Is It Still Worth Applying for an Open Job After a Long Period?

Yes, it can still be worth applying for the role even if it has been posted for four weeks without a specified closing date. Here are a few reasons why:

Rolling Applications: Many companies, including Google, often review applications on a rolling basis. This means they might consider candidates as they apply rather than waiting until the posting closes.

Candidate Pool: The initial candidate pool may not have met the company's needs, which could mean they are still looking for the right fit.

Demonstrate Interest: Applying shows your interest in the position and the company which can be beneficial even if the role has been open for a while.

Networking: If you have contacts at Google, reaching out to them can provide insights into the hiring process and whether the role is still actively being filled.

Position Changes: Sometimes job postings remain open if the company is still evaluating the needs of the position or if they are considering adjustments to the role.

Rolling Applications

Many companies, including those like Google, often review applications on a rolling basis. This means they consider candidates throughout the application period, rather than just at the deadline. As a former SEOer at Google, I personally witnessed how even after a month or more, applicants could still be reviewed and considered for the position if their skills and experiences aligned well with the role description.

It's crucial to tailor your resume and cover letter to align with the job requirements. Highlight how your skills and experiences match the ideal candidate profile. This approach can boost your chances of being shortlisted, even when the application deadline seems to have passed.

Candidate Pool

The initial candidate pool might not have met the company's needs. In other words, the company might find that the first candidates did not fully meet their criteria for the role, leading them to continue searching and reviewing applications even after a significant period.

Even if the role has been open for a couple of months, don't assume the search for the perfect candidate has concluded. Continue to express your interest and stay engaged with the company's hiring process through periodic communication and updates on how your skills and experiences can benefit the company's project or team.

Demonstrate Interest

Applying for a position late in the process can be beneficial.

By not only submitting your application but also engaging with the company's recruitment process, you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role. This can leave a positive impression and could even lead to future opportunities within the company.

Leaning on your professional network, if you have connections within Google, can provide valuable insight into the hiring process. They might also be able to gauge whether the role is still available and actively being filled.

Job Posting Extension

Some job postings remain open due to position changes.

During the hiring process, a company might find that the original job requirements need to be adjusted. This can lead to an extended application period as they evaluate the updated needs and requirements of the position.

A person in the US applying to a job might face unique challenges or advantages based on the specifics of the job market and the industry. However, what's crucial is the consistency in your application strategy and ongoing communication with the recruiter or HR representative.

Recruiters often maintain active dialogue with candidates, and even if the posting was initially posted months ago, they might still be open to new applicants. By maintaining regular communication, you can stay informed about any changes or updates regarding the position.

Career Success Story

A former colleague of theirs shared a success story where they found a posting that was a few weeks old. They applied and a month later were contacted by the recruiter for an initial discussion. Over the next seven months, the recruiter kept in touch to check their interest in the role, eventually moving on to a face-to-face interview.

The recruiter later revealed that nine people were interviewed for the position, and they finally chose this colleague as the most suitable candidate. This story underscores that persistence and proactive communication can often pay off in the long run.

It's definitely worth submitting your application, and be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job requirements.

Good luck!