Ask Shalini Phillips what makes her job her dream job, and she'll tell you she has a great boss.Tim Fraser/The Globe and Mail
Successfully reapplying for a dream job is possible, but it's important to keep a few things in mind. "It is a unique situation that many will not have an opportunity to experience in their career," said Sarah Paul, human resources manager at the Mississauga Golf and Country Club. "But there are some things you can do to make it happen for you the second time around."
Here are some tips:
Don't give up too quickly
The position might become available again. Keep in touch with company representatives and let them know you are interested in reapplying if the job, or one like it, becomes available.
Learn from the first experience
Reach out to the HR department or the hiring manager to get feedback about what you could have done differently in the interview, what skills or experience were lacking, and how you can land the job if it becomes available again.
Create a plan
Use this knowledge to lay out a development plan to address these shortcomings. Take courses, seek out projects that develop your skills, take on additional responsibilities in your current role, attend industry events or brush up on your interview skills.
Do your research
If the job does become available again, try to find out why. There might be a legitimate reason, but it might also be a red flag. Perhaps the new hire left for personal reasons or the position wasn't a good fit. Or maybe the job duties and required skills changed. Sometimes employers realize that what they thought they were getting with the successful candidate was not what they needed.
Update your résumé
Showcase recent or new achievements and responsibilities since you last applied. Highlight them in your fresh covering letter, and be sure it is addressed to the correct person.