How to ask for feedback in email — 20 examples & template

Great feedback is fundamental to helping us achieve our career potential. But why is feedback so hard to get, then?

Well, everyone is busy doing their own work and, with the rise of remote working, we have less casual discussions with our colleagues and bosses. In order to receive meaningful feedback, you have to be proactive in asking for it.

Understanding how to politely ask for feedback in email – and having the confidence to send the message – is critical to gaining insights that can help you improve.

We show you how to ask for feedback in an email, with 20 feedback request email samples. We unpack the feedback request email structure, showing you how you can build better messages.

By the end of this article, you’ll find it easy to create feedback request business email templates that get replies.

How to write a feedback request email

First, let’s look at what feedback is and why it’s critical.

In the working world, feedback is an essential mechanism that helps us all to improve. During the feedback process, a person (or group of people) will highlight the positives and negatives from their perspective. 

You may get feedback as part of a formal performance review, but that’s not the only opportunity to request feedback. In fact, you can request feedback at any time.

Some of the reasons you may want to request feedback include:

• Asking for feedback on a project
• Feedback on a report
• Feedback on a presentation
• Feedback on a job application
• Feedback after being rejected for a job

(Don’t worry if yours isn’t on the list, we’ve included 20 feedback email templates below.)

The key is to be proactive and ask for it!

Before we provide our feedback email example, here are some basics of writing better request emails to get better feedback:

1. Be clear and concise

Nobody has the time to read lengthy emails, so keep it short and straight to the point. Clear and concise emails aren’t rude; they just get right to the point as soon as possible.

2. Be specific

Being specific with your feedback requests makes it easier for people to understand what you’re asking and to respond.

Let’s see how this works in an example. Not getting a job can be a real blow to our confidence, but understanding why enables us to get better. 

If you want to ask for feedback on an application, feel free to use bullet points. It not only makes your request clearer, but it’s also easier for people to answer!

• Can you list one or more things (if any) that made my application stand out to you in a positive and/or negative way?
• Can you list one or more things that other applicants did better than I?
• Can you list one or more things that my application was missing and/or I should remove?

3. Provide a call-to-action

While many of us are happy to provide feedback, it’s unlikely to be a priority in our busy lives. Including a CTA provides a prompt to the recipient and can increase the likelihood of a response. 

When writing your CTAs, ask yourself at least the following questions:

• Do you have a deadline for the feedback?
• In which form do you want the feedback (i.e., a meeting, anonymous survey or is a reply email enough)?
• Do you want continuous feedback (i.e., should you set a recurring meeting)?

4 tips for better feedback

Feedback is all the same, right? Wrong!

Structured and focused feedback can help you improve in the areas you need, so ensure that’s what you get by following our 4 tips for better feedback.

1. Set a goal

If you’re not clear on what you want from feedback, how can the person you’re asking?

Before writing an email feedback request, be clear on what you want to improve and how feedback will help you.

This process is critical for identifying the questions you want to be answered. 

Ambiguous questions lead to ambiguous answers, so be as clear as possible. 

2. Make it actionable

The value of feedback is in the details. Avoid asking yes/no questions. Instead, make it clear what information you’re asking for. 

Don’t be afraid to use bullet points, and be precise in your requests. Here are a couple of examples of how this can work:

• Did you like my resume? → Can you name 1-3 things that made my resume stand out?
• Could my presentation be improved? → Can you name 1-3 things I could improve in my presentation?

3. Be specific rather than ambiguous

Following on from the advice above, making your request super-specific makes it as easy as possible for people to respond.

For example, instead of asking for feedback on the whole presentation, project or last quarter’s performance, can you break it down into smaller bits?

What about asking for feedback on your body language while presenting, documentation or a project or how well you did last week?

Try to improve one thing at a time, to not overwhelm yourself or the person you’re asking for feedback.

4. Make it a process, not one-off event

Feedback is best when it’s continuous and put into practice.

When you receive feedback, you’ll want to reflect on it, but you should also think about how you can use it.

