"Should You Keep Applying to the Same Company? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Persistence in a Competitive Job Market"​ (2024)

The job market has become increasingly competitive as more companies lay off workers, leaving highly qualified and experienced candidates to compete for a limited number of positions. If you are a member of a minority or protected class, or have strong qualifications, repeated rejections in the form of emails like "We have reviewed your qualifications and determined that other candidates may better fit our needs at this time" can make you question your ability to secure employment and leave you feeling discouraged. Despite this, the question remains: is it worth persisting in applying to companies where you are qualified, even if you've been rejected multiple times?

As a job applicant who has applied to a particular company for 34 different positions over the course of several years without ever receiving an interview, it can be difficult to decide whether to continue applying or to move on. On the one hand, there may be a sense of determination and perseverance to keep trying. On the other hand, there may be a feeling of frustration and disappointment that all the effort and time put into applying has not yielded any results. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of continuing to apply to the same company.

Pros:

Familiarity with the company: After applying to the same company for so many positions, the applicant will likely have a good understanding of the company's culture, values, and mission. This familiarity can be an advantage in future applications and interviews.

Improved application skills: Applying to the same company over and over again can improve the applicant's application skills, such as resume writing, cover letter crafting, and interview preparation. This can be useful for future job searches and applications.

Persistence pays off: There is always a chance that the company may eventually take notice of the applicant's persistence and give them an opportunity to interview. This can be especially true if the company is expanding or experiencing growth in their industry.

Cons:

Limited opportunities: Applying to the same company repeatedly can limit the applicant's job search and may prevent them from considering other companies or industries that may be a better fit.

Wasted time and effort: Continuously applying to the same company can be time-consuming and may take away from other job search efforts that may yield better results.

Negative feelings towards the company: Repeated rejections can lead to negative feelings towards the company, and this can affect the applicant's overall job search experience.

Perception of desperation: Applying to the same company multiple times without success can give the impression of desperation, which can be a red flag to potential employers.

In conclusion, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of continuing to apply to the same company, especially if you've applied for multiple positions without receiving an interview. Persistence can be a valuable trait in the job search, but it's also important to consider other factors such as the availability of positions, the company culture, and your personal goals and priorities.

If you have a strong interest in the company and believe that it aligns with your career goals, it may be worth continuing to apply. However, if you feel discouraged or frustrated by the lack of response, it may be best to shift your focus towards other job opportunities. Remember that there are many companies and organizations that offer fulfilling and rewarding career paths, and it's important to explore a range of options in order to find the right fit for you.

What are your thoughts?