Should I bother reapplying?

October 26, 2019 8:04 PM

I just noticed that a job I previously applied to and received an interview for last month was reposted. I think I should re-apply, because I need to get a new job ASAP, but I'm also worried that it would be a waste of time and maybe I'd look stupid to re-apply? Metafilter, what should I do? Also, how do you address this in the cover letter?

So, another query in my endless job search.

Librarian jobs have been few and far between in my region lately. This position was reposted juuust before the start date was supposed to begin, so something must not have worked out with the person they hired. I interviewed for this job, but didn't get it. When I received the rejection phone call, the manager said that they hired someone with more experience working with that demographic (fair enough), but that I was a "solid librarian" (if that means anything, idk).

What makes me hesitate about re-applying is that the position is a teen librarian, and I only have experience working with children (as a school lib. tech.). Obviously they know this, and were "okay" with it, because they interviewed me. I didn't hide this fact in the cover letter or in the interview (ugh, I have no idea about YA authors, so embarrassing), but I can learn!! I knew jack shit about children's literature before I started my current job. I obviously haven't had more experience with teenagers yet as... it's just been 2-ish months since the interview. How would I address this in the cover letter? It's really throwing me for a loop.

I've discussed this with a few people and most have been like "hell yeah, apply!," but today someone I chatted with about this told me not to bother... because my experience hasn't changed, so therefore it would be unlikely that I would get it. So, ugh, now I'm just second-guessing myself! Would re-applying be worth it? I can't see how it would hurt, but I'm not sure!

posted by VirginiaPlain to Work & Money (25 answers total)

Response by poster: Oh, one thing that also makes me nervous about re-applying is that I was LATE to our Skype interview! I was mortified that I didn't realize I have two accounts with the same email (wtf Microsoft). Is that a deal breaker??
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:05 PM on October 26, 2019

Don't just reapply... That's a strange thing to do. But you have a contact there, right? Whoever you scheduled with or emailed with? Reach out to them, say you saw the job was re-posted and reiterate your interest, and ask them to let you know if it makes sense to have another conversation.

Being late to the Skype interview is no big deal.
posted by brainmouse at 8:14 PM on October 26, 2019 [17 favorites]

Where I am it's pretty frequent in the public sector—an organisation will advertise, then be told that the money doesn't exist, or they have to find a job for a redundant person, so they stop the process mid-hiring. A couple of times I've been to a second interview before being told, sorry, the money ran out. You should reapply, it's about the position, it's not about you.
posted by Fiasco da Gama at 8:18 PM on October 26, 2019 [3 favorites]

If you want the job, why not reapply? Obviously don't put all your eggs in this basket, but if you have the time and energy to reapply, the worst thing that will happen is that you don't get that job, but not applying prevents you from even getting the chance at it.
posted by Aleyn at 8:26 PM on October 26, 2019 [1 favorite]

Follow brainmouse's advice and use your contact. Between now and your next interview, if you get one, look up the latest news/reviews/releases in YA, have a look at the library's YA collection, become a bit more YA familiar. The very act of taking initiative to learn about YA literature prior to the interview will be a boost on your last application. Good luck!
posted by Thella at 8:27 PM on October 26, 2019 [8 favorites]

Why not reapply? What is the worst thing that could happen, they retroactively go back in time and don't even interview you the first time?

My last job before this one was a job advertised with a somewhat different name than one I'd applied to and interviewed for and not been chosen for a little while before that. When they brought me in to interview, I was mortified to discover that it was with the same people, and for much the same job. But...they hired me that time.
posted by praemunire at 8:29 PM on October 26, 2019 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Question about using the contact, who is the hiring manager for the position. I am such a bad job applicant, that I feel so invasive and awkward doing that!

I was hoping to just send an email expressing my interest again with my cover letter/resume attached. I wanted to update the cover letter to re-iterate my interest? Is that actually weird to do? I wasn't going to pretend they hadn't interviewed me before, or anything.
posted by VirginiaPlain at 8:30 PM on October 26, 2019

There are reasons for reposting that may not involve you personally. Some organizations may want to interview a certain number of applicants. They may not have had enough apply. I know that when I was a hiring manager, if we got fewer than 5 applicants we'd repost. You can also contact them to see if your previous application was rejected or if you are still "on the list".
posted by Zedcaster at 8:31 PM on October 26, 2019 [2 favorites]

I'd sent a note to the effect that you've noticed that the job is reposted and do you need to reapply or can your previous application stand.
posted by Zedcaster at 8:35 PM on October 26, 2019 [4 favorites]

You can make a case that you have a lot of relevant experience and skills that they might be re-prioritizing in light of their previous search not working out.
posted by amtho at 8:50 PM on October 26, 2019

I am such a bad job applicant, that I feel so invasive and awkward doing that!

I was stunned when my boss said I was the only one who contacted him before sending in my application. He thought it was good manners to ring and touch base before applying. It might be one reason why I got the (awesome) job despite throwing up 4 times in the interview.

Contact the hiring manager. Tell them you are still interested, will be putting in an application, and is there anything specific they'd like to discuss at the interview. Then be confident, relaxed and on time.
posted by Thella at 8:56 PM on October 26, 2019 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: "Contact the hiring manager. Tell them you are still interested, will be putting in an application, and is there anything specific they'd like to discuss at the interview. Then be confident, relaxed and on time."

I'm feeling unsure because HE is the person I'd send my application to. It's going straight through him, not to an HR email or online application form. I think if I sent an email asking for permission to re-apply my already high anxiety about job searching (and this particular position) would SPIKE to high heavens while waiting for his response. I was kind of hoping to express interest again and in that same email include the updated cover letter/same resume, then not think about it until I heard back (or not).

