When we are approaching the question is it bad to apply to the same job twice? We should look at it from two angles. The first is applying to the same advertised job within the same time window. This could be for example by using two different methods of application, digital and mail, or by using two different job sites.
The other angle to consider is applying for the same job at a later date after an unsuccessful attempt the first time. There are plenty of reasons why we would want to apply for the same job twice. These include obvious things such as it is our dream job or it offers fantastic pay and perks. We will explore this later in the article.
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Applying for Jobs Twice in the Same Application Period
As well as asking is it bad to apply to the same job twice? We should also consider if there is really a need to. Most modern methods of applying for jobs digitally provide us with a confirmation that the employer has received our application. This can be through an automated email response from a job site or direct from the hiring company’s website. If we are applying in a more traditional method via mail, we can send our application via a tracked courier service so we can be confident it has been received and signed for.
Asking if it is a bad decision to apply for the same job twice might produce different answers depending on who you ask. More enthusiastic job hunters might say it shows determination, however, from the hiring company’s perspective it could be seen as a negative thing.
If an employer sees your résumé twice when going through applicants it could make you look forgetful in remembering what you have already applied to. It can also make you look inconsistent and scattergun in your approach to applying for jobs.
Employers are looking for an applicant who has thought out their application, curated their résumé / CV accordingly and attached an eye-grabbing cover letter. This shows a genuine interest in working for their organisation.
If you were to apply for the same job twice in a way that wasn’t brilliant, you give off the impression of someone who is applying for a lot of jobs in a short period of time and isn’t bothered about where they work. Some employers may be prepared to overlook this depending on the strength of your application and how close your skills and experience match up to the available job role.
How Applying for Jobs Twice Can Actually Help You Get Hired
Now let’s take a look at applying for the same job, months or years after your previous attempts.
There are many reasons why applying for jobs twice can help you get hired. One of the most important reasons is that it forces you to do more research about the company, which in turn helps you create a better résumé and interview better.
The second reason is that applying for jobs twice lets hiring managers know that you are serious about working for them and you were not deterred by your previous failure.
Between now and the last time you applied you may have more experience and skills to support your job application which could work in your favour.
Depending on the stage in the hiring process you got to previously, you may have received feedback on specific areas to strengthen. If this is the case be sure to mention this to them. It could be hard to turn down someone who has done exactly what they wanted!
Just because you have applied to the same company multiple times does not guarantee success. Before applying for a second or third time with a business, ask yourself if you are now better suited to this job role than you were previously?
Can You Apply to the Same Company Twice?
Applying for jobs is a difficult process, and it’s easy to get discouraged when one company turns you down. But before you give up on that company, consider these reasons why you should apply to them again in the future.
The first reason why you should not be afraid to reapply is that the company may have made a mistake in their hiring process. It’s possible that they didn’t take into account some aspects of your application or skill set that they should have considered. If the route they chose to go with hasn’t panned out for them, maybe they are considering a change in direction?
The second reason is that there might be another position open at the company that would be a better fit for you than the one you originally applied for. Lots of skills in the world of business are transferable and you might find a better fit in a different role.
The third reason is your own ambitions. Lots of people are attracted to a certain employer for various reasons. It could be the nature of their work, the proximity to your home, the additional perks they offer for working there or the career progression available. Whatever the reason is, do not let one rejection hold you back.
