Question about re-applying for the same job

Anonymous

July 12,2023 at 3:16PM UTC

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Question about re-applying for the same job

Hi, FBG-ers!

Last fall I was recruited for a high level position in an organization similar to mine, but in a city where I used to live. I was very excited about it, and even made it to the "they'll fly me in for f2f interviews" portion. When I got there (recovering from COVID, so running at about 65%) I realized the role was much more heavy lifting than the posting suggested, and I had my doubts. Evidently so did the hiring committee, and I wasn't offered that position but they were interested in having me work for them in another position that they'd build. Unfortunately I had to turn them down for *reasons* and that was that.

I kept my eye on the organization though, and heard through the grapevine that they were having real trouble filling the position. My guess is that once people saw what the position really entailed, the salary was absolutely not enough. (I showed the position to a mentor and she said I should have asked for at least $30K more than it was listed at, and that's just to start.)

Lo and behold, the recruiter reached out to me again yesterday. Said the position was posted again, did I want him to toss my hat back in the ring? I absolutely do, because I do really want the job, doubts and all. It's what I got my advanced degree in, it's in a city that I love, and I know I would do a good job. My *reasons* have resolved themselves so that's no longer a concern either.

My question for all of you is this: How does an organization LOOK at a re-applicant like this? Usually when I get turned down for a position I shrug and move on, but this one came back. To be honest I think they're desperate, and that could work to my advantage.

Thoughts?

