Should You Apply to a Company That Has Rejected You in the Past?

If you’re trying to get a job, rejection from a company you really want to work for is disappointing and painful. You may even end up with bad feelings towards a company you admired previously. 

Rejection in the context of a job search is not personal, and there are many reasons why you may have been rejected. In all likelihood, either someone on the hiring team just didn’t think your qualifications were a good fit, or there was another candidate with even stronger qualifications. 

Now, a new job opening at that company has come to your attention. Should you try again and apply for the job when you have been rejected in the past? 

Trying Again

In many cases, it is perfectly fine to apply to a company that has rejected you in the past. It may even be a good idea to try again, especially if significant time has passed.

First off, you have likely grown in your skills and experience since the first time you applied. If your qualifications fit the job, you can draw on that additional experience for the current position.

Second, you now know what to expect from the interview process and can better prepare this time around. Reflecting on the previous interview can give you some insight into ways to improve your interview performance. You can also come up with answers to the questions they are likely to ask.

Finally, you may have developed new contacts at the company since your last application, which you can use as referral sources or to get information about how to approach the interview. 

When Not to Apply Again

In certain cases, you probably won’t want to apply again to a company that rejected you. If you were not treated well during the interview or got indications the company culture did not line up with your goals and values, it may not be a good idea to apply for another job at the company. 

In addition, you may not want to apply again if very little time has passed unless you were encouraged to do so. If your skills are exactly the same as when you applied previously, it may be a waste of time to apply again for the same position. However, it is possible that this time you will be the most qualified candidate and find success.

Most of the time, though, it will not hurt to apply to the same or another position with a company that has rejected you. Every situation is different. This time, you could be the right person for the right job at the right company. 

GDH can help job seekers find new opportunities through job postings and a talent network that companies use to find the employees they need. Let us know how we can help you in your job search.

Posted on May 16, 2022, 09: 15AM