How often have you applied for a job to get rejected because they didn’t hire someone else instead of you? If you’ve ever had this experience, you probably want to know how to interview for a different position than you originally applied for.

There are thousands of jobs, and each company has unique hiring practices. Some companies prefer to fill their positions internally, while others prefer to recruit externally. You’ll want to prepare for the interview regardless of where you apply.

When interviewing for a new job, it’s important to be prepared for every question asked during the interview process. This means preparing answers to questions such as why you left your last job or what skills you bring to the table.

Read on to learn more tips on how to interview for a different position than you applied for.

Submitting applications to many positions within the same firm

The truth is many people apply for multiple roles at the same company because they don’t understand how hiring managers make decisions.

They think employers are looking for someone perfect for every position, and they assume there must be something wrong with them if they aren’t considered for each of those roles.

But, the reality is that it takes time to evaluate candidates, especially when companies have hundreds or thousands of applications to review.

So, while it might seem like you’re wasting your time applying for multiple positions, you’ll end up saving yourself some time and energy. Plus, you can focus on highlighting what makes you stand out among the rest of the applicants.

Is it possible to submit applications for many jobs at the same organization?

You may consider applying for multiple jobs with the same company. However, it is important to remember that you want to tailor your application to each specific opportunity. This way, you can show how well you fit into the role rather than just sending out generic resumes.

In addition, you should always review your cover letter and resume before applying for a job. Make sure that you have tailored your materials to reflect the type of position you are seeking.

Even though you may have similar qualifications for many roles, it is best to focus on highlighting why you are suited for one particular opening over another.

How many roles are you interested in?

When applying for jobs, knowing how many positions you want to use is important. You don’t want to send hundreds of applications for one job because you think there might be others for which you’re qualified.

On the flip side, you shouldn’t apply for too few positions either. This could lead to employers thinking you’re looking for something besides the job you applied for.

The average person applies for about five jobs per month. Of those, three are likely relevant to their current situation. So if you’re applying for 20 jobs, you’ll probably submit ten applications. But if you’re applying for 60 jobs, you’ll probably submit 30 applications.

It shouldn’t be a problem if you’re being selective with your applications. Ensure you’re focused on the jobs that align with your career goals.

Do you have what it takes to fill each role?

If there is one thing to learn about being a recruiter, there is no such thing as too many resumes. If you are looking for work, you better start sending out applications now.

However, don’t send out hundreds of applications without knowing what you are qualified for. Think carefully about the job description and see if you match the requirements listed.

You might want to take some classes or return to school to improve your resume. But do not apply for jobs that you are unqualified for.

This could cost you the opportunity to get hired. Even though you might think you are qualified for a particular job, the employer may find someone else who meets the requirements.

Advantages and disadvantages of applying for many roles at the same organization

The job market is competitive, especially now that people work longer hours and companies hire more employees. If you want to work for one particular company, applying to multiple jobs there makes sense. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to doing so.

The benefits and drawbacks of applying for many roles at the same firm are as follows:

Pros:

• You may find out about opportunities you wouldn’t know about otherwise.

• You might learn about the company and what it does that could benefit you later.

Con:

• You may waste time and energy submitting applications to positions that aren’t a good fit for you.

Ideas for submitting several applications to the same employer

If you decide to apply for multiple positions with the same company — whether because you want to work there or because you want to change jobs — here are some ways to make sure it goes smoothly.

1. Show how your experience is applicable to several positions

You’re probably familiar with the “Tell Me About Yourself” section on online applications. This is where you list what you’ve done in the past. However, there are some things you might want to avoid saying because they don’t show off your ability to perform well in a particular role. For example, listing “I worked for ABC News” doesn’t tell much about your communication skills. Instead, try something like this:

“My journalism background includes writing news stories and editing copy. I also had a stint working with a nonprofit organization helping low-income families.”

This demonstrates your skills in both areas. If you’re unsure what to write, consider talking to someone who knows you well and ask them what they think you could add to your resume.

2. Justification of your application for each post

Your motivations for applying to each employment should be varied since they are all unique. This doesn’t imply that you shouldn’t mention your qualifications or how well you fit in with the team’s culture. However, it does imply that you should avoid copying and pasting your cover letter from one position to another.

You probably know what you want to say about yourself and where you stand out among the competition. So make sure that your cover letters reflect those things. Don’t use the same language for every single position you apply to. Instead, tailor your cover letter to each job description.

3. Explain why working for the organization is important to you.

Develop a list of reasons that describe your interest in the job, and then choose the top two reasons. In addition to explaining how much you admire the company, write a paragraph that effectively communicates your enthusiasm for the role.

Include information about what makes the position appealing to you, such as the salary, benefits package, and opportunities for advancement.

Employers want to know that you respect their company and believe working there is worthwhile. Be sure to include examples of previous work experience that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and show that you understand the needs of employers.

4. Consider the scale of the organization you are applying to

If you are looking for a job, there are many things to consider. One thing to keep in mind is the size of the company itself. A smaller company might mean better benefits, less stress, and fewer hours worked per week.

However, a larger company could offer more opportunities, more money, and even better career growth. You want to make sure you choose the right company for you. Here are three tips to help you determine whether a company is right for you.

The number of people employed by a company is often called the company’s size. There are several ways to measure the size of a company. Some examples include:

• Number of employees

• Revenue generated

• Net income

• Market capitalization

5. Tell the truth about your job search

Employers want to hire people who are honest and straightforward. They don’t want to hear about your previous job searches or how many times you applied. But it doesn’t hurt to mention that you’ve been trying to find work for some time now.

According to a source, potential employers value honesty and probably already know how many times applicants have submitted resumes. 53% of hiring managers say they’ll consider someone who applies multiple times because they’re looking for “someone who isn’t afraid to try.”

Key takeaway

So, do you want to interview for a job different from the one you applied for? It can be done! You must ensure your resume is tailored to the new position and practice your interviewing skills.

Our team of expert resume writers at Lancerbee is here to help. We can polish your resume until it shines, give tips on how to nail your interview, and even help you negotiate a better salary.

Contact us today for more information or to get started on your journey to finding the perfect job for you.