What to Do When You See a Job You Interviewed or Applied for Is Posted Again

Introduction:
It can be frustrating to see a job you applied for (or even interviewed for!) posted again. Does it mean they didn’t fill the role, or are they looking for additional candidates? Either way, if you’re still interested, this might be your second chance to reach out, re-engage with the recruiter, and potentially secure the role. Here’s how to approach the situation professionally, along with scripts you can use to increase your chances of reentering the hiring process.

Why Is the Job Reposted?

Before reaching out, it’s important to understand why the job might have been reposted. Here are some potential reasons:

• The role hasn’t been filled. Sometimes, hiring processes take longer than expected, and they repost to draw in more applicants.

• They’re refining the candidate pool. It could mean they didn’t find the right fit from the previous round of applicants or are expanding their search.

• The chosen candidate declined or didn’t work out. Occasionally, candidates may accept and then decline an offer, or the match didn’t turn out to be right during the probationary period.

• A change in role requirements. Sometimes companies repost a role if they've modified the job description or qualifications.

Understanding these possible scenarios can guide how you approach your follow-up message.

How to Reach Out Professionally

If you’re still interested in the role and believe you’re a strong fit, reaching out can show enthusiasm and commitment. Here are some strategies, complete with scripts, to make your follow-up impactful and professional.

1. Following Up After an Interview

If you previously interviewed for the role but weren’t selected, you can reach out to express your continued interest and ask for any relevant feedback. Here’s a respectful way to do it:

Script:

"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I noticed the [Job Title] position has been reposted, and I wanted to reach out because I’m still very interested in the role and the chance to work with [Company]. I enjoyed our previous conversation and would love to know if there is anything further I could provide to strengthen my application or address any areas of concern that may have come up during my interview.

Thank you again for the opportunity, and please let me know if there’s a chance to reconnect. I’d be grateful to discuss how I can contribute to [Company] in this role.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]"

2. Following Up After Applying (Without an Interview)

If you applied but haven’t yet interviewed, you can ask about reapplying or if they have any additional information on the hiring timeline.

Script:

"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I recently saw that the [Job Title] position at [Company] has been reposted, and I’m reaching out to express my continued interest. I had previously submitted an application on [original application date] and would love to know if there is any other information I could provide or any steps I could take to strengthen my candidacy.

Thank you for your time, and please feel free to let me know if reapplying would be appropriate.

Best regards,
[Your Name]"

3. Requesting Feedback for Improvement

If you’re not only interested in this position but in improving your overall interview performance, you can ask for constructive feedback. This approach works best if you’ve already had a positive conversation with the recruiter or interviewer.

Script:

"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview for the [Job Title] position. I noticed that the role has been reposted, and while I understand that you’re likely considering other candidates, I wanted to reach out to see if you could share any feedback on my interview performance.

I’m always looking to grow and improve, and your insights would be invaluable. Additionally, if there’s any way to be reconsidered for the role, I’d be very interested, as I believe I could make a meaningful contribution to [Company].

Thank you very much for your time and help.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]"

4. Expressing Renewed Interest with an Updated Resume

If you’ve acquired new skills or experiences since your initial application, you can highlight these updates to demonstrate your growth and value.

Script:

"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I noticed that the [Job Title] position has been reposted at [Company]. Since my initial application, I’ve had the opportunity to [briefly mention any relevant skills, experience, or training], and I believe this has further strengthened my qualifications for the role.

I would love the opportunity to reconnect and share how these recent experiences could contribute to my success in this position. Please let me know if it would be appropriate to reapply or if there’s anything further I can provide to support my candidacy.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]"

5. Inquiring About Changes to the Position or Requirements

If you suspect that the job posting has changed, you can inquire about new requirements and express interest in seeing if you’re still a suitable fit.

Script:

"Hi [Recruiter’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. I saw that the [Job Title] position at [Company] was recently reposted, and I’m reaching out to see if any requirements or responsibilities for the role have been updated. I am still very interested in the position, and I’d love to know if I’m a strong fit under the current specifications.

Thank you for any insights you could provide, and I’m happy to provide any updated information on my end to support my interest.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]"

Key Tips for Effective Follow-Up

• Stay positive and professional. Keep your tone enthusiastic and courteous, showing that you’re genuinely interested and open to feedback.

• Keep it brief. Respect the recruiter’s time by keeping your message concise and to the point.

• Be open to feedback. If you’re asking for feedback, be prepared to receive it constructively and use it to improve.

• Reiterate your enthusiasm. Hiring managers want to see candidates who are genuinely interested in the position. Expressing renewed interest can set you apart.

Final Thoughts:
Reaching out after seeing a job reposted might feel risky, but it can be a great way to show perseverance and renewed commitment. By following these scripts and remaining professional, you can create an opportunity to re-engage with the hiring process and perhaps land the role. A thoughtful, respectful message can make all the difference in standing out and making a strong impression.