Toolkit P5-Feedback map | Career Compass

Planning and Implementation

FEEDBACK MAP

60 minutes

A large sheet of paper, minimum size A3, or a whiteboard
Markers and pens of different colours
Sticky notes
Optional: Tape or adhesive putty to attach the sheet of paper to a wall

What is this tool and what is its purpose and benefit?

Collecting feedback on job applications is important for improving future applications and interviews, as well as for refining job application strategies. It helps candidates to understand what employers want, why they did not get a job, what worked and what did not, and how they can improve. It also helps them to identify suitable jobs and roles. Collecting feedback can support candidates mentally by reducing uncertainty and building confidence.

A feedback map provides a visual overview of feedback, making it easier to analyse and use for improvements. It also helps to compare feedback from different employers and sectors, enabling candidates to direct future applications more effectively.

Steps for using this tool

STEP 1

Take a large sheet of paper or a whiteboard and write your name in the centre. Alternatively, you can use a wall or another flat surface.

STEP 2

Prepare feedback on various job applications and interviews. Write the key points of the feedback on sticky notes — one short sentence or a few words on each. You can use different coloured sticky notes for different types of employers. Alternatively, you can use a different coding system, such as visual coding. Keep your coding keys up somewhere safe.

STEP 3

Organise the feedback by type, moving the sticky notes into different groups. For example, group all the feedback on your hard skills together.

STEP 4

Further organise each group by putting all the similar feedback together. For example, if you received five comments saying that you lack a portfolio of your work, group those sticky notes together.

STEP 5

Give headings to your groups and sub-groups and indicate how many times each item was mentioned.

STEP 6

Analyse the findings. What kinds of things were mentioned? Which were mentioned most often? Which were mentioned the least often? What was not mentioned at all? What seemed to work and what did not? Was anything said about your skills, role or experience? How did the feedback differ between types of employers?

STEP 7

Reflect about how the findings align with your career goals. Would you change or adjust your goals based on these findings?

STEP 8

Take a photo of your feedback map, including the date, and record your findings in a document or notebook. Remember to include the time, themes, how many times each point was mentioned, types of employer and any visible similarities and differences between them. Keep the photo together with your notes. You can refer to your findings when you next apply for a job.

Tips and hints for using this tool

This type of feedback map can help you prepare for a job interview.
You can also ask your peers and friends for feedback and collect it in a similar way.

The inspiration for the feedback map can be found here: