Dear Annie: A few years ago, I applied for a position at a company I had always dreamed of working for. Later, the company froze its recruitment plan and the matter fell silent. Now, I heard from the grapevine that the department (brand management) I applied for has restarted recruitment. I want to give it another try. My question is, when they said they would keep my information on file, should I assume they already have my resume and other information, or should I start from scratch? I know that many people are looking for jobs now and how to gain an advantage in the competition. I hope to hear your suggestions. Thank you very much

Dear "Additional Blow": First of all, don't take it for granted. "If you applied two or three years ago, it's hard to guarantee that the hiring manager or HR person you contacted is still with the company," says New York career consultant and author of "The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide." Said author Roy Cohn. "Many companies have had a lot of personnel changes in the past few years. Therefore, even if you have entered the interview process last time, you may have to start all over again this time."

Cohen said that recently he has had several Clients have been rejected before, but ended up getting hired on their second or even third try. “Always remember that your application failure is often just a matter of numbers,” he says. "If there are 3, 4 or 6 applicants competing for a position at the same time, the interviewer must select the most impressive one."

And even if you apply for the second time If you are rejected again, you may not be able to try a third time. Keep in touch with the people you met during the job application process. First invite them to join your circle on the business social network LinkedIn, which can increase the probability of being hired in the future. Cohen also said: "Maybe later they will find that the person they hired is not good, or there may be a new vacancy. In short, it is important to keep in touch. People are always more likely to hire people they already know well rather than just looking for luck. Someone they know nothing about.”

Anne Stephens, managing director of ClearRock, a Boston-based executive coaching firm, has also seen many candidates get hired on their second or third try. Condition. She gave four suggestions:

1. Emphasize your own growth. This is especially important if you meet the same interviewer from last time. “In your cover letter, resume, phone calls, and in-person interviews, highlight your new experiences and skills you’ve gained since your last application,” says Stephens. Be sure to reflect any new courses you’ve taken or qualifications you’ve earned.

2. Expand your network in reverse. Use social media and personal connections in the industry (such as people you know from past jobs) to "find people who work at the company you're applying for or know someone who works at the company," Stephens advises. "Reverse network development is different from traditional network development. It is not about helping you find a suitable job. It is about starting from the specific job position and through network expansion to find people who can help you successfully get the job." For example. , insiders can tell you which parts of your experience you should emphasize in interviews. They can even serve as your recommenders.

3. Join the hiring manager’s professional or volunteer group. If you're involved in an industry association and the hiring manager is a member, be careful not to miss any events where you might meet him or her. Stephens said: "This type of activity is a good way to subtly deepen our understanding of each other."

4. Share information that can give you points in a timely manner. "Do something that will give you points, such as writing an article for an industry publication or speaking at a conference, and give this information to the company you're applying for," Stephens says. “Keep reminding them of the value you bring to the entire team.”

This, like anything else, requires persistence. "But don't push it too hard or it will become overwhelming," says Roy Cohn, which usually works. Wish you a long way to go.