What Happens If You Apply For The Same Job Twice?

In today’s competitive job market, it’s common for job seekers to apply for multiple positions at the same company. With endless job boards and online application portals, you may find yourself accidentally applying for the same job more than once. What will happen if you submit multiple applications for the same job? Will it hurt your chances or help you stand out? Here’s an in-depth look at what happens if you apply for the same job twice.

Can You Apply For The Same Job Twice?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for the same job twice, whether intentionally or accidentally. There is no law or policy prohibiting someone from submitting multiple job applications for the same opening. However, whether applying again helps or hinders your candidacy depends on several factors.

When applying for jobs, some companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to organize, screen, and evaluate applicants. This software keeps track of every resume and application associated with a particular job role. If you submit your information for the same position multiple times, the ATS will flag your duplicate submissions.

So while you won’t be disqualified or banned from consideration, submitting duplicate applications may raise eyebrows or seem like a mistake rather than a strategy. Companies want to see interested, thoughtful applicants – not desperate ones. Spamming them with repetitive applications risks making a bad impression.

That said, intentionally reapplying can be strategic if you improve your candidacy between applications. For example, you could gain relevant skills or achievements that strengthen your resume. Sending an updated resume to reinforce your interest and applicable skills and knowledge can get you back on the radar. But simply applying over and over without meaningful updates will seem redundant.

How Applying Twice Can Help

There are some scenarios where applying to the same job twice can potentially help your chances:

• Your qualifications have improved. As mentioned, applying again with legitimate updates to your experience, education, or skills can demonstrate your continued interest and improvement. Make sure the updates are significant enough to warrant a fresh look.
• You want to emphasize interest. Highly competitive positions often attract hundreds of applicants. Submitting a second application can signal that you are very interested in this specific role versus applying broadly. Use your cover letter to highlight why the role excites you.
• Significant time has passed. Rather than reapplying right away, wait several months before submitting a fresh application. Time passing allows you to improve your profile and indicates persistence.
• The hiring manager has changed. If the person in charge of hiring has changed, a new application essentially gives you a clean slate. Tailor your documents to align with what the new manager prioritizes.
• You have a referral or insider advantage. Applying again with an internal referral or someone who can directly advocate for you to the hiring team can give your candidacy a boost the second time around.
• Applying through a different recruitment agency. Agencies won’t disclose upfront who their clients are, but sometimes you may notice multiple agencies advertising a role with the same job title, location and identical job description text that they have acquired from the client. It is a fair assumption that these are all advertising the same job role. In this instance applying to multiple agencies could work in your favour if some are prepared to submit your resume to the client and others are not.

As long as you have a strategic reason for applying again, it can potentially work in your favour. Just make sure ample time has passed and highlight what makes you a stronger candidate now.

How Applying Twice May Hurt Your Chances

On the other hand, reapplying for a job can damage your chances if not done carefully. Here are some risks to be aware of:

• You seem desperate or indecisive. Quickly applying multiple times without updates will signal desperation or lack of direction – two traits that make candidates less attractive. If you see a job advertised with an employer you know you have already applied to, double-check that it is a different position advertised.
• It’s redundant. If you already submitted a strong application that reflects your most relevant qualifications, applying again without significant changes simply creates more work for recruiters.
• The role or requirements haven’t changed. If it’s the exact same job with the same requirements, applying again prematurely won’t provide any new information to improve your chances.
• The same recruiter is screening applications. If the same person reviews both applications, duplicate submissions will be obvious and seem unwarranted.
• You didn’t improve your qualifications. Replying without meaningful improvements or updates to your experience, skills, or other credentials won’t improve your chances and will seem redundant.
• Not enough time has passed. Only apply again once several months (or years) have gone by. Back-to-back applications scream desperation.
• You have already been rejected. Continuing to apply after being told you weren’t selected shows you ignored their decision. Move on and apply elsewhere.

Essentially reapplying only hurts you if it comes across as spammy rather than strategic. Avoid giving the impression you are desperately firing off repetitive applications rather than carefully targeting roles.

Tips for Applying for a Job Twice

If you want to intelligently apply for a position twice, here are some tips:

• Wait at least 6 months before reapplying to allow time to improve your profile.
• Update your resume and cover letter to highlight new skills, achievements, or strengths that address the role’s needs.
• Research the hiring manager and tailor your application to their priorities if they are new.
• Mention your previous application and interest in your cover letter when reapplying. Quickly explain why you are a stronger candidate now.
• Apply through a different means than your original submission, such as through a referral rather than the company website.
• Follow up after submitting your application to underline your continued enthusiasm.
• If rejected again, move on. Don’t continue applying endlessly for a role you have been declined for twice.

When Reapplying Makes Sense

As a rule of thumb, reapplying makes the most strategic sense when:

• You have significantly improved and enhanced your experience, skills, education, portfolio, or other qualifications.
• The role requirements or desired candidate profile have changed to better match your background.
• New people have joined the hiring team who aren’t biased by your previous application.
• You have a promising internal referral the second time around.
• A reasonable amount of time has passed to justify a fresh application.

As long as you have a compelling, strategic reason to apply again and can convey your added value, it is perfectly acceptable to submit a new, well-crafted application. Just be sure to avoid seeming desperate or spammy in the process. With the right approach, applying twice could land you the job!