Job candidate attends interview, accidentally receives internal company feedback: 'Why would we hire someone who would be the worst person in the company?'

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Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
Aug 15, 2026 6:35 PM EDT

Is it better to skip the niceties and receive the blunt truth with job interview feedback?

There are not many candidates these days who feel like they have an easy time when applying for and interviewing for jobs. Companies demand multiple rounds of interviews, presentations, and projects before they even so much as confirm what the salary is going to be. That is, if an applicant even gets picked out of the hundreds of AI-scanned resumes in the first place. The rejection can be brutal even without a detailed breakdown of a person's professional flaws.

However, there can be a desire to hear what hiring managers really think when somebody has had door after door shut in their face. What is it about them that means an interview does not end up translating into a job? It is probably a question that every job seeker has asked themselves after a rejection, especially if an interview seemed to go well. We all know that the corporate world often says one thing but means another, and this tendency only gets duplicitous when dealing with those who want to be hired. Once in a while, they need to hear it straight if they have any chance of landing a role.

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  • TikToker @motaiboo received an unpleasant surprise after she completed a final-round interview for a job. She was rejected, and the company accidentally sent her the internal feedback along with the meeting summary. They didn't hold back, and she took this as a sign that she needed to work on her presentational skills.

  • On today’s episode of being unemployed: I got an interview summary email that ALSO included the internal team feedback from after I left the call. Needless to say… I did not get the job. BUT I guess I know what I need to work on now??

    via motaiboo
  • via motaiboo

  • She didn't necessarily need to tough out the embarrassment.

    ANL Shop HR manager here, depending what it says, you may have a lawsuit on your hands
    via ANL Shop
  • Say Gorgonzola I'd write them an email "Thank you for the opportunity and the feedback, even if I wasn't supposed to read it. Perhaps a bit more professionalism in the future, and realize internal vs external communication when sending notes. Have a great day"
    via Say Gorgonzola

  • Many took her point of view that this was a good learning experience.

    Ade I would k I to get that feedback
    via Ade
  • AleksanderSteven Ngl I'm jealous. I'd love that type of true candid feedback. May not feel good, but the insight would be invaluable.
    via AlekSanderSteven

  • They acknowledged it was important to hear about yourself from an alternative perspective.

    cinder_and_ash it can be hard to hear sometimes but its probably the most valuable information you could receive
    via cinder_and_ash
  • Mavis K That's actually so valuable vs "someone who aligns better..." when you align just fine
    via Mavis K
  • Naps_and_Cats This is a TERRIBLE mistake, BUT, it is a true GIFT.
    via Naps_and_Cats

  • It was probably a company red flag that they made this kind of mistake.

    Natalia Whilst it's highly unprofessional that it happened, it may work in your advantage for future interviews as it's so honest rather than a generic feedback.
    via Natalia
  • User1835563858 Screw being professional we should all get this! Instead everyone walks around saying "I've applied to so many jobs and can't get hired" well....now you know why, fix it or don't.
    via user1835563858

  • It was important that she didn't let it knock her confidence.

    korin_has_no_chill Hey, babe, I want to add a little caveat to this conversation. You received feedback according to their perception and their opinions. Keep in mind all of this is colored by their own personal lens. Take what's applicable or if it's consistent with other messages you've received sit with them for a little bit. Otherwise, don't sweat other people's opinion of you.
    via korin_has_no_chill

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feedback job candidate workplace job interview
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