Not offered an interview for job I have previously interviewed for

[YourWildAnt]

I work in a large organisation, and recently applied for a new role which would be a bit of a step up. I have worked alongside the hiring manager previously and have a good working relationship. They even offered my advice in prepping for the application, and have always been very supportive of me.

I work alongside the team i was applying for, and have even had an interview for the same role a year ago - when I was far less experienced and qualified. I was told afterwards i was the second option but the person they went with was far more experienced (I work in cooperation with her sometimes and she is fantastic at the job.)

I feel my application this time round was much stronger. However, I didn't even get an interview!!! What gives?! The role would have come with a significant pay increase and I am desperate to get away from my current micromanager, so it feels like a real blow. What could I have done wrong?

certainly Ask for feedback on your application! Ask the hiring manager or recruitment team why you were not shortlisted this time, what if they never received your application?

Maybe the other candidates were also of a higher comparative standard.

Sounds like they just had a better field of candidates this time, and you didn't make the cut. You can ask for feedback and hopefully they will tell you which bits of the application need strengthening

Its all relative to who applies. You must have been a strong candidate in the last pool of applicants. Maybe there were more applicants with more experience this time? It still sucks.