fits our current needs more precisely.” You would much rather get feedback that you can use to fine-tune your interviewing skills for the next job you apply for, even if it’s not positive.

To get the interviewer’s opinion of you, wait until you know for sure that they’ve hired someone else. Then call the interviewer back. Let them know that you respect the choice they’ve made in terms of hiring, and that at this point all you’d really like is an honest input as to how you fared in the interview. Very few interviewers will respond to this tactic. But if one does return your call, it’s a wonderful chance for you to gain critical insights.

Be polite

What if the interviewer gets in touch to give you their impression of you? First and foremost, be appreciative. Thank them and let them know that you understand this is an exceptional act on their part. Then listen carefully to what they have to say about you. Don’t get defensive. Always remember that the impression you thought you made at the interview may not be exactly the one you think you did. So you might be surprised by what you hear.

Feel free to ask a question or two, such as “How might I come across more effectively in future interviews?” or “What was the one thing that I did best?” Do remind the interviewer that you’d definitely be interested if other positions come up at their organisation, that they’re your top choice.

Correct yourself

Even if the feedback is negative — like “You come across as stiff and overly rehearsed,” or “We just didn’t think that you had what it takes to work here,” use this information to improve your performance with the next employer you interview with.

Obtaining honest feedback about your interviewing skills from the actual people you’ve met with is a rare opportunity. Make the most of it by doing better in future sessions.