If you’re asking for feedback from a boss or mentor, for example, why not set up a recurring meeting where you can reflect on feedback and track progress?

Doing so makes you more accountable and also ensures that you “action” the feedback  – as you’ll have to explain what you’ve done in the following meetings. 

Feedback request email format

Feedback request emails follow a pretty standard format. There’s a subject line, intro, email body, CTA, and sign-off. Let’s see how this breaks down:

1. Email subject for asking feedback

Your email subject should clearly state what’s inside. Here are some examples that could work for you:

• Feedback request: can you help?
• Can you provide some feedback? 
• Could you spare 5 minutes to provide some feedback?

These work as they clearly state what you want and how little you’re asking them to do. 

A great subject line created interest. Try some out and see what works best.

2. Feedback request email body

Don’t beat around the bush here. Instead, be clear that you want feedback. We’ve provided 20 feedback email examples below, where we illustrate what we’re talking about, but here’s a standard feedback email request:

3. How to end a feedback request email

Each email should have a CTA – detailing what you want, when and why. The example above (and the 20 below) all include a CTA. In this case, it’s this:

‍

You’re asking for feedback but giving the person the choice of how to respond. Two options mean they’re twice as likely to respond. (That’s the theory, anyway). 

Sometimes, you may also need to provide contact information such as a phone number or another email address. Finally, you'll want to give a sign-off, such as “thanks”, “kind regards,” or whatever else you choose to use.

If you need some email engine inspiration, check out our article containing 40 email endings. 

Need to write a great email asking for feedback? Try MailMaestro for free!

MailMaestro can help you draft a professional email asking for feedback in seconds. One of our standout features is the Improve existing email option. You can input your draft and MailMaestro's AI email assistant will refine it, making it more professional, concise, and compelling.

{{product-component}}

‍

‍Want to join the 55,000+ companies already using AI to write better emails, faster? Install our free extension, by clicking the links below:

• Add to Outlook (4.8 rating with 490+ reviews)
• Download Chrome extension for Gmail (5.0 rating with 140+ reviews)

🪄 MailMaestro tip:

Use MailMaestro's Improve existing email feature. Customize any of the email examples below to suit your needs. Or, enter a quick sentence explaining the message you'd like to convey. After filling in the placeholders, use MailMaestro's Improve existing email option. Then, paste your draft into the text box. Make sure to select your preferred email tone and length. And just like that, you'll have a polished email ready to send!

How to ask for feedback in email samples and templates

By this point, you’re ready for some examples, and we’re happy to oblige!

Here you can find 20 email feedback templates that can be adapted for all situations and circumstances. Before copying and pasting these, make sure to understand what they are and edit them so they’re suitable for the individuals involved. 

Sound good? Then let’s get started!

20 Feedback request email samples

1. Requesting interview feedback email sample

One of the most common feedback request emails follows an unsuccessful interview. You can accept the news, but you want to know why.

This simple sample email can be used to request post-interview feedback. We hope you never have to use it, but if you do, you’ll get the answers you need.

2. How to ask for feedback after rejection email sample

Bad news are always hard to take, but you should always request feedback after a rejection. It’s the best way of ensuring it doesn’t happen again.

Here’s how to ask for feedback after you’ve been rejected.

3. Sample email requesting feedback from colleagues

Feedback from colleagues can help you improve professionally and personally, so always ask for it when appropriate. Here’s a suitable sample email requesting feedback from colleagues.

4. Sample email requesting feedback from manager

If you’ve got a good relationship with your boss (and who doesn’t?), they can provide valuable feedback too. Here’s a suitable sample email requesting feedback from your manager.

5. Sample email requesting 360º feedback from colleagues

360º feedback is a fantastic way to get a true perspective on your performance. Check out our sample email requesting 360º feedback from your manager, team, and colleagues.

6. Asking for feedback from clients email sample

Clients demand the highest standards, so be sure you’re achieving them by asking for feedback. Here’s our sample email requesting feedback from clients.

