Appropriate to ask for feedback on why my job application was unsuccessful?

[Scrumplet]

I recently applied for what seemed like a perfect-fit job with the charity I used to work for before I had DS (4). Part-time, well-paid, flexible hours, local, etc - hmm ... maybe thay had a lot of applicants then!

Anyway, I believe I am well-qualified to do the job. I included as one of my referees a lady still working at the charity, who I became good friends with when I worked there - and I know she is (and I was) held in high regard by this employer. She felt sure I would "at the very least" get an interview. I didn't.

When I rang and found this out, I just politely said, ah, yes, well, OK then, and that was the end of it. But my dad reckons I should ask them for feedback. Is this the done thing? I've never not been invited for an interview before, so wouldn't know if it's appropriate to do this. Grateful for any advice. Thanks.

I would. I did last time I did an interview for what I thought was a perfect job for me and didn't get it. The feedback was a bit horrifying because it was completely irrational, but useful in that it gave me more insight into why I would not have wanted to work for that company anyway!

Yes. It's very useful.

OK. Thanks, Lady and Hecate. I'm guessing it's best to write/email, since the odds of getting feedback on the phone there and then from the right person are slim? Will have a think about wording - any tips? Thanks.

What about: "Dear ... Thanks for letting me know that my application for the ... position was unsuccessful. On reflection, I wonder if it would be possible to be given some feedback as to why? This would be helpful to me, moving forward. Many thanks."

?

Might be worth ringing the HR department. In my organisation we have to state a brief reason why applicants did not get shortlisted, and be prepared to go into more detail on the phone.

i've just had feedback for a post I didn't get from a selection day. To be honest i'm not sure how helpful it was - it was all VERY negative as I think reading between the lines it made them try to justify the reasons rationally, when actually i just sensed on the day that i wouldn't fit in, as the post involved some ethical compromises - I think they sensed I wouldn't fit in too, but I wish they could have just said that, rather than give me a point-by-point demolition of my interview (much of which is actually quite petty "We felt you knew more about that question than you were letting on" Err, actually, I was trying to keep to the point and not gossip about my current work!!)
Not saying you shouldn't go for feedback, but take it with a large pinch of salt!!