Dear JobsBlog: If I’ve already applied for a position at Microsoft but didn’t get it, will it hurt my chances of getting a position when I re-apply?

-Two-time Applicant

 
Dear Two-time Applicant: If you’ve applied previously and did not make it through the selection process, applying a second time may or may not end in a different result. Like many things in life, the answer here depends. A number of variables may impact the decision to consider you again, and granted you meet the basic requirements for an opening, it is up to the individual recruiter to decide whether or not to move forward.

Since there are far too many variables to cover all potential scenarios, I’m going to provide some topics for introspection along with my own thoughts.

Before applying a second time, ponder:

• How far did I get in the application process? Generally speaking, phone interviews focus more on basic team and Microsoft fit. In-person interviews probe deeper into technical and domain-specific knowledge. Understanding these focus areas may help you self-identify why your interview ended at the point it did.
• What feedback did I receive? How have I addressed that feedback? The key here is what has changed? Was it a technical reason, or a matter of team fit? Take the time to critically self-evaluate any technical reasons prior to re-applying. Team fit is unique to each interview, but you should consider what is different about this new opening that would improve your chances.
• How did I perceive my performance during the interview? What could you have done better to showcase your skills? How do you think you will do better this time? Understand the difference between not having knowledge in a subject, and not being able to communicate knowledge you actually possess.  Consider they are equally important.
• How much time has passed since my last phone interview? More time may be seen by a recruiter as a greater opportunity for you to have improved your skills.
• How do the requirements for this new position differ from the last? Is it a better fit on paper? How might the interview focus differently on your skills and qualifications?

If you’ve never interviewed or been contacted by a recruiter before, see my previous post on “How do I get a recruiter” for more information on bolstering your resume and getting noticed. There have also been good posts from Angela and Ryan on resume writing. Generally speaking,applying for multiple openings is not an issue, but I do want to caveat that you should carefully consider each opening and make sure it is something you are both very interested in and deeply qualified for before applying. Keep in mind that Microsoft receives a high volume of applicants for each position and it is not always possible to contact every qualified applicant. Applying to multiple openings can definitely pad your chances for success – just be mindful of what you’re doing!

-Kenji