I lost out before, but don't want to this time

June 30, 2007 8:11 PM

I applied for a job a couple of years, and didn't get it. I just saw another posting for the same job. How can I get it this time?

I applied for a state job a couple of years back, but didn't get it. It was a fiasco all around (paperwork was lost in the mail, I was really nervous and didn't come off well in the interview, etc.) I really thought the job was interesting and I would be good at it, and think that the experience I've gained over the last two years makes me a good candidate.

Do any of you MeFites have any advice on how I can actually get the job this time?

posted by reenum to work & money (8 comments total)

It's tough to get into the right mindset for an interview, but I try, no matter how badly I want the job, to approach it with an attitude that is basically "If I get this job, great. If not, no big deal" and that helps with the nervousness.

I also try to keep in mind that interviews are not a one way street, you're also there to make sure that you can spend the next couple of years, 40 hours a week, accomplishing something meaningful with this group of people. I try to ask questions and be more of an active participant, and this helps in two big ways: you tend to come across as more dynamic and confident, and you also tend to be more confident because you can approach it from the perspective of "I have this to offer, what do you have to offer so that we'll be able to do great things together?"

This has worked well for me and I have had great success with getting the job when I want it. Sometimes you realize halfway through that this isn't going to work, and that's okay. You need to be prepared for that no matter how much you want the job when you walk in the door.
posted by feloniousmonk at 8:27 PM on June 30, 2007

To follow up. My approach is somewhat loosely based on the theory that when you're single, you can't meet people, but when you're involved with someone, it seems like you could get a date at the drop of a hat. It's all because of how you come across when you aren't feeling desparate.
posted by feloniousmonk at 8:29 PM on June 30, 2007 [1 favorite]

(And desperate, too!)
posted by feloniousmonk at 8:30 PM on June 30, 2007

First, I think that they will be impressed that you are still interested in this job after two years. This fact will tell them that you aren't just casting a wide net or not sure of your future dedication to the position. So I think that is a positive right there.

Other ways to nail it:

Find ways to avoid the "fiasco" (e.g. if you have to mail documents, mail them fedex so you can track them & require signatures).

Be ready to really elaborate on what you've done the past 2 years and explain how it will make you the best fit for the job.

Present yourself as well as possible during the interview. Wear a suit, be prepared for the common interview questions (what is your biggest strength / weakness? for example), and be prepared to talk about yourself and your experience a LOT.

You can do it! Don't consider your last interview a failure, consider the past 2 years an opportunity that allowed you to better prepare for the job.
posted by tastybrains at 8:31 PM on June 30, 2007

Just be sure to proofread your application better than you proofread your question.
posted by Johnny Assay at 10:51 PM on June 30, 2007

1. Proofread your resume. Have a few friends look over it as well.

2. Is there a number or contact person for the job listing? Follow-up with them to make sure they received the resume and ask about what you can expect time-wise (when can you expect a reply? what's their schedule for interviews and hiring?) Check in once a week or 2 weeks until you hear something concrete like "You'll hear from us this week if you're chosen for an interview."

3. Practice, practice, practice for the interview. I can't stress this enough. Never go into an interview thinking you can wing it. Prepare a list of potential interview questions and get your friends to do a mock interview. Allow them to ask any questions they come up with. Repeat until you can give good, solid, confident answers to all the questions. By the time you get to the real interview, you won't be nervous anymore because you will have covered everything.

4. Show them you're interested in the position and confident about the work. Ask relevant questions about the job and the work in the interview. Pretend you've already been hired - what kind of questions would you ask on the 5th day on the job to understand the business? All else being equal, a company will choose the candidate that appears to require the least amount of training to get up to speed.
posted by junesix at 4:52 AM on July 1, 2007

You know, I noticed I omitted the word "ago" in the opening sentence right after I posted the question. Don't worry, I spend quite a bit more time proofing my resume and cover letter than MeFi questions. :)

Thanks for the great input, folks. Please keep it coming.
posted by reenum at 6:28 PM on July 1, 2007

I got a job the second time around.
Ok, you bombed at the first interview, but... do they interview everyone who sent in a CV, or just the best of them?

Were there reasons why you didn't get it the first time that may have changed in the last two years? (Eg, you lacked experience, and now, two years later, that's less of an issue).

If you applied a few years ago, made the shortlist, but ultimately were not selected due to a weak area that you have since rectified, then you probably stand out as an ideal candidate.
The cover letter is where you explain the above in the best (true) light, to make the point that you were nearly good enough then, you're much better now, and it shows that you genuinely want to work at this place specifically.
posted by -harlequin- at 12:13 AM on July 2, 2007