Oh man sorry, for replying so much in this thread. I will see myself out!!
posted by VirginiaPlain at 9:00 PM on October 26, 2019

I have to disagree. I would not contact the hiring manager, simply reapply but make sure to update your cover letter with things you’ve learned since the last interview or things they specifically asked about that you can now address specifically. Most libraries I have worked at have to follow standard hiring procedure and will not be able to use your previous application, or otherwise be able to advise you. I think your instinct to not contact him is spot on. Polish your application materials and reapply! You are a solid librarian, they said so themselves; focus on what you’ve learned about YA lit and your passion for working with teens.

Source: library hiring manager that very, very frequently sees repeat applicants for the same or different positions and doesn’t think anything negative of candidates if they (re)apply!
posted by stellaluna at 9:13 PM on October 26, 2019 [7 favorites]

Oh for Pete's sake calm down, contact the hiring manager, and express your continued interest in the position. Seriously, what is the worst that can happen? You're going to have to go through that person eventually; just start there. Really, applying for a job is not that big a deal. No, not it's not. And you've already done that. See how easy that was!

What to do while waiting for his reply? Read YA fiction!!! It's really good!!
posted by Capri at 9:39 PM on October 26, 2019 [15 favorites]

A reason as to why (maybe) they didn't contact you (or whoever else) was the 'runner up' for the position- is that when the candidate is chosen, and they reject the position, they need to go through a new process again, to make sure it's fair (that's how it works in my industry).

So reapply!
posted by freethefeet at 12:37 AM on October 27, 2019 [2 favorites]

Since the hiring manager is the person that you would need to apply to, then I would certainly take 5 minutes to email them and ask whether he would accept a new application from you. The answer will probably either be "previous candidates need not reapply" which means they didn't hire because they didn't want you or anyone else who applied last time, or "previous candidates are eligible to reapply" which means it's about the job. My guess would be that you will be eligible to reapply and so you've got a shot at the job.

Then, take the time to think through the weaknesses you felt you had last time. Don't mention the previous interview or apologise for what you didn't know two months ago. Instead highlight what you do know in those weaker areas (ie the knowledge and experience you have picked up in relation to YA literature, or if that's not credible, your demonstrated ability to learn about new areas very quickly).

Best of luck.
posted by plonkee at 2:06 AM on October 27, 2019 [3 favorites]

Don’t re-apply like that last interview didn’t happen. It wasn’t that long ago at all and to act like it didn’t happen is weird. The hiring manager will notice you’re the same person who got all the way through the interview and you’re pretending like you don’t know each other. They’re either going to think they made a mistake with organising applications and toss yours aside as a “previously” or think you’re being a bit odd.

Go with the suggestions of reaching out to the hiring manager. This is not that big a deal. Be breezy and just inquire that you be seen the job reposted and that you’re still interested, what are the next steps as you’ve already applied before. That’s it.
posted by like_neon at 3:02 AM on October 27, 2019

I would reapply without contacting the hiring manager. I shredded/deleted previous applications when a posting closed so I would have nothing in my files. There were definitely times I was hoping a specific candidate would reapply, and multiple times that I hired someone on their second or third application. Good luck!
posted by saucysault at 3:53 AM on October 27, 2019 [2 favorites]

I got my job the third or fourth time I applied for it. I got my previous job the second time. Reapply. Revise your cover letter to mention your previous application. Attach your resume again. Don’t make them look for it.
posted by FencingGal at 6:12 AM on October 27, 2019 [2 favorites]

Since you stated that the hiring manager who is your contact is also the contact for the new applications, I personally would do as you are thinking- just send along a cover letter that mentions your previous application and explain why you're applying again, etc, and then attach your resume again.

I don't see the point in sending an email asking if you can apply, waiting for a reply, and then sending your cover letter/resume to that same person back by email. (Which is what sounds like would happen). Just send everything with updated mention, and then stop worrying.
posted by bearette at 6:16 AM on October 27, 2019 [1 favorite]

Yeah just send an email saying you so enjoyed your interview, saw the position reposted, you’ve done XYZ in the meantime to keep developing your skills in the teen area, and you’d love to be considered. Attach your application materials with an updated cover letter, done.

This is very normal and I have hired people who have done this.
posted by warriorqueen at 6:48 AM on October 27, 2019 [5 favorites]

Absolutely just reapply with maybe a note on the cover letter. There is just no way in the world that this will harm you, and it may be that you just missed out on the role last time!
posted by Cannon Fodder at 1:44 PM on October 27, 2019

As someone who used to fill a number of positions, there were always a flood of applicants, including ones who were clearly unqualified. Because there were so many, I was pretty ruthless about who I interviewed.

I even got an application from a minister who asked that his congregation not be contacted because they didn't know he was looking for other work! (This for an advanced computer programming position. Well, he used Excel...)

When I was not yet retired, I wouldn't respond to a second application. I'd think, I already saw him and found him unsatisfactory. But applying again won't hurt you or cost you anything. So why not do it?
posted by tmdonahue at 2:05 PM on October 27, 2019

Your letter:

"Dear [HIRING AUTHORITY NAME],

I enjoyed interviewing for the [JOB TITLE] position. Even though I was not hired, I appreciate your courtesy in reaching out to share the results.

I see that the position has been re-posted and I would like to be re-considered. Please let me know the best process to follow.

VirginiaPlain"
posted by John Borrowman at 8:00 AM on October 28, 2019

Oh god, with civil service hiring there could be all kinds of weird rules they have to follow that would cause them to re-list the position. Definitely re-apply!
In my library system a cover letter is basically meaningless because no one with hiring power will actually see it, but if your situation is different I think John Borrowman's template is perfect.
posted by exceptinsects at 11:01 AM on October 28, 2019