The Art of Applying for the Same Job Twice

During your job search, you might come across a job listing you previously applied for that was reposted by a company after being delisted for some time. In another scenario, you applied to a job listing and haven’t heard back, but the listing has been open for an extended period of time. In situations like this, you can actually apply for a job a second time, but before doing so there are some things you should consider. First, here is a list of reasons why you might apply for the same job twice:

• The company reposted a job listing
• The listing has been active for an extended period of time
• You’ve increased your qualifications since your initial application
• You’ve improved your initial application with new information/removed typos

Don’t Burn Bridges

If you’re considering applying for a job a second time, you should first think back to your initial application. Did you receive a response from the hiring manager the first time? If so, did you have positive interactions with them? When you’re in the process of applying for jobs, it’s important to maintain a high degree of professionalism throughout, regardless of the outcome. A hiring manager may reject an applicant for a variety of reasons, and if you’ve built rapport with them, it’s quite possible they may reconsider you in the future.

For example, if you applied to a new listing on Indeed and received an email stating that the company has decided to go in a different direction, you may be able to make another attempt if the role hasn’t been filled after a certain amount of time. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should just go and bombard the hiring managers from companies you previously applied to with follow up emails and new applications, but what you can do is keep an eye on the job listings that are of particular interest to you and determine whether you can salvage your candidacy one way or another.

Revisit Your Initial Application

Now would be a great time to take another gander at the job listing. When you’re looking for a job and applying to many openings in succession, it can be easy to overlook certain details in a company’s job description. When revisiting the job description, make sure you compare its details with your resume and application. Were there any keywords that you missed? Did you follow the instructions on the application perfectly? Do you have any new skills that are relevant to the listing? It may sound silly, but if you’re using multiple resumes on your job search, make sure you sent the correct resume with your application for the job listing in question.

Next, revisit the company’s website and social media profiles. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the company’s core values, mission, and expectations. Do you feel that your resume and cover letter from your initial application align with the company’s values and expectations? If not, now is the perfect time to make those connections. You may also want to take note of any unique language the company uses on its website or social media profiles, as this might provide further insight into what the company is looking for in a candidate.

Good Timing

When applying for a job for the second time, timing is incredibly important. If you apply too quickly the hiring manager might think you accidentally applied twice, and they will likely ignore your most recent application. On the other hand, if you wait too long to reapply you might miss your opportunity if the company has already moved into the interview phase of the hiring process. In most cases, you should wait about a week before reapplying for a job.

With enough time between your initial and subsequent applications, you’ll remind the hiring manager of your interest in the position without being too pushy, and if the hiring manager hasn’t come across any appealing candidates, they’ll be more likely to give you a second chance. You may also alter your cover letter to explain that you previously applied for the position, which leads us to our next entry.

Your Cover Letter

When revisiting your initial application, you may have made changes to your cover letter. For example, you might have added information that helps to better align your application with the mission, core values, and expectations of the company. Along with this, you should mention that you’ve previously applied for the job, while also expressing continued interest in the position. Here is an example cover letter for you to work off of:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]/Hiring Team,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my continued interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. As a previous applicant who has a deep admiration for the company’s mission and values, I am excited about the opportunity to reapply and contribute to the team’s success.

Since my previous application, I have taken deliberate steps to further develop my skills and expertise in [specific field or area]. I have [briefly mention any relevant experiences, accomplishments, or skills you have acquired or improved upon since your last application]. I remain particularly drawn to [specific aspect of job or company] at [Company Name], as I believe my background in [mention relevant skills or experience] uniquely positions me to excel in this role.

I am grateful for the opportunity to reapply for the [Job Title] and I am eager to contribute my talents and insights to help [Company Name] achieve its goals. Thank you for considering my application once again. I look forward to the possibility of joining the [Company Name] family and contributing to its continued success.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Proofread

You saw this coming a mile away, didn’t you? Imagine putting all that time and effort into your second application, only to be rejected because of a few silly spelling and grammar mistakes. Yes friends, this is the reason why we always carefully review our materials before sending them out. Once you’ve got your application and all the related materials all ready to go, step away from them for a little while before proofreading them. This should help make you less familiar with your own work, which makes reviewing it much easier.