Is it a good idea to apply for a job for a second time?

Question

I've been searching for a job for over a year now and have occasionally run across a job i have applied for previously and been unsuccesful at (either at the interview stage or just with my CV). What i want to know is what are my chances of getting that job if i go for it again?

I have inadvertently done it once. I wasn't aware who the job was with until i got an interview date because it was all done through an agency. I'd applied the first time through post and didn't get an interview. The second time (through the agency), my interview lasted only 15 minutes.

Would anyone's opinions of someone be different if they saw them applying for the same job a year later? Has anyone been through a similar experience?

Thanks :)

Answer 1

Employers can throw you CV in the bin for the slightest of reasons (Mostly due to volume). By sending it twice it shows the employer you are inefficient and slightly annoying. But you might be lucky, they may just have miss-placed your CV, or they could be impressed by perseverance. Its unlikely though. Maintain your dignity and only apply for a job twice if your CV changes radically.

Answer 2

There are Pros and Cons to both sides.

I disagree with some of the other posts here.

I would definitely suggest re-applying. If it had only been a few months, I would say no. But you have stated that it has been a year. It is definitely okay to re-apply for a position at a company after that length of time. The position may have been filled and now is available again, or it could be the same position for a different department. At the worst end, the company could be using the ad as a feeler for the market. It is also okay to apply to a company for more than one position at the same time.

If it has been the exact same ad for over a year now, I would ask the question - Do you really want to work for a company that can't find a qualified candidate within a year's time. That in itself says a lot about the company.

However, it seems you have difficulty either getting the interview or closing the deal. I would have someone unbiased review your resume and have it updated. I would also try to get some advice or tips on interview techniques. You can do both through a professional employment coordinator or have your friends and family help out by setting up mock interviews with them. If you choose the friends and family route, make it as real as possible. Choose an outside location to meet at. Mcdonald's would work. Have your interviewer and yourself dress the parts and make the interview as realalistic as possible.

I have been an employment coordinator and a HR Administrator for over ten years. The above technique is one I suggest to everyone for improving their chances of getting the job. A resume will get you in the door, but only you can close the deal. If you need some help, check out my website for free materials and tips. You can also email me with questions. I'll help any way I can.

Answer 3

I have to say, I agree with Kingstubb, as an HR professional, I don't like seeing the same person applying twice.There would be a good reason I rejected them in the first place and that wouldn't change with a second application. Although, if the role hadn't been filled in a year, I might be desperate enough to try anything.

The best thing you can do is get some proper feedback on why you weren't successful (your agency can do this on your behalf) then you will know what you need to work on. Its probably not worth re-applying again, but at least you will be more prepared for the next interview you get.

Also, ask your agency to do some practise interviews with you. If your last interview only lasted 15 minutes, it could be that you're not performing as well as you could. A decent recruitment consultant will be able to give you good feedback and help you to improve your interview technique for next time.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Don't reapply for the same job. The more you re-apply the less likely you are to get interviewed for any post in that organisation.

I worked in recruitment for several different companies and the attitude was always the same 'oh, and some from last time applied again'. You weren't chosen the first time, put it down and walk away.

Rather than admiring your enthusiasm, we would have thought of you as a loser who couldn't move on. If you didn't fit the bill last time why would we drop our standards this time?

The real problem for applicants is by re-applying for the same job they barred themselves from any job in the organisations. They made themselves look desperate for any job, rather than being a professional who wanted to work for us. So if the perfect job for them came up no-one would take the application seriously as 'it's just him again, he applies for everything'.

Don't demean yourself and your future job chances by re-applying for the same post.

Regarding your interview via agency, it's a totally different arrangement. The company would have asked the agency to send a certain number of people for interview, all the interviews would have been quick, with the favourites being called back for proper interviews later. The fact you didn't get a proper interview shows you were just part of an agency batch and the employer didn't think you were suitable.

Hold your head high and walk away.

Answer 5

No their opinion would not change.What I know is that, the company knows the stuff they wanted and that is what they are after.You should be having more edge over your collegue if you are called for an interview bcos you have been there and you have been on that hot seat b4.Just believe in your self and look at where you miss it in the first instance then go on with the best in you.
If they did not employ you the first time it means there is better position for youlater in that company and it is now.
Stand up and get the job now bcos it is yours.I wish you good luck.

Answer 6

As an employer I would cringe to get resumes over and over from the same people...how many times need I say no?

For people I interviewed, it sort of depended...sometimes I had great candidates and only one position and did call backs for those I rejected when I got new openings...other times I have openings and made the mistake of just picking one out of a whole bad lot to fill the position.

Answer 7

First of all, though people come and go, chances is that your resume is still residing somewhere in the company. There's a saying, you do the same thing, you will get the same results.

I've a strong feeling that your resume does not stand out...if you really feel that your experience really meets all the requirements as specified in the job description. You might want to try something different. Like doing up a really professional resume.



Regards,

Edmund Ng
CEO, Founder
Infinique Technologies
http://www.infinqiuetech.com
http://www.itjobs.com.sg
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SG_IT_Jobs
http://www.purchaseresume.com

Answer 8

I've been on interview panels where this has arisen.
I found that the panel were always willing and sometimes enthusiastic about considering someone a second time. Provided there is no serious reason why you, the candidate, should not have the job you MUST apply again. - and - Good Luck.

Answer 9

Unless you have gained a full year of relevant experience or obtained additional qualifications in the interim, I would doubt very much that a company which rejected you would have changed its position.
If however you got some feedback which indicated that you did a ropey interview due to nerves etc you may be in with a chance.
Contact the human resources department of the company and ask for their opinion.

Answer 10

alot of things can change in a year and it wouldn't hurt if you want the job to try again all they can do is say no ,, so what do you have to loose trying i aplyed three different time at one place because i really wanted to work there glad i did,got hired and worked 10 years till they closed was best job i had. so go for it