How do I ask my preceptor for feedback?

"Looks good" and silence are the most common responses students get. That usually means your preceptor is busy or assumes no news is good news, not that your work is poor. The fix is to make feedback easy to give.

Ask narrow questions

"How am I doing?" is hard to answer on the spot. A targeted question gets a real response:

• "Were the chart types in this report right for the board audience?"
• "Is this level of detail what you want in the summary, or should I cut it?"
• "What's one thing I should do differently on the next draft?"

Attach the question to a deliverable you just submitted, while the work is fresh in their mind.

Set expectations before you start

A lot of corrective feedback can be avoided up front. When you take on a task, ask what format they prefer, how much detail they expect, and when it is due. Ask whether they can share an example of past work that represents the quality they want.

Make it routine

Requesting feedback on every small task can feel like seeking reassurance. Asking about major deliverables, or anything that will be shared outside the team, is always appropriate. A short weekly check-in gives those conversations a standing home, so asking never feels like an interruption.

Respond well and keep a record

Thank them, ask clarifying questions instead of defending your choices, and show that you applied the suggestion on the next piece. That makes giving you feedback feel worthwhile.

Write down what you hear, even offhand comments. Those notes feed your reflections, ILE paper, and future interview answers about handling criticism. If feedback still doesn't come, colleagues, peers, and your faculty advisor can review your work. More strategies are in what to do when feedback never comes.