7. Sample email requesting feedback from customer

Staying in touch with customers who have bought your product or service is essential at ensuring you deliver the highest quality service. Here’s a simple sample email requesting feedback from any customer. 

For more customer service templates, visit our archive here. 

8. Performance feedback request email sample

Performance feedback is critical in helping you to improve. While it may be challenging to listen to criticism, it’s critical to improving performance. Here’s a suitable performance feedback request email sample.

9. Asking for employee feedback email sample

Employee feedback provides a valuable source of information on team successes and failures.

This sample is suitable for asking for employee feedback from teams of any size.

10. Sample email asking for resume feedback

Your resume is an essential document that’s often the first thing a new employer learns about you, so you’ll have to get it right.

Requesting resume feedback is important, as someone could spot an error in your previously perfect document.

Here’s a sample email asking for resume feedback to use with friends, family, and colleagues.

11. Asking for feedback at work email sample

Your colleagues can provide clear feedback that you won’t receive elsewhere. This asking for feedback at work email samples is simple and can be used in all situations.

12. Sample email asking for feedback after training

If you’re delivering or organizing a training course, you’ll want to know you’re getting it right – so ask attendees. This sample email asking for feedback after training can be sent to everyone participating in a course.

See how we thank them upfront and make them feel special before asking for what we want.

13. Product feedback request email sample

You love your new product, but how do your customers feel? Use this product feedback request email sample to find out.

14. Email asking for feedback on presentation sample

Does anyone really like public speaking? Practice makes perfect, but feedback can accelerate progress, so ask for it using email asking for feedback on the presentation. 

15. Follow-up email asking for feedback sample

A follow-up email is a good way to say thank you for the feedback you have received and show how you have put the feedback into practice.

16. Sample email asking for review and feedback

17. Sample email asking for feedback on project

Asking for feedback is the last step in any post-project wrap-up. This sample email asking for feedback on a project can be easily amended and used when you need it. 

18. Sample email to recruiter asking for feedback

Recruiters are experts at delivering feedback, helping you to shape applications and improve your CV.

Here’s a sample email to a recruiter asking for feedback that’s (almost) guaranteed to work. Be sure to say thanks when they respond.

19. How to ask for feedback in email from stakeholders sample

Stakeholders play a crucial role in the success of any business, so asking for feedback is essential.

This email may appear more formal than the others (because it is), but it needs to be. This is how to ask for feedback in an email to stakeholders.

20. Sample year end feedback request email

The end of the (financial) year is a time for reflection, planning, and feedback. This sample year end feedback request email will ensure you can plan and prioritize for the forthcoming year. 

Bonus situations for feedback requests emails:

After a Purchase

Imagine a customer has just bought one of your products. They've interacted with your website, made a selection, and completed a purchase. This is the perfect time to ask about their buying experience and the product's quality.

Example:

After a Service

Perhaps a customer recently availed of your service. They've experienced first-hand how your team works and the kind of service you provide. This is an excellent opportunity to ask for their feedback on the service provided.

Example:

Periodic Feedback

Regularly checking in with your customers is a good practice. It helps you understand their ongoing experience with your products or services. It also shows that you value their opinion and are committed to improving their experience.

Example:

Negative Experience

Unfortunately, not all customer experiences are positive. If a customer had a bad experience, it's important to address it promptly. This shows your commitment to customer satisfaction and your willingness to make things right.

Example:

Positive Experience

On the other hand, when a customer had a great experience, it's a cause for celebration. Encourage them to share it. This helps you understand what you're doing right and gives you the opportunity to replicate that success.

Example:

Professional feedback request email template

The samples we’ve provided should give you everything you need, but if you want to create your own, use our professional feedback request email template.

Summing up

We hope we’ve shown you that asking for feedback in an email is easy!

Remember, the best feedback request emails are brief and follow the same basic outline.

We know it’s difficult to politely ask for feedback in email, so use our feedback request email samples to make it as simple as possible. And don't feel discourage if the answer won't come immediately - learning to follow up via e-mail is an important skill

If you’re looking for more learning on writing the best business emails, check out the MailMaestro blog.