How to Ask for Feedback (and Actually Use It)

by Kiss Mae Dumdum, Talent Acquisition Manager

Most people say they want feedback. Fewer actually mean it. Even fewer know what to do with it.

The truth is, asking for feedback is one of the fastest ways to grow — in your career, your relationships, and your craft. But only if you do it right.

Here’s how to ask for feedback like a pro — and more importantly, how to actually use it.

1. Start With the Right Mindset

Don’t fish for compliments. Don’t brace for attacks. Feedback isn’t about validation or criticism — it’s about clarity.

Before you ask, check your ego. You’re not asking someone to rate your worth. You’re asking them to help you see what you can’t see — blind spots, missed opportunities, or better ways forward.

That takes humility. And guts.

2. Ask Specific Questions

Vague requests get vague answers. “What do you think?” will get you a polite nod. “Is there anything I should change?” usually ends with, “No, looks great!”

Instead, zoom in:

“What part didn’t land for you?”
“Where did you lose interest?”
“What could make this stronger?”

The more focused your question, the more actionable the answer.

3. Choose the Right People

Not all feedback is created equal.

You want honesty, not sugarcoating. Insight, not noise. That means asking people who:

Understand your goals
Have relevant experience or perspective
Aren’t afraid to tell you the truth

It’s okay to ignore feedback from people who just don’t get what you’re trying to do. Respectfully, not everyone’s opinion matters.

4. Shut Up and Listen

This is the hard part. When someone gives you feedback, your job isn’t to defend yourself. It’s to listen — really listen.

Don’t interrupt. Don’t explain. Don’t justify.

Instead, say:

“Thanks for that.”
“That’s helpful.”
“Can you say more about that part?”

Then take a beat. Let it sink in.

5. Look for Patterns, Not Outliers

One person’s opinion is just that — one person’s opinion. But when three different people point to the same weak spot? That’s a signal.

Don’t overreact to one-off comments. But don’t ignore repeated ones either. Patterns point to the real issues.

That’s where the gold is.

6. Turn Insight Into Action

Feedback is useless if it just sits in a notebook or Slack thread. Take it, sift it, and decide:

What will I change?
What will I leave as-is?
What do I need to explore more?

Then get to work. Iterate. Improve. Show that you actually heard what they said — and used it.

People respect that. And they’ll give you better feedback next time.

7. Follow Up and Show Progress

Circle back. “Hey, I made some changes based on your feedback — want to see the new version?” This does two things:

It shows you’re serious about growing.
It builds a feedback loop — not a one-off moment.

Over time, this turns casual critics into trusted collaborators.

Bottom Line

Asking for feedback isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a strategy for leveling up.

But here’s the key: it only works if you’re willing to hear the hard stuff — and do something with it.

So don’t just ask for feedback. Ask for the truth. Listen without flinching. And then use it to get better — faster than anyone else.

Check out our open roles and see if any make sense for your next big career move.

How To Ask for Feedback (and Actually Use It)