Do I mention in a cover letter that I've applied to a job before?

August 18, 2014 9:30 AM

I'm applying to a job with a company who I interviewed with last year, but I ended up removing myself from consideration to stay with my current company. Do I address this in my cover letter?

I was living in VT at the time and toying with the idea of moving to Maine, so I applied to a job and got an interview. The interview went really well, I spoke with HR about benefits, etc. Then my old job gave me a promotion to prevent me from leaving, so I spoke with HR and dropped out of the running.

Now I've moved to Maine and am looking for a new job. Do I even mention this in my cover letter? It is the same HR rep. This all happened about a year ago. FWIW its a nursing job.

posted by pintapicasso to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

I would just call the HR person and chat. If they liked you then, they'll like you now assuming they have a need for someone. Just makes sure you have a good answer to why you've changed your mind again.

I wouldn't do the formal cover letter + resume thing in this situation. The HR person may ask you to do that for process reasons after you talk of course.
posted by JPD at 9:44 AM on August 18, 2014

Yes. They liked you last time, so what would it hurt? Anyway your name will probably already be in their system, so not mentioning it would look weird/clueless/dodgy.
posted by ottereroticist at 9:46 AM on August 18, 2014

Best answer: Yes, I would. It's easy to work in--e.g., "Dear Hr Person--I am writing to apply for the position as XYZ listed on your careers page; the position is a great fit for my ABC, and I believe I would be able to make great contributions to your staff. You may recall I applied for Other Position last year while I was still living in VT. I was greatly impressed by your staff and facilities, but withdrew my application from consideration to stay in Vermont another year. However, I remained interested in your program, and I am now living in Maine, and would like to be considered again." Etc.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 9:46 AM on August 18, 2014 [14 favorites]

Sure! Especially if it's a smaller company that would remember you.

I used to do hiring for a small nonprofit. There were a few times when job candidates got a better offer after I had interviewed them and intended to hire them. Had I seen their resume the next year I would have been delighted to give them another chance. Good luck!
posted by futureisunwritten at 10:24 AM on August 18, 2014

I was interviewed four times for a job three years ago. I didn't get the job but when I saw a job posting in July I mentioned it in my cover letter and sent an email to the recruiter. Three weeks later I was hired. Frame it to display a continuing interest in the company and they will like you for it.
posted by munchingzombie at 11:49 AM on August 18, 2014