Reapplying for job after unsuccessful interview

[Sarah557]

I had an interview for a job I would love to do last November. I passed the interview but others scored higher than me so I wasn’t offered the job. The same position is out again. I’m not sure whether to apply as they did say if the same position comes out then they would let me know but I haven’t heard anything. Would you take this as a sign that they don’t want me to have the job? As it was only November I imagine they can remember the candidates pretty well.

You’ve nothing to lose by giving it a whirl. It’s quite possible they’ve forgotten to let you know that it’s available, rather than deliberately snubbing you.

I agree with WindowViper, you have nothing to lose trying again. Jobs get so many applicants now that it's super competitive, so I'd try again especially as you say you'd love the job! If you wanted to up your interview score in the meantime you could try something like interview gold. Good luck, I hope you get the job!

Have a go, we just took on someone who applied and interviewed for a job just under 6 months ago and didn't get it then. However, we ended up with additional roles and he went for it again and we took him on without a further interview.

Thank you all, really appreciate your comments. I think I will go for it 🙌🏼

Absolutely agree with the others, apply.

I'd send a message to the hiring team to refresh their memory of you, that may help get your name to the top of the pile too. Just a friendly "excited to see this opportunity appear on LinkedIn again" sort if thing.

Yes, go for it. I applied for a job that I had been unsuccessful for about 6 months earlier and got it.

Do it! We’ve just taken on one of our casual staff into a contracted position. He interviewed previously for another role and was turned away due to lack of experience, 6 months later he applied for a role in our team and aced the interview, really showed the effort he has made in progressing his skills. He will be a real asset to our team.

Thanks everyone, you’ve really motivated me! I’ve just submitted my application, I know it’s a long shot but as you’ve all said, I have nothing to lose and the job application process is all good experience if nothing else 😀

Go for it. I can’t remember people I met yesterday let alone months ago. They may not have kept your details

You passed the interview last time so you are good enough to get the job. And I see from your update that you've applied again which is great.

But, and I mean this very kindly,
"Would you take this as a sign that they don’t want me to have the job?"
You need to work on your self-confidence and lose this approach. This is a job application not a date. It's just a professional transaction. You passed the previous interview. Personal choice doesn't come into this.
If you got any feedback after your previous interview make sure you have addressed that so that you can go into the next interview and talk about it - "last time you suggested... and so I developed my experience in that area by doing ..."
Good luck!

Nothing ventured, nothing gained, but expect nothing and you won't be disappointed.

One of the best, most efficient and knowledge members of our management didn't get the job the first time. Exactly the same as you, he didn't score as many points.
It didn't work out with the person we hired, he left, back to advertise and interview and we got the right person.

I’d wonder why the job is available again after only 6 months as that might suggest it is not a great place to work.

If it was a job I really wanted I’d still apply but if I got an interview it’s something I would ask about.

I’d try again. It shows you really want it. Just practice more with your interview and have a think of you have better examples.

Go for it!

That happened to me once. I wanted a change of carrier and applied for a project coordinator role. I did not get it as it went with someone with more experience but I got some really good feedback from the organisation after my interview.

The same job was advertised again a few months later, I applied again and got the role.

The only thing I would say is that this might be a red flag that there is an issue with the role/company if the job is advertised again so quickly so maybe ask why the role is advertised again during your interview...

Did you ask for feedback the first time? Were you successful in getting an interview but not the job? If yes then definitely think about what to adjust. If no then I’d reach out to the hiring manager for an informal chat to let them know you’re still keen and to talk about the role a bit more and what they are looking for so you can tailor your application better. You'll get insights about the role that can help you also clarify your understanding about what the job would involve day to day to prepare and a sense of whether it’s worth reapplying. It will give them a chance to know you outside of the confines of an interview structure and an appreciation of just how much you want this.

Depending how busy they are they may not remember ever single person, and to let you know if came back up, I would reapply and see what happens.

Go for it!! Legally jobs have to be advertised so they will be following process.

Nothing is given to us, fight for it! Go get em’!! Don’t ask, don’t get.

good luck!!

Yes, definitely apply. GDPR means that you cannot hold a person’s data longer than you actually need it. There’s no justification for keeping your data unless you’ve given your consent to be placed on a reserve list. I destroy/delete unsuccessful applicant’s data after three calendar months.

Good luck OP! I did this about 6 years ago. Got to final interview and got great feedback but they went for someone with more direct relevant experience. He left after 4 months and I got in touch and asked if I would be considered should I reapply. The feedback was positive so I did and got the job, and stayed for 4 years.

I didnt even get shortlisted the first time I applied for my now job. I wanted it so applied again and got interviewed and offered the position. I then got promoted within the year. Never let failure set you back if its something you want! Good luck :)

Ahhh thank you so much to all who have replied, I really appreciate it. So lovely to hear your success stories! Thanks all, you’ve given me the push / confidence boost I needed x

I’m thinking this might be a civil service role, and that you were on the merit list. Did they tell you if the merit list was 6 or 12 months?

if it’s being advertised externally, and there is a merit list, then it’s not the same role. Recruitment in the civil service follows strict rules and - trust me - they have kept your details. They would go to the merit list before launching another campaign if it was the same role.

Recruitment is expensive, and costs taxpayer’s money. They don’t launch campaigns lightly.