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AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 3:33PM UTC
You are a known quantity and someone they were excited by. The company has had time to adjust their position in compensation and role details so I would bet you have a much better chance than most other candidates.
AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 3:52PM UTC
The fact that they called you, you remain interested and your prior issues have resolved themselves.. I say apply!!
Alexis GladstoneJuly 12,2023 at 3:53PM UTC
You are still interested, the recruiter reached out to you, and you'd love to move to the location. The worst thing that can happen is they say they aren't interested in talking with you.
On the flip side, if you don't say yes and try, you'll never know what they think.
People know that life circumstances change and a "no now doesn't mean no forever."
If the salary is now in line with the responsibilities I say go for it and let us know how it goes!
AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 8:31PM UTC
If it's a recruiter that works for the company and NOT for an outside contracting recruiting company I think it's okay to revisit. Be prepared to speak to the why it wasn't accepted by you in the first place. As a recruiter, it would be a big deal to reach out to you after the last experience with declining. It depends on your reasons provided at that time. I have hired people who came back to reapply a couple years later when the similar position opened up and they were hired. So, you just never know, it could be a different hiring leader as well.
AnonymousJuly 12,2023 at 10:58PM UTC
I applied for the same job three times before I got it (over a few years). Each time I started the conversation with, "Things are different than the last time we talked" (because, for me, that was true). For you, however, I would start the conversation with, "So, what's different now than the last time we spoke? I assumed [understood from our last conversation] that you didn't want me." BTW. I did get the job after the third try, and retired from there eight years later.
AnonymousJuly 14,2023 at 3:20PM UTC
I agree with you to try again; however, I would not recommend saying something like "you didn't want me before - what changed" obviously we as individuals have a much sharper remembrance of interviews or interactions like this - but the interviewers probably less so, especially if they only chose someone else because they had more qualifications not because she had some major gap, etc. Why bring any doubt to your competence, etc. especially when the recruiter specifically reached out.
Nancy BrennerJuly 13,2023 at 1:19PM UTC
If you are in always learning mode, emphasize what courses you've taken in the interim and how they could impact your effectiveness in the role -and you manybe worth more than you were last time around. Best of luck.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachJuly 13,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
Go for it. I would let them know from the beginning that the compensation is not aligned with the work required (and probably qualifications) for the role.
I don't think you look desperate at all I think you look like you know your value and will not settle for something that is undervaluing and underpaying you.
GOODLUCK!
AnonymousJuly 13,2023 at 3:30PM UTC
Re-apply assume you are speaking about an internal recruiter to the company? If so then they have re-assessed the situation and want to reconsider you. Often employers post jobs and then when they check the market they come to the realization that what they want is nonexistent. You should during the process ask what it was that made them come back to you and if your reasons for rejecting them are not medically personal then let them know why you chose not to come before. Let them also know that the situation has resolved itself so you are fully interested and available. Nothing desperate about reengaging at all if you need work, you need work. Share why you are interested and why you think the timing is better now. You got this!
AnonymousJuly 13,2023 at 4:03PM UTC
Nothing can beat a failure other than a try. Go for it!
Clydene HorriganJuly 13,2023 at 4:16PM UTC
Go for it. Clearly you did something right the last time you spike or they wouldn’t invite you to reapply. Be clear on why now you’re prepared to take on the challenge. Also, if it is the same role you originally applied to, make sure they have done enough to ensure it’s a role that you can be successful at and at the right price. Employers expect us to change, learn, and grow. You should expect the same from employers.
Erica NicholasJuly 14,2023 at 2:18AM UTC
My company gets many re-applicants. If they were liked, we absolutely give them another shot! Maybe some circumstances in their lives have changed and it will be a perfect fit!
G C HesseJuly 14,2023 at 12:48PM UTC
Do it!!! But price yourself higher since you know what the position entails. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want!!! Good Luck!
Jennifer HawtonJuly 14,2023 at 1:26PM UTC
Do it. Worst case scenario you still say no, best case is they've realized there is a problem with the job scope or salary and you can show them what would need to change to make it successful!
Ida McCartyJuly 14,2023 at 3:07PM UTC
Do it! They already know your background, and felt as though it was a good fit. Ask for the money that you want, and see where it goes from there. Life should be full of no regrets!
Erin BeemerJuly 14,2023 at 3:16PM UTC
Proceed w/o reservation... there can be lots of things for individuals or companies that change/evolve/end which can make an opportunity more mutually beneficial and sounds like exactly where you are now. Plus you have the advantage of not being caught off guard by the requirements, and having more confidence for the negotiation side of things (comp, benefits, clarifications, etc). Good luck!!
maria roseJuly 14,2023 at 5:28PM UTC
Since this applicant has multiple reasons for wanting this position ( location and possible better compensation)— part of the conversation in the re-interview process ( I am assuming the same interviewers) is asking for more details about the job duties description to get a better feel for where the company stands. It can be addressed in terms of clarification of how the applicant sees this position versus how the company stands. For them to increase the amount of money offered for the position, does hint at some realizations that they weren’t offering market value salary to attract the best talent for the position. But for them, to call back interviewers also means they are still not yet ready to offer the position to anyone. ( I get the subtle hint that they want to pay the least amount possible for a highly skilled and stressful required job.) What should be asked should be addressed or researched in terms of the turnover rate overall for this company. The company may be having a re-evaluation of how the company operates and is downsizing its business to work with less employee ( hence the extra duties). It would be informative to get more feedback on what is expected in greater detail. The conversation should be focused more specifically about what is expected considering the salary range is not the main focus of the discussion. What to do about accepting an offer would depend upon how that conversation goes. Time to get clarification
Liz MilneJuly 15,2023 at 3:05AM UTC
I think the fact that the recruiter thinks it's worth trying, alongside the fact that they liked you enough to offer you the other position,is a pretty promising sign - I would go for it, and hopefully you'll be welcomed with open arms?
Crystal HowellJuly 15,2023 at 12:10PM UTC
The recruiter wants to get paid, so go with the $30k above salary and wait. They know you have the skills, education and you are in the drivers seat. Wear that Red Power Suit!
Erin-Kate WhitcombJuly 19,2023 at 8:03PM UTC
I think you know the answer and am guessing others will say the same thing: YOU are in a great position to negotiate now. You didn't submit twice; they ASKED you twice.
I would definitely be candid about the reason you turned down the role (comp) and start at that + $30K mark - if you think that's where the position should be paid - and let the negotiations begin. I would recommend continuing your enthusiasm for working for that company, the role and your value, but with real clarity in all communications that the comp doesn't match the scope of work/responsibility.
This is exciting - ride the wave, but know how to steer.
AnonymousJuly 20,2023 at 7:45PM UTC
Hi FGB-ers!
I'm the OP. I heard back from the recruiter and it looks like the person who is looking to fill the position has someone already in mind. She had not asked the recruiter to find someone, he just saw the posting and reached out to me again.
So on the one hand- boo, because I really did want that job, but on the other hand I have a recruiter who has my back and is actively looking for things for me.
Thanks for all your input!
maria roseJuly 21,2023 at 6:49PM UTC
Thanks for the update—you weren’t called back by the company itself but by the recruiter who was trying to get their candidate ( you) hired.
Just for future reference, the recruiter is pushing for their candidate and not necessarily you in particular. If you go through a round of interviews and are not called back or given an offer directly from the company, consider that a notice that the company is extremely limited in terms of what they want in an employee and your recruiter did not inform you enough about their specific needs or requirements. The offer was probably only put out to go through the motions of looking for alternative candidates when they already had a candidate in mind but couldn’t hire unless they “ evaluated “ other applicants.