I didn't get selected for service. Should I re-apply?

Allow us to walk with you down the path of this not-so-fun but oh-so-important question from our perspective as Peace Corps placement officers.

When you consider that nearly 23,000 applications were submitted last year and approximately 4,000 candidates were invited to serve as Volunteers, you realize that not being selected for service is actually quite common. Thus, reapplying to the Peace Corps is an option to consider.

Of course, it is really tough to receive this news, which will be shared with you via email no later than the "know-by" date for the program to which you applied. Give yourself some space to take it in and reflect, refresh and recenter.  

Perhaps a good starting point is to reevaluate whether the Peace Corps is the right fit for you right now? Maybe you haven’t yet deeply considered this question and your answer will be no. But for many, you’ve already asked this question and you’re ready to give it another go. Consider these tips as you prepare to re-apply.

1. Update and enhance your application

What did you learn the first time around? (Pro tip: One thing not to do is the exact same thing you did the first time. If you reapply, we want to see that you’ve enhanced various aspects of your application, skills and/or preparation for service.) Is your résumé tailored to the position(s) to which you’ve applied? Have you checked out the many resources on our website, attended an information session or application workshop, or spoken with Returned Peace Corps Volunteers or a recruiter? (Fun fact: Applicants who connect with a recruiter are 55% more likely to become Volunteers.)

What about your essay? Does it answer the question and did someone proofread it?

2. Acquire more experience

You might consider enhancing your skill set to match the requested needs of our host countries. The best way to know what they are looking for is to review the required and desired skills of the position description. This blog explains how to gain related skills. Sometimes an additional 30 hours of related experience can take your application to the next level.

3. Apply early

It's important to understand the process and be strategic with your choices on the assignment selection form. Positions are posted on the first of every month, with departure dates 11 months later, and selections are made on a rolling basis. Thus, we recommend submitting your application early in the application cycle rather than waiting until the "apply-by" date. And, whether you were interviewed the first time around or not, professionalism always matters.

Okay, so you’re ready to reapply? The good news is that it’s not hard. Once you receive official notice from the Peace Corps that we are unable to offer you a position at this time, you can reapply at any time ... although we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to ensure our system is ready for your next application.

To make reapplying easier, some of your submitted information is retained within our system. In fact, you don’t even have to complete the soft skills questionnaire again within one year. The one piece you must submit with each application is the health history form, as we all know our health can change from one day to the next.

Finally, if you were interviewed – depending on how much time has gone by since your most recent application – you may not need to undergo the full interview process again.  This decision will be left up to the discretion of your new placement officer, who will also determine whether or not your application will require another set of references.

So there you have it – the not-so-hard answer to a not-so-fun question. We look forward to the release date of the next generation of your application and can’t wait to experience all of its enhancements and upgrades. (Re)application 2.0 – we’re ready for you!

Ready to re-start your Peace Corps journey? Connect with a recruiter today.