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OT's opinion on interviewing with a company for a second time

Posted on 11/16/25 at 6:56 pm
Posted by East Coast Band
Member since Nov 2010
66856 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 6:56 pm
Quick backstory.
Have an OK job now. Nothing exciting, nothing terrible. Pays the bills, etc.

Had an opportunity for a similar position somewhere else last year. Maybe more money. It'd be the only reason to leave current position. At the least, I could get an offer and possibly force current employer to counteroffer...

Interviewed last year. Another person was selected.

Fast forward to now...
Apparently, I was told by someone who works at the new place, that other person "didn't work out", and the opportunity for the same job has come open again. They reached out to me again, expressing interest.

I am starting to go through the second interview process again, just to keep options open..

Now, I ask the OT, should I expect any positive hope from a potential employer that has already overlooked me once? Of note, I've been told there are a few new people who I'd report to that weren't there last year.

Also, I'd like to get a decent answer as to what "didn't work out" with the first guy. Is the job a real bitch? Over demanding? Or was he just not as good as they thought?
Posted by GreatLakesTiger24
Member since May 2012
58717 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 6:58 pm to
quote:

OT's opinion on interviewing with a company for a second time
might as well be a cuckhold
Posted by Abraham H Parnassis
Member since Jul 2020
2639 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 6:58 pm to
I mean, working the fry station at Wendy’s isn’t that much different from working the fry station at McDonald’s.
This post was edited on 11/16/25 at 6:59 pm
Posted by DeltaTigerDelta
Member since Jan 2017
13326 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:00 pm to
You have leverage. They need/want you. Hear them out and ask plenty of pointed questions. You have nothing to lose.
Posted by TexasTiger33
Member since Feb 2022
14056 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:01 pm to
Any job worth applying for will have at least two (2) interviews.
This post was edited on 11/16/25 at 7:21 pm
Posted by Bunk Moreland
Member since Dec 2010
66024 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:01 pm to
Really? I think timing counts for a lot. Some idiot washed out and now it's OP's turn to take it.

I have this kind of a predicament, but in reverse. I have a really good opportunity with a top shelf place, but if I land it, I'm worried I'll wash out in six months.
Posted by fightin tigers
Downtown Prairieville
Member since Mar 2008
75996 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:01 pm to
If they are interviewing you again that is a great sign.

Just because they chose someone ahead of you doesn't dismiss you ability or attraction. You never know why they chose the other person. Could be experience, interview, or just thought they could get off cheap.


I also think a good followup question from you should be what made them come back to you after they hired someone else. What made the other person not work. Don't be smug with your question but be honest. Their answer may make you realize why the other person didn't work out. May save you an "experience'
Posted by LSUBoo
Knoxville, TN
Member since Mar 2006
103397 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:01 pm to
I am in my current role after a similar situation. I interviewed, they even flew me to town on their dime, and it went well but ultimately I was the second choice.

I stayed in touch with the hiring manager though and another spot came open so she reached out and encouraged me to apply again. I did, and got the job.

Slightly different than your case though because the person they hired over me the first time didn't leave. It was another person that left to create the opening.
Posted by Kenna City Solja
America’s City
Member since Nov 2025
37 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:01 pm to
Go through the motions, and when you get an offer, reject it
Posted by bad93ex
Walnut Cove
Member since Sep 2018
33616 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:03 pm to
quote:

Also, I'd like to get a decent answer as to what "didn't work out" with the first guy. Is the job a real bitch? Over demanding? Or was he just not as good as they thought?



Really depends on the industry, in IT they could've pulled the trigger on a "paper tiger" who had really good interview skills but lacked actual work skills and they had to move on or move them to another position.
Posted by LSUBoo
Knoxville, TN
Member since Mar 2006
103397 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:03 pm to
quote:

If they are interviewing you again that is a great sign.


This.

If you sucked an Owlie dong the first time you wouldn't hear from them again
Posted by ChiTownBammer
South Florida
Member since Aug 2014
1409 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:04 pm to
Yeah if you're not desperate to switch jobs then just do the interview and ask then what you wanna ask them. Worst case, they pass you over again and you know you suck and you should just stay at your current job. Best case, they respect your candor and decide to hire you immediately with triple your current salary. If nothing else its a learning experience.

Posted by LSUFanHouston
NOLA
Member since Jul 2009
40122 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:05 pm to
Maybe you were the best candidate but the other person was the son of someone’s brother in law

I would very clearly and directly ask:

Why did you not get an offer the first time (expect a BS answer but shies you mean business)

What makes this time different?

Are you working with a company or an external recruiter?
Posted by thegreatboudini
Member since Oct 2008
7073 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:05 pm to
You came in second, the guy who got first lied or sucked at his job. Don't take it personally.

Yes, it's fair to ask why this opportunity is open again in such a short time frame.
Posted by fightin tigers
Downtown Prairieville
Member since Mar 2008
75996 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:08 pm to
In an interview I was asked "why should we hire you over another candidate?"

My.honest answer was "if the other candidate has 20 years experience and wants the job I can't compete with that...."

The next guy has 25 years experience. They hired him.

They hired me 2 weeks later when someone transferred. The manager said my answer was a point of discussion afterwards and it made them come back to me.
Posted by LSUBoo
Knoxville, TN
Member since Mar 2006
103397 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:10 pm to
Always ask "what in my resumé stood out to you as a potential candidate? And what did you see as a weak spot?"

That'll force the conversation really fast.
Posted by fightin tigers
Downtown Prairieville
Member since Mar 2008
75996 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:12 pm to
You are no doubt a qualified candidate in the industry, Im sure you have had other opportunities, what about this company made you stay for XX amount of years?

The ole rub and tug flattery.
This post was edited on 11/16/25 at 7:13 pm
Posted by Penrod
Member since Jan 2011
51551 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:24 pm to
quote:

Now, I ask the OT, should I expect any positive hope from a potential employer that has already overlooked me once? Of note, I've been told there are a few new people who I'd report to that weren't there last year.

One of the best hires I ever made was my second choice. Thank God he didn’t give up on me, because he sure made my life easier.
Posted by NotoriousFSU
Atlanta, GA
Member since Oct 2008
11862 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:24 pm to
Could you handle knowing you were just their backup plan?
Posted by Penrod
Member since Jan 2011
51551 posts
Posted on 11/16/25 at 7:26 pm to
quote:

I have this kind of a predicament, but in reverse. I have a really good opportunity with a top shelf place, but if I land it, I'm worried I'll wash out in six months.

With the amount of time you spend on TD it’s a decent bet.

J/K and please ignore my post count.
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