Have you ever got a job that you've applied to multiple times?

[Nikia]

I recently applied to a company for a position that I've applied for twice before over the course year. Each time, it has been advertised. The first time, I got a phone interview. The second time, I got a face to face interview, but they sent me back a letter saying that they were only continuing to interview more qualified candidates (obviously a multi step interview process). I feel that I am plenty qualified for this position, but I told how much I wanted to make because they asked and I think that it may have given me a disadvantage. I also wonder if they would have called me before they advertised the position, if they really did think that I was a possible candidate.
Also, should I have reservations about this place and position, they had two available positions when I interviewed, one before, and at least one now. There are only around 10 people who have that particuliar position in the company and they've had at least 4 positions open in a year. Should this be a warning sign that something is wrong with the company or the position?

[Wickerman]

1. Is it an entry level position?

4 out out of 10 is a bunch. Figure turnover is close to 20% in most industry so they are a bit high. If its entry they may be promiting within. Hell, even if not. Sometimes people move on for legit reasons other than the job sucking.

Good luck.

edit - oh, and yeah, I got a job at a place I applied to a couple of times. It sucked. :D

[Nikia]

6. It probably could be considered entry level

It requires a Bachelor's degree and they have a few lower level assistants, but they mentioned last time that they have hired people out of college for the position. I don't know if they are getting promoted. I also have seen a couple higher level positions for that company being advertised, which required advanced degrees or experience that people in the position that I am applying for would not have.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Yes, twice.

Years ago I got a job the second time I applied (after getting some additional experience), and I also got the job I have now after applying a second time. So it's definitely possible; sometimes it's just a matter of turning up at the right time. But the company you're looking at sounds kind of dicey if they have so much turnover.

[Cary]

3. Your problem is that you are responding to ads.

Most ads are phony. Those jobs are already filled. Most people find jobs through people they know and the ads go in to show that the company has done its due diligence.

You need to master the art of the informational interview and the art of networking so that you get the job before the ad. Read What Color Is Your Parachute. It is a timeless classic.

[Nikia]

5. I don't know people who could get me jobs I want

I am living hundreds of miles away from the place that I grew up in, where my family lives. Most of the people who I work with are not in the position to help me out. I have no direct collegues in my company. My boss says that he wants to help me advance beyond the company but I have reason to believe that he is lying. I have minimimal interaction with people outside of my company as part of my job. My friends are not professionals nor do they know any professionals in the areas that I am interested in.
I know that my lack of contacts really hurts me in finding a job. I read something on a local Chamber of Commerce website that said that over 85% jobs in the area are obtained by networking. I am considering the temp route even though it would mean lower pay and low job security because my current job is really affecting my mental health and has been for some time.

[Cary]

7. Nikia

I could write about networking for hours, but I'll try to boil it down for you in a couple of simple paragraphs.

Identify people who are doing what you want to do. Write them a simple letter telling them you want to meet with them. Make sure you tell them that while you are looking for a job and it would be great if they could give you one, you understand that they are probably not in a position to do so. Instead your goal is information.

This is important for several reasons. One, your goal is achievable. Two, it gets you in the door.

Tell them that you will follow up with a call. The best routine is to take them to lunch. Call them and offer to meet with them. Some will say no. Others will say yes. You just have to end up calling enough people so you are going to have to set a goal as to how many people you will contact each week.

Do your homework on these people so you know things about them. Be prepared to ask them questions. I don't know anyone who isn't very happy to talk about themself. Do you?

Anyway always try to leave your meeting with a couple of name and numbers of other people you can contact for informational interviews. Follow up with a thank you. Figure out other ways to contact these people periodically without being obnoxious about it.

I guarantee that if you do this right you will make an impression. How many people do this?

There is a lot more, but my advice to you to read What Color is Your Parachute is perhaps the best advice of all.

Good luck. Stick with it. Do not get discouraged.

[trackfan]

4. I have never gotten a job unless the "fix" was in.

Either I knew somebody, or started as a temp and was already doing the job. Any job that actually had a competitive interview, I have not gotten.