"Have you applied before?"
 

Many applications have that question on it and I am wondering to what extent is it used? I am told by many people to apply for any job even if I do not meet the minimum requirements. Worst that can happen is you get an automated message saying you do not meet the minimums.

However, lets say a year