How to Apply for the Same Job Twice Without Looking Desperate

If you find yourself in the unusual position of applying for the same job twice, you’re in effect hoping for a second chance to make a first impression.

Now you might be asking yourself: how long do you have to wait to apply for the same job again? You should wait until you see the job advertised again. When you re-apply, mention it in your cover letter, and re-iterate your enthusiasm for both the role and the company. Also, re-tool your resume so it best speaks to the needs, skills, and responsibilities laid out in the job ad.

If you’re wondering how long is a job open for, the answer is simple: until the employer finds the candidate who is the absolute best fit for the role. Once an offer is extended to this candidate, and the candidate accepts, the job essentially closes. The job advertisement at this point is taken offline.

Take advantage of the opportunity to apply for the same job twice. Examine your first interaction with the employer. Did you have a well-crafted cover letter? Did your resume focus on the position requirements?

Revisit your resume

Study the job description. Take notes if you have to, but highlight the most important skills required by the company.
Rewrite your job experience section to honestly, but more clearly, show that you have those specific skills.
Check your finished resume for appearance. Is it packed with too much narrative? A hiring manager wants to be able to scan for details. The use of bullet points will better emphasize your accomplishments, and white space between sections will make the resume more reader friendly.

The cover letter should be short and sweet

Dos:

Mention that you’re applying for the same job twice.
Emphasize that you’ve done your research on the company and have wanted to be a part of their organization for some time. Be specific about what you like about the company.
Acknowledge that you don’t know why the job is again on the market, but that you see it as a second opportunity.
Mirror their requirements so you’re viewed as the perfect candidate.
Express your desire to work for them as a valid reason to reconsider you.

Don’ts:

Don’t assume that the hiring manager made a bad hire that didn’t work out. It’s insulting to the manager’s skills and needlessly critical of an unknown person’s performance.
Don’t say that even though you’ve just been hired elsewhere, you’d give notice if an offer was made. For all you know, that could be why the opening is available again.

Proofread, then proofread again

You have the rare opportunity to apply for the same job twice. Don’t send a carefully written cover letter and resume with typos. If you really want this position, your communication skills should shine and your grammar should be perfect. While spell check is a wonderful thing, it isn’t perfect.

You have a second chance to land this job, so try to get the potential employer’s attention in a positive fashion. Let LiveCareer’s samples of cover letters and resumes provide inspiration, and when you’re ready to write, visit our Resume Builder and Cover Letter Builder to get started.