Not Now vs Not Ever
If I were to guess, I’d say 95% of all job seekers make the same mistake. They fail to circle back to companies after being told they aren’t a fit or that there aren’t any current openings matching their background. They take that verdict to mean “not ever” when it likely means “not now.” With many job searches lasting 6, 9 and 12 months or more, it’s a tactical error. So much can happen to a company over that amount of time. When you consider many job seekers start by approaching companies at the top of their list to work for, it’s important to avoid ruling a company out for eternity because you tried approaching them in the past and nothing came of the effort. Your top contenders are likely the companies most in line with your skill set, goals and lifestyle. It’s worth it to stay close to them through the duration of your search. The passing of time may very well lead to opportunity.
Let me be clear, assuming a company will think of you in the future because of your initial efforts with them is a mistake. I’ve had plenty of people tell me companies have their resume and application so they need not bother anyone. It’s the “if they want me, they’ll call me” approach. I’m not recommending anyone be a bother; there are effective ways to stay close to a company without annoying contacts. What I am saying is companies are more likely to look at those on their immediate radar when they have an opening to fill. Why go back 6 months or more to see who was interested before? It’s more convenient to start with those currently raising their hands than to dig back through history to find out if any of those individuals are still looking for work. Additionally, it casts doubt on how genuine your interest in the company is if after hearing “not now” you are never heard from again.
My challenge to you is to reach out to the companies you contacted at the beginning of your search. Compare notes on what’s changed with the both of you. If you have new skills or a different perspective than before, make it known. Take the temperature of what’s going on in their organization for clues if opportunity may be on the horizon. Restate your interest.
Thanks for mentioning this Lisa, I have come across job postings at companies who turned me down or did not call me back and I immediately thought “why bother” they already told me no. I will take your advice and perhaps resubmit a resume.
Definitely resubmit. Be sure to note you’ve applied before and point out what additional skills/abilities you have in your tool belt since the time you last submitted a resume. Read some of my points in “Long Job Searches Can Make You More Marketable” to see what you can pull from there in making your case.