Didn't get an interview - can you ask for feedback?

I recruited for a post at the beginning of the year and had a couple of people who weren't shortlisted contact me to ask why. In both cases they were very strong applications, but there were lots of strong applicants and some with more relevant experience. I think it is definitely worth asking - there might be something that he could stress differently on his cv/app form next time

Thanks Caro, they have an enquiry email addy so I guess it wouldn't do any harm to drop them a line.

There's nothing to lose from asking for feedback - I'd definitely get in touch (I've always been told why I haven't been called for interviews)

Yes, when I've been involved in recruiting, some regretted candidates would call for feedback. We always used to make notes as to why they weren't selected to enable feedback to be given. Presonally, I would call & have a 2 way conversation rather than email, I think you'd gain more from the feedback that way.

You, or H, can then use this towards any further applications. I had example when a candidates CV didn't contain much info & the covering letter said nothing. When the guy rang as he didn't get through the 1st sift, I spoke to him & was shocked at his skills & experience as it just hadn't come across on his application, I advised him to strengthen his CV & specify more in his covering letter, I hope it got something from that feedback.