We come across recruitment candidates who are very specific about which jobs they want and some even have a list of specific companies they would like to work for. The main obstacle to this approach to job hunting is that, one, these companies may not always have job openings (especially not when you need them the most) and secondly, if you know and love a specific brand, chances are, there’s a long list of others like you competing for that same spot with as much, if not, more “ruthlessness.”
It is therefore very common for job seekers to apply and get rejected in these jobs and they often wonder if it is advisable to reapply for a job at a company that they have already applied for in the past.
The short answer is that if you find the company to be very attractive, go ahead and re-apply! There is usually nothing to lose other than your time. Your chances of receiving serious consideration the second time around will be greater if considerable time has passed and/or if you have enhanced your credentials in some way for example, added critical certification or enhanced a skill-set.
If you made it to the interview stage on your previous attempt and were a finalist or received positive feedback, then you may be a strong enough candidate to receive an offer this time since there might be a less competitive pool and also because they may be a little more sympathetic to you for your resilience.
You should also consider reapplying if you know (or believe) the staff responsible for screening resumes may have changed. Bank on the possibility that the new recruitment or hiring manager may have a different take on the viability of your credentials. The company might have even refined their profile for the perfect candidate and you may stand a better chance this time round.
Lastly, reapply if you don’t know for sure that you were rejected; it may just be that you weren’t selected. Many employers don’t send rejection letters to applicants. You shouldn’t just assume that your application was rejected just because you didn’t hear back form them. It’s possible that your resume and cover letter failed to make it through the applicant tracking or screening system.
A good rule of thumb to follow is to space your attempts by 4 or 5 months. This however doesn’t mean that you cut contact in this time. Keep in touch with the employees or even on the company’s official Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn pages by commenting, sharing and showing your love for the brand, you just never know what may shift things in your favor.
We wish you all the best in your job hunt.
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