Applying for a job I previously turned down

[anewlifeinthesun]

I applied for a job 3 1/2 years ago, which I got offered but turned down because my current workplace offered me a promotion.

However, I am looking to now leave again and the same job that I turned down is now being advertised again.

My question is how would you as an employer view my application if I applied for the position again and has any one been in this position?

Thank you!

I would still consider you. 3 and a half years is a long time.

I would remember you giving us the runaround last time and probably wouldn't interview you. They might have had staff changes though, so won't recall if so. Nothing lost in applying.

Assuming I remembered you and assuming you made the short-list again, I'd interview you again but I'd be conscious that you'd previously used the process for leverage so I wouldn't assume you'd take the job if offered or stick around in it for too long if you did take it.

Yeah I applied for the same job after I turned it down. Went through a consultant and got a big fat no! Different time and different place! One of the people was pretty stroppy I didn’t take the job but I was essentially taking a pay drop!

There's probably a completely different group of people there now anyway so go ahead and apply.

I don't think you've got anything to lose by applying they might be different people recruiting

But why do you want to apply for it do you really want it or is it just a way out of your company?

If I was one of the recruiters last time I wouldn't interview you again this time as you thought you were too good for the job last time why would you accept it if we offered it to you this time?

But as I say, you've got nothing to lose by applying, if you actually want it, but do the decent thing and accept if you're offered at this time or don't apply

I would ask to have a conversation with the hiring manager if possible and make clear that you are serious and not likely to mess them around this time, even if your employer were to offer you a promotion. Otherwise, in their position, I wouldn't waste an interview slot on someone who had turned down the job previously.

This is fine. A job offer is just that - an offer. You can consider the offer and accept or reject based on your wishes and circumstances at the time. There's no malice or bitterness to hold on to.
If you were good enough to be the first choice candidate last time then you should definitely apply again.
Be prepared to answer the question of why, if you were promoted, that you are now applying for a job at a lower level. Again - it's fine to do it, but it's unusual so you need a reason prepared.

3.5 yrs is some time, and so I think you’d have a reasonable chance.

It would depend on how well you handled the rejection. If you played the offers off against each other, and/or ghosted the company I think you’d struggle.

I would raise it at your first interview, explain your changed circumstances and commitment. I would worry if it didn’t come up and we found out later.

Thank you everyone for your advice.

I had considered that the HR manager and person I would have reported to may not be there any longer.

The reason I didn't take the job initially was because my current job was just a temporary post but they then offered me a permanent position and promotion. but there's been a lot of changes lately with potential redundancies in the pipeline so I want to get out.

What's peoples opinions on whether I should mention anything when applying or to keep quiet until they say something?

Many thanks again

I would go for it. As a hiring manager there’s been good candidates who’ve ultimately turned down a role who I’d hire like a shot if they reapplied

Make it clear in your covering note that you are serious about making a move now. I would try to get a chat with the talent team or hiring manager if possible before you apply, find out if it’s the same people, and explain that you’re excited as you previously went for this role but decided to stay with Company A when they offered you a perm role, but now it’s time to move on/redundancies etc… That way you get that out the way early and reassure them you would take the job this time if offered

Good luck!

There's no need to mention it, if I was reading the applications I would think it odd that you did mention it at application stage. This is a new application. The vacancy is new, your experience has changed. Treat it as any other new job.

I'd think it was fine. DH turned down a role once in those circumstances, had been through several rounds of interviews and met the whole team, but got the promotion he wanted at the 11th hour. He applied again 6 months later when his company had a downturn and he ended up staying in that job for 16 years!!

All you have to say if asked is "My circumstances at work changed and I withdrew, but that's not going to happen again and won't be a barrier to taking up the role this time."

They probably haven't even kept your CV and deleted it for data retention purposes anyway since you were never an employee.

i wouldnt mention it,
good luck

Possible outcomes range all the way from they won’t remember you at all, through to not progressing your application because they feel that you mucked them around last time.

Best case scenario is that they won’t remember you. Do not mention the previous offer.

"If I was one of the recruiters last time I wouldn't interview you again this time as you thought you were too good for the job last time why would you accept it if we offered it to you this time?"

This is a bad attitude. An applicant can turn down a job if they want to and in this case OP's circumstances changed.
Same as a recuiter doesn't have to take on a candidate.

I would give you another chance but would question your commitment to the role at interview

Good candidates are very hard to find. Go for it