Interview for a job I didn't get once already

[2ndtimeluck]

So this is a bit of an unusual situation and I don't know if it's a complete waste of time. Or am I overthinking it.

I work in public sector, in quite a specialised area. I've been looking for a new job for a while. Due to relocation and what I do being pretty niche, it's been tricky to find the right fit. Last year a job came up locally that seemed a really good fit, challenging enough but very much in the same area and I have lots of relevant experience. I really wanted it. I got past the sift, past the presentation and had an interview. It's local authority so all very structured, star examples etc.. I didn't get the job but had a very positive feedback session. Part of the feedback was that my examples didn't demonstrate enough complexity. I am confident I can do the job and it's a good fit.

The same exact job was advertised again and I applied again. I was shortlisted for an interview again. Again, it's very structured, blind application etc. so I wasn't surprised I got through. After some LinkedIn research I can see that the new person started and has a great background, I can see why they got the job. A head of unit was also recruited and is now expanding the team hence the new post.

So now I'm going in for interview no2...

Pros:

• new head of unit might see me differently, might think my skills will compliment the other person, she might be looking for something slightly different that they did last year
• different field of candidates
• I think, to quote friends, it shows courage, and courage
• I can better prepare for the interview and focus my answers to fit what they're looking for better

Cons:

• they've rejected me once, obviously
• some panel members will be new but one or two seniors are likely to be the same

At this stage no one knows I applied again but they are likely to recognise me at the interview. Do I go in with 'hi, me again' and laugh it off? Do I not say anything and just get through the structured questions and let them talk after? I'm worried about coming across as arrogant 'let me explain to you again why you should hire me'. How should I approach this?!

I’ve interviewed people twice - it’s very much about the competition on the day and how your answers compare to theirs. I wouldn’t make any reference to the previous one unless they do, so go into it as a new candidate but build on the feedback. It sounds as if you gave a really good interview but just didn’t demonstrate the full depth/breadth of response they were looking for, so really work on your examples to showcase what you (as in you personally) did in x, y or z.

I was interviewed twice for a similar role and one panel member was the same person who'd moved orgs! I really emphasised my gratitude to them for inviting me in and that I was excited to be there (this was a wholehearted truth as well). This landed really well and and second time was the charm...as above poster has said you know what to work on. The fact you've been there before is truly a gift...grab it with both hands, we don't get many of those in life!

I've been in this situation and got the job the second time, first time really positive feedback apparently I came 2nd other candidate had a bit more experience than me, couple of years later she left, I'd got more experience and stronger examples and got the role. Good luck!

I'd say interview again and don't comment unless they do. You could then spin it about how much you want the job etc....
You have a head start on others now because you'll know what they're looking for, that's a good thing!

I did this - for my current job in fact! It was totally the right decision and came down to the fact that I just wasn't quite ready the first time I applied. It wasn't mentioned (and hasn't been since) and not awkward at all in the interview - I wouldn't bring it up unless they do, and just prepare for a nice, gracious explanation as to why you now feel you're even better placed for the role than you were before and how pleased you are the chance arose.

I don't see any issue with this at all. In my industry people often apply for things several times before getting the role. It shows commitment and determination. Use what you've learned to improve.

I think the first line of your OP shows where you need to change your thinking! This isn't an unusual situation at all in the public sector. As you say, interviews are so weirdly formulaic that it's very easy to not to get them right first time. Lots of people have two or three 'go-arounds' before they get a sideways move let alone a promotion - they ask for feedback and the panel say where they need to work on some particular aspect. It's very often a 'no hard feelings' situation and extremely close between many candidates.

So just go for it again without feeling any need to explain yourself. You want the job! Simple as that.

agree with PPs, this probably happens a lot, just address the feedback from the last time, eg use examples at the right level for the role

Definitely interview again. I’ve interviewed people before and had 2 or 3 stand out very employable applicants but can only offer one position. So I’d be delighted if they applied again down the line.

Address feedback and tell them how much you'd love to be a part of their team. I'm a hiring manager. A little enthusiasm from candidates is always a bonus point. Also shows you've listened to feedback well and take action.

I've done it too and been successful the 2nd time. The collegaue I lost out to first time is an awesome collegue and my manager is chuffed to have got us both in the end! I think it shows determination and an ability to reflect and work on yourself to improve which is actually an attractive skill. I've interviewed as well, and been overwhelmed with excellent candidates, all of which could have done a great job. It was like plucking names out of a hat, it was so close. So they might be really please to see you back!

I have hired someone on a repeat interview. He wasn’t what we needed the first time but the second time he fit the gap we had then. I am grateful he kept applying. It showed commitment.

Thank you so much everyone! It's really helped to reframe my thinking. I agree that it probably isn't that unusual to re-interview for the same position but it's a first for me.

@GoodGollyMsMolly & @Applesandpears23 do you think I should acknowledge that I'm interviewing again? These things usually start with an opener 'why do you want to work here?' question so that would be the time to say something.