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THE QUESTION
I’ve been job hunting for months and I’m not having much luck. One frustrating pattern I’m seeing is that I’ll apply for a job, not get it, then I’ll see that same posting come back online a couple of months later. Am I wasting my time re-applying for those jobs again? Most of the time, with these jobs, I don’t even make it to the interview stage but I have gotten a phone interview at one place before I was rejected. Why do companies re-post the same jobs so often and how can I be considered for subsequent postings?
THE FIRST ANSWER
Jermaine L. Murray, talent recruiter and career coach, JupiterHR, Toronto
This is a wild market, and as weird as it sounds, everyone involved is in a losing position. Job seekers, recruiters and hiring managers are all trapped in an almost no-win situation. We have fallen from the peak of COVID hiring into an almost dystopian reality.
Because of this, many job seekers find it almost impossible to get noticed. If you are not quick enough, it is common to see more than 100 applicants for a single job posting. Absolutely brutal. The less talked-about side, and one I have heard directly from hiring managers and recruiters, is that they are under far more scrutiny for their hires than ever before.
Sometimes, leadership wants the workforce stretched as thin as possible. Other times, they believe AI can replace human labour and want proof that it cannot. This creates a cycle of fear where managers avoid making bold hiring decisions because a wrong choice could cost them their own job.
That is why roles are often reposted, not because no one applied, but because the original hire was delayed, blocked or rejected internally. If you see a posting come back, re-apply only if something in your skills, experience or resume presentation has changed. Make sure your resume clearly shows measurable results, matches the job’s keywords and proves you will deliver ROI that exceeds expectations and improves their bottom line. Try to understand what business needs are tied to the job you’re applying for and write your resume in a way that reflects you as possessing those skills.
You can also increase your chances by connecting with the recruiter or hiring manager directly to re-introduce yourself. It is not fair and it is not right, but the reality is that employer-driven markets play by the same rules as The Hunger Games.
THE SECOND ANSWER
Dr. Candy Ho, researcher and educational studies instructor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University and board member, CERIC, Burnaby, B.C.
It can feel discouraging to see a job reposted after you’ve already applied, and even more so if you didn’t make it passed the first round. The truth is, companies repost positions for many reasons: the hiring process may have been paused because of budget or staffing changes, the initial candidate didn’t work out or they’re required to keep the posting open for a certain period. These factors are often outside your control.
What is in your control is how you respond. Re-applying for a job that’s been reposted isn’t a waste of time. In fact, it can signal your continued interest and give you a chance to present yourself even more strongly. If you’ve gained new skills, experiences or insights since your last application, update your resume and cover letter to reflect them. If you made it to a phone interview before, think about what you could refine to strengthen your next attempt (pro tip: reflecting on your interview performance should be part of your standard strategy anyway).
This is also where the hidden job market comes in. Many opportunities are filled through networking before they’re ever advertised. Reach out to the company’s HR department, a recruiter or even a potential colleague to express your interest and ask thoughtful questions about their hiring process. If you’ve interviewed there before, politely reconnect to let them know you remain enthusiastic about the organization. They will appreciate your proactiveness. Thoughtfully building these relationships can help you stand out for future openings, and not just the one you saw reposted.
Ultimately, persistence combined with genuine relationship-building can keep you on an employer’s radar. Even if one role doesn’t work out, you may be the first person they think of when another opportunity comes along.
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