Apply for another job in the same org after you've been turned down?

[Anonymous]

I was one of two finalists for a senior-level job in my field slightly out of my main area of expertise. I wasn't surprised to learn that they went with the other candidate who had more direct experience in that area. However, this organization has other jobs that I am much more directly qualified for. I let the hiring manager know that I'd be interested in other opportunities. Should I go ahead and directly apply for the other positions, or does that just look desperate? I am very interested in this particular organization. TIA

[Anonymous]

Bump. 18 views and no one has any thoughts?

[Anonymous]

It looks like you are interested in the job/organization. Let me guess: you are a woman. Men simply don't worry about things like this. They go for what they want w/o all the had wringing, second guessing, etc. Time to lean in.

[Anonymous]

Why not apply? You're showing that you really are interested in the organization, which is a positive, and you admit that you are better qualified for these other positions. You are way overthinking this.

[Anonymous]

Apply. If you don't apply, your chances of getting a job with this org are approximately 0%. If you do apply, maybe they will think you're desperate, maybe they'll think you are really interested in their organization. Don't overthink, just apply!

[Anonymous]

Okay, thanks guys. I totally did "lean in" by the way to apply for the first position - and I made it all the way to be one of two finalists, so I'm not lacking in self confidence. I just don't want to look like an ass either.

[Anonymous]

I would do it. In fact, I did do it - my current job was position #4 that I interviewed for at my company. Like in your case, this was the best fit/most direct experience out of all positions that I interviewed for. There are some companies that don't let you apply again after you've been turned down for some time (I once was turned down for a position at a big private employer and they told me I wasn't eligible to interview again for 6 months), but they would let you know that was the policy - otherwise I don't see any reason not to try again. GL!

[Anonymous]

Apply, they would either call you in for an interview or they won't, but you would never know until you do apply.

[Anonymous]

Absolutely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would do it. In fact, I did do it - my current job was position #4 that I interviewed for at my company. Like in your case, this was the best fit/most direct experience out of all positions that I interviewed for. There are some companies that don't let you apply again after you've been turned down for some time (I once was turned down for a position at a big private employer and they told me I wasn't eligible to interview again for 6 months), but they would let you know that was the policy - otherwise I don't see any reason not to try again. GL!

Thank you - the anecdote is encouraging. I am trying to relocate and have a handful of top organizations that I would most want to work for. It's a smaller market and I know that my years of solid experience in DC should count for something!

[Anonymous]

Sure, makes sense to apply. Depending on the size of the org/ hiring process, you may need to formally apply to even be considered for other positions. In smaller places, they may just pass your resume around where they see it fitting, but in larger places, the hiring process for each position may be entirely independent from the other positions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sure, makes sense to apply. Depending on the size of the org/ hiring process, you may need to formally apply to even be considered for other positions. In smaller places, they may just pass your resume around where they see it fitting, but in larger places, the hiring process for each position may be entirely independent from the other positions.

Yep, I did formally apply - this is a big org with pretty formal HR rules.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would do it. In fact, I did do it - my current job was position #4 that I interviewed for at my company. Like in your case, this was the best fit/most direct experience out of all positions that I interviewed for. There are some companies that don't let you apply again after you've been turned down for some time (I once was turned down for a position at a big private employer and they told me I wasn't eligible to interview again for 6 months), but they would let you know that was the policy - otherwise I don't see any reason not to try again. GL!

Thank you - the anecdote is encouraging. I am trying to relocate and have a handful of top organizations that I would most want to work for. It's a smaller market and I know that my years of solid experience in DC should count for something!

Not only would I apply, if you thought the interviews went well and you had a good connection -- I would also reach out to the hiring manager from last time and say that you are applying for this other position, you remain interested in the company overall etc. He could easily pass your resume along with a note to the person doing the hiring for this position saying that he met you, you're great etc. -- that kind of thing can go a long way bc the new hiring manager has someone internally who can vouch for you so they know they won't be wasting their time bringing you in. Worst case scenario, the prior hiring manager ignores you or doesn't want to help -- not the end of the world, as you don't have to see him anyway and now you know not to reach out to him again.

[Anonymous]

I would go for it! Similar anecdote, I applied for a position and lost out to someone with more specific expertise. I had interviewed very well though, and reiterated I was interested in their org, and what other skills I had to offer, so when they had a different opening on the same team less than a year later, I got a direct offer, no interview! I'd also worked hard and been promoted in my existing position, so it was nice to walk in and be able to say, "see, I didn't mope when you turned me down. I was motivated to work harder. No hard feelings.)"

[Anonymous]

When I was changing careers many years ago I applied for four jobs at an organization I was really interested in and didn't get any of them. They were either filled internally or by people who at the time had mor experience in that field. Each time they said they were interested but just had more experienced candidates. One day I got a call from this org asking if I was interested in applying for a position they were about to post. I did and was hired.