Apply again or give up?

May 15, 2013 6:58 PM

Didn't do well in a previous interview, but the company has a new position that I'd like to apply for. Try again or give up?

There's a company that I applied to a few months ago that is expanding rapidly, and they have positions open that I'm qualified for and would love to do. The company as a whole is also one that I'd love to work for.

Now they have an a position that is EXACTLY what I would like to do. However, I had previously applied before for a different position, and had a phone interview with the hiring manager. When I spoke to her then, she was not at all impressed with my experience and made that clear in her tone. To be fair, I did not present it well and I found that failed interview to be a good learning experience. Needless to say, I never heard back from her again.

My resume has changed somewhat since--I've been freelancing--and I know now how I can present my experience and accomplishments. Should I apply again or have I burned that bridge? If I do apply again, what should I say to acknowledge my previous interview? These new positions would also likely report to the same hiring manager.

posted by so much modern time to Work & Money (15 answers total)

I'd apply, why not. The worst thing that can happen is that she rejects you again, and you've already lived through that once.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 7:06 PM on May 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

If the first interview was only a phone interview, the hiring manager probably won't even remember you. Learn from your previous mistakes and try again.
posted by asnider at 7:07 PM on May 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

You have nothing to lose. Go for it!

I see no reason to acknowledge the previous interview at all, unless it is specifically brought up. It is unlikely to be, IMO.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 7:09 PM on May 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

Of course try again. This isn't even a question. Knock 'em dead.
posted by mattu at 7:31 PM on May 15, 2013

Best case scenario: job.

Worst case scenario: no job.

Good luck!
posted by oceanjesse at 7:34 PM on May 15, 2013

If at first you don't succeed, curl up into a ball on the floor, try not to cry, then wind up crying anyway.

Wait. That's not how it goes...
posted by jingzuo at 7:38 PM on May 15, 2013 [4 favorites]

A friend of mine interviewed today for a position much better suited for her, despite interviewing in the past once (and not being called back for other applications.) Of course you should go for it; not the right fit now at this job doesn't mean not the right fit ever for another job.
posted by davejay at 7:39 PM on May 15, 2013

I might add: she kept applying for jobs she was interested in, despite the initial rejection, because she really wants to work there, and knows she can really contribute in positive ways. If you feel similarly, then it isn't a waste of time at all...and even if you don't!
posted by davejay at 7:41 PM on May 15, 2013

If she already has a bad impression of you and you probably can't make it any worse, based on you're stronger resume and interviewing skills, then you really don't have anything to lose. You can give it a shot, knowing that she might not give you another chance.
posted by AppleTurnover at 7:52 PM on May 15, 2013

Now they have an a position that is EXACTLY what I would like to do. However, I had previously applied before for a different position, and had a phone interview with the hiring manager. When I spoke to her then, she was not at all impressed with my experience and made that clear in her tone.

This really depends on the size of the company. If it is a small company, applying again just makes you look clueless and desperate.

If it's a big company, it's fine.

Worst case scenario: accepting job and the opportunity cost of not looking further and then finding out when you get there that everyone knows you were a reluctant hire tht got in because they're mass hiring.
posted by rr at 8:09 PM on May 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

Try to keep in mind that they *will* be getting lots of applications from people far less qualified than you are, including from people who are blindly sending out resumes that barely understand what this position is. They'll get a full spectrum of candidates, and you certainly won't be at the bottom -- your resume was good enough to at least get an interview last time, and now you've improved it.

My rule of thumb would be to try not to apply twice in the same business quarter; so if the old application was before April then this isn't too bad. Reapplying after six months is almost recommended; it shows you are still interested in the company.
posted by ceribus peribus at 8:37 PM on May 15, 2013

To quote the Chronicle of Higher Education fora: Apply for the damn job!
posted by wintersweet at 10:20 PM on May 15, 2013 [1 favorite]

There's no harm in applying. When I went through something very similar, I mentioned the previous interview in my cover letter; I sort of presented it as evidence that I was enthusiastic about the organization and the work they do.
posted by neushoorn at 1:25 AM on May 16, 2013

Yes, apply for the job. Always. It can't hurt.
posted by futureisunwritten at 6:08 AM on May 16, 2013

Absolutely apply, plus, who knows who the hiring manager is, or if you do know, address it in your cover letter,

"We've discussed my qualifications previously, and I've had an opportunity to add to my portfolio. I'd love to demonstrate to you how I'd be a good fit for this position."
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 7:55 AM on May 16, 2013