In most situations, persistence is considered a good thing and ultimately results in something positive occurring. If you keep doing something over and over again, eventually you should get better at what you are doing and may actually master the activity. Unfortunately, for a job seeker, that same mindset may not always be your recipe for success, as applying for the same position multiple times may actually hurt rather than help you.
There are no set rules regarding applying for a job with a company or, specifically, how many times is OK. The general recommendation is that you should only apply once unless there is a significant change in the posted qualifications or requirements for the position in question.
You may be wondering where the harm lies when continually applying for a position. The thought being is that it is the job of the recruiter to sort through the files. Especially since it is relatively common knowledge that a recruiter only spends seconds looking at a resume before determining whether to move forward with the candidate. It may be reasonable to believe, then, that the more you apply, the more likely you will be noticed…right?
Well, there are some issues with that line of thinking, as you can harm your candidacy by following this strategy. Let’s look at where some of the potholes lie with the concept of repeatedly applying.
• Timewasting Frustration: Recruiters are busy, and a major reason why they may only spend seconds initially reviewing a resume is because of their workload. Seeing the same person multiple times applying for a position can be a real demotivator, as it does take time to disposition an unwanted candidate, especially if you are a federal contractor.
• Look Unfocused: Employers tend to gravitate towards candidates who appear focused, structured, and planful. Applying several times for the same position may lead them to conclude that rather than being persistent, you are disorganized and can’t keep track of your submissions.
• Appear Desperate: While wanting a position can be a good look, acting desperate and repeatedly applying does not. This approach can make you appear that you do not have much else going on during your job search. A Hiring Manager may be reluctant to give you a chance due to wondering why you are so desperate to be hired for this particular position.
• Seem Obnoxious: At some point, seeing the same resume over and over again can make the submitter appear to be a little obnoxious and disrespectful. It makes it seem like you don’t respect the time and the process of the people involved in hiring for this position.
• Spend Your Time Elsewhere: If you are busy applying again for “position X”, then that is time you are not spending on other aspects of your job search. Time is a limited resource and should be used wisely on pursuing job leads that may actually result in an interview and, potentially, a job offer. If you are struggling to find the time to pursue each unique opportunity (like most job seekers), then re-applying for something is a time waster.
As mentioned earlier, there may be some situations where it is appropriate to re-apply for a position (note…I referenced re-apply rather than submitting your resume multiple times). Let’s review some of those occasions.
• Position Has Changed: As mentioned earlier, if you noticed that the requirements or qualifications of the position have changed, and you are now a better fit, then it makes sense to re-apply. This situation does happen when the employer reevaluates its needs or finds out that the marketplace will not support their original demands.
• Time Has Elapsed: If sometime has elapsed (think months, not weeks!) then it may be a good idea to resend a resume. The position posting may be an “evergreen requisition” which means since it is a position being recruited for often it stays listed on job boards. Although you may not have been hired the first time, you may make the cut the next opening especially if you have gained more experience or enhanced your skill set.
• New Skills/Experience/Certification: If you have done something that will make you a better candidate, then submitting a new (updated) resume makes sense. For example, if you have obtained a coveted certification, then add that to your resume and send a new one.
We sometimes get too caught up in the idea of our job search being a “numbers game.” The concept that the more resumes that are sent out, the better chance of being hired does not always work. Sending the same resume to the same company repeatedly will more likely result in diminishing returns rather than a call to be interviewed. Instead, focus on generating new job leads and fresh opportunities, unless you have upgraded your skillset and/or experience to warrant a second look from a prospective employer.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
