ADVICE NEEDED: A great job I came THIS CLOSE to nailing is open again.

Back in February--and it seems like ages ago--I was called in to interview for a job that had everything: salary, benefits, great co-workers, relevance to my interests, etc. After my first interview, I was brought in for a second interview a week later, which went so well I they asked me to come for a third meeting--at which point they told me it was down to me and one other person. My references gave them a glowing account of me, and thus I had a 50% chance of being gainfully employed in a matter of days...

So naturally I was crushed when, a week later, they told me the other person had been picked. In a follow-up email, the head of the department told me that I hadn't done anything wrong per se, that we had both been picked out of hundreds of resumes and she wished they could have hired both of us. But the other person had slightly more experience, and so they were hired and I remained unemployed. She told me to keep in touch, and re-apply if something else opened up...

Now, three months later, I see on their website that they're once again hiring for the exact same job. (Not TOO surprising--this is a job in the Arts, which as a rule tends to have very high turnover.)

MY QUESTION: I have the department head's business card on my desk in front of me. Do I

A) Re-apply with an emailed resume and cover letter, along with a little note reminding them of my situation, or

B) Call the department head up personally and ask if I could be considered once again?

PS: Everyone I know is leaning towards B. But if so, what do I say to her exactly?

Seems like a big red flag to me.

A, and then call (B) to say that you have applied and hope to be considered favorably. Don't put yourself out of the running by NOT officially applying (A.)

BEST OF LUCK!

Should I just assume that doesn't apply to me?

:thumbsup:

Dear Name:

I'm excited to see on your website that you are again hiring for the XXX position. I was pleased to make it so far through your interview process in (Month) and am still very interested in working for your company. (At this point, think of something that went well during your interview and add on it, such as: ) I particularly enjoyed talking with (interviewers) about the (process, product, service, whatever) and believe I have a lot to offer in the field of (process, product, service). (If you think of a question you would have answered slightly differently or can add onto, do so here.)

If my application is still active, I am definitely interested in being considered for the position. If I need to re-apply, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for your time.

private smirkfest that they hired someone who didn't last long when they could have had ME, I'd apply through channels and then give a call just to let them know. I wouldn't "ask" them anything, and I wouldn't discuss my situation. I would tell them that the job is still very attractive to me, that I have applied again and look forward to talking to them. If they really liked you it could save them the trouble of starting from square one. Frankly, I wouldn't even necessarily assume they ever hired anyone in the first place. Where I work they go through the whole process and over half the time end up not hiring anybody. Then they go through it again some time later and maybe don't hire anybody the second time. They also could have been lying about why they didn't hire you. I've seen great candidates not hired because somebody didn't like the color of their suit. No lie.

go for it

But definitely contact her and say you would like to apply for the job again.

I think it might be awkward if you call her. She might feel you're pressuring her or it might embarrass her. A formal letter might do the trick.

It sure as hell can't hurt your chances can it?

If you were that close before, you're that much closer now.