Updating apps for jobs interviewed for before?

In our newest "how can we help you?" thread, a non-TT faculty member asks:

I got into the final stage interview last round somewhere. I plan to apply for that place again for virtually the same position. Should I highlight in the cover letter the differences in my publication, teaching experience, research proposal etc.?

Good question. I wouldn't highlight the differences, at least not in the sense of explicitly saying things like "I published X, Y, and Z since interviewing for your position last year." Instead, I would just update your materials (and cover letter) to reflect your current accomplishments, as you would for any other job. Chances are, if you interviewed or were a finalist for the department's position previously, they think very highly of you (the only caveat being that if your on-campus interview did not go well, they might have been turned off). You never know whether you'll be interviewed again, as every applicant pool is different. But I think, all things being equal, if you're a better candidate than you were before, that should come across in your materials regardless.

Then again, this is just my reaction. What's your? It would be great to hear from search committee members!

Comments

[Elizabeth]

I was in this situation. I got to the Zoom interview stage but was not invited for an on campus interview. The next year I applied again and ultimately got the job. I just applied as if it were the first time, making no mention of my previous application.

[Bill Vanderburgh]

I think this is one of those situations where the relevant information just won't be available to the candidate, so all they can do is submit the best application possible and hope. It is so hard to know, from the candidate's position, why they weren't given an offer, or why such a similar position is on offer again this year. It could have been a failed search because the top candidate declined and the committee didn't feel they could accept the next candidate down the list. Perhaps the improved record resolves those worries. But perhaps it was something about fit or on-campus performance, and even though a strong candidate you won't get invited this year. Or maybe the search got cancelled for some reason outside the department's control, and they will be eager to see the candidate in the pool again. One could ask, but they probably can't/won't give a straight answer in advance of the committee review (the search chair might be sure that the candidate is/not a viable, but can't commit to anything until the committee meets, etc.). So just apply.

While I think Marcus is right that the cover letter should be an ordinary cover letter, perhaps a very brief email to the search chair to draw attention to your application wouldn't be out of place. Something like: "Dear chair, I was pleased to see that you have another ad for AOS this year. I really enjoyed my visit and would be eager to work in this role. As you'll note from my updated application materials, since we last spoke I have published x, taught y, and serviced z. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with the committee again." What do others think about this?