Applying more than once to the same position?

Question

I applied for a position over a month ago and never heard anything. Since then I've ramped up my resume. I see the job is still open. Should I re-apply with the new, customized, resume? Or is that in bad taste?

Lana Markovic · Answer

I agree with Gwenevere that it depends on the application process and systems used, however I have a first-hand fresh experience proving that it's worth it!

A few weeks ago I applied for a job that I believed I was fully qualified for and was really excited about. I spent a lot of time crafting the cover letter and updating my resume. Weeks went by, and nothing.. I basically gave up because the automatic response email I received said that they would get back to selected candidates in April. However, last week I revised my resume again, and since the job posting kept showing up in my searches I figured that they might still be looking. So yesterday (May 3rd) I sent another email, emphasized my interest in the role, attached the new resume for re-consideration, and even asked for feedback on why my application wasn't good enough to grant me an interview (assuming that's the reason I didn't get a response), which is something I never do. And guess what - I heard back from the recruiting director today suggesting an interview this week! So I would say, go for it! If you can email someone directly it should be easier, and there's really nothing to lose! Good luck!

Gwenevere Crary · Answer

Depends on a lot of factors.  If you are applying at a company that is large, than more than likely they do have an AI system scanning resumes to look for key words to allow through for human eyes to look at.   For smaller firms, they may not have fancy tech like that and are still manually reviewing resumes.

It also depends on how you applied. Did you use your LinkedIn profile and just attache a resume? If so, did you also update your profile as well?  Because if not, you may get the same results.

I would also recommend if you can find out who posted the position and send an LinkedIn email (if you can) to introduce yourself and why you think they are a good fit.

However, please keep in mind that many times, companies leave the position open until the candidate has sign the offer and even wait, in some cases, to take it down until the person has actually started.  There are also times when posts are managed manually and human error left it up by accident and they already filled the role.  On top of that, we are dealing with a very unique situation with COVID-19 right now, where a company may be on a hiring freeze but have kept their positions open to either continually collecting resumes and/or save face and look like they are doing better than they really are.

So in closing, if I was the recruiter and had already manually flagged you as no, applying again would get you no where.  If I was using an AI that kicked you out automatically with me not seeing it, there might be a good chance you can get a different outcome.

Hope that helps.  What I do find is that every company has slightly different approaches of software, processes, and the actual humans reviewing the resumes.  So more than likely I think you will  get different answers here. :)

GOOD LUCK!!!

Oh one more thing, if this is a company you really want to work for, try to find someone that your connected to that either works there already or can make a connection for you.  Referrals go to the top of my candidate lists, even if I know they are not the right fit, I make contact as a courtesy to the person referring to you.  But I work for a small firm...not sure that would be realist a big company like  Amazon, Target, etc.

Maxine Chang-Avetisyan · Answer

I've done this before with an updated resume with the thought that a computer probably eliminated my first submission. I don't see any harm...but would love to hear if others disagree!

Applying more than once to the same position?

You're invited.

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