Receiving a job rejection is a common part of any career path, but it is not a permanent dead end with a company. Viewing this outcome as a temporary setback allows you to plan a strategic return. Reapplying for a position demonstrates persistence and a sustained interest in a company’s mission, which can differentiate you from other applicants.
Determining the Right Time to Reapply
Deciding when to resubmit your application requires balancing enthusiasm with professional patience. A guideline is to wait at least three to six months before trying again. This interval provides enough time for a company’s internal circumstances to shift, potentially causing the position to reopen.
This waiting period also allows for your own professional development, giving you a window to acquire new skills or experiences. Before reapplying, check the company’s official career portal for any explicit policies on reapplication timelines. Adhering to these rules demonstrates that you are a considerate candidate.
Rushing the process by reapplying too quickly might be perceived as desperation rather than persistence. Allowing several months to pass shows you have taken time to grow professionally, allowing you to return as a more developed applicant.
What to Do Before You Reapply
Reflect on the previous process
Use the time between applications for honest self-assessment. Revisit your previous application and interview performance with a constructive mindset, analyzing where your qualifications might have fallen short against the job description. If you received any feedback from the recruiter, review it carefully as it provides a roadmap for improvement.
Perhaps the role required a technical skill you had not yet mastered or experience leading a certain type of project. Pinpointing these gaps is the first step toward building a stronger case for yourself when you reapply, ensuring you are making a new, more compelling attempt.
Gain new skills or experience
After identifying areas for improvement, take concrete action. This might involve enrolling in an online course for a relevant certification or taking on a new project at your current job to fill an experience gap. The goal is to demonstrably change your qualifications since the last time the company reviewed your application.
For instance, if the position required proficiency in a specific software, completing a certification course provides tangible proof of your new capabilities. If feedback noted a need for more strategic experience, you could volunteer to lead a new initiative in your current role. These actions demonstrate your commitment to meeting the position’s requirements.
Update your application materials
Your reapplication must not be a copy of your previous one. Substantially update your resume and cover letter to reflect your recent growth. Highlight the new skills, certifications, and experiences you have gained to show the hiring manager you have actively worked to become a better candidate.
In your cover letter, briefly acknowledge your continued interest in the company, but focus on what makes you a stronger applicant now. Frame your new qualifications in the context of the role’s requirements. Explain how your recent development makes you a better fit for the position and company culture.
The Reapplication Process
When you are ready to reapply, you may be applying for the same role if it has been reposted or a different one that aligns with your updated skills. In either case, carefully read the new job description. Ensure your qualifications are a strong match before you apply.
Consider reaching out to the recruiter or hiring manager you previously connected with via a brief, professional email. In the message, express your continued interest in the company and mention the role you are applying for. Concisely highlight the skills or experiences you have gained since your last conversation.
Your communication and updated materials should tell a story of growth and determination. This approach turns a past rejection into a narrative about your commitment, which can be a powerful message to an employer.
Reasons Your Reapplication Might Be Successful
A well-prepared reapplication can be successful for several reasons. Your persistence demonstrates a genuine, long-term interest in the company, an attractive trait for hiring managers. Since many companies use applicant tracking systems that show application history, reapplying can make you stand out.
The company’s circumstances may have also changed in your favor. The hiring manager might be different, bringing a new perspective to the applicant pool. It is also possible the previously hired candidate did not work out, and the company is looking for someone new.
You are not the same candidate you were before. By taking the time to gain new skills and experiences, you are a more qualified applicant. This combination of your personal growth and new company needs can create the right conditions for a successful outcome.