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THE QUESTION
About a year ago, I interviewed for a role I really wanted. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the job. The role was recently posted again, so I applied. I’m now being invited for another interview and I’m not sure how to play it. Should I assume the company doesn’t remember me and that my resume just got me past the artificial intelligence screening bots to this stage? Should I tell them I interviewed for the same job last year? Should I assume I’ll be asked the same questions? Is it okay to answer them similarly if I think my responses and examples are the best I have? What’s the best way to approach this situation?
THE FIRST ANSWER
Karen Jackson-Cox, executive director, Career Advancement Centre, Smith School of Business, Queen’s University, Kingston
It’s not uncommon for strong candidates who are passionate about a role and company to reapply if the role opens again. It’s likely the company knows you interviewed before, because applicant tracking systems usually flag returning candidates.
Assuming positive intent really helps here, as there are lots of reasons a job gets reposted: maybe the team has grown, maybe the first hire moved on or maybe you’ll be meeting a new recruiter or manager this time.
You don’t need to lead with the fact that you interviewed last year, but it’s good to mention it naturally when it fits. It shows transparency without making it the focal point of the conversation.
The fact that you applied again sends a strong, positive message: you’re genuinely interested in this role and this organization. Lean into that enthusiasm. It’s a great opportunity to talk about what’s changed for you – new skills, accomplishments or responsibilities that make you an even stronger candidate now.
If they ask similar questions, it’s totally fine to use the same examples if they’re still your best ones. What matters most is showing clear impact and demonstrating how you’ve grown over the past year.
Go in with confidence. Assume positive intent, trust that they’re bringing you back because they see potential and you’re returning with more clarity, experience and a stronger case for why this role is a great fit for you.
THE SECOND ANSWER
Carl Casis, founder and recruiter, Casis Careers, Toronto
Don’t overthink it. Applicant tracking systems rarely have sophisticated AI screening. They are usually just databases with keyword filters, so someone likely manually reviewed your resume. I also don’t want people to have the misconception that they are “beating bots.” Recruitment still relies heavily on humans to assess nuance, judgment and context that AI cannot fully capture. If you’re being invited back, it is far more likely that someone saw genuine potential – not that you slipped past an automated filter.
Assume they remember you. Most interviewers keep notes, especially if you made it to later stages. Acknowledge upfront that you interviewed for the role previously. You can frame it positively: express continued interest and briefly mention what you have gained since then.
It is also important to ask what has changed about the role since it was last posted. If they are rehiring, they have likely learned something, whether about the skills required, team dynamics or business priorities. That insight should directly shape how you position yourself.
You may get similar questions. Do not simply recycle the same answers. Instead, update your examples to reflect growth over the past year and align them more precisely with what the company now values. Show that you have evolved, that you listened and that you are approaching the opportunity with sharper insight this time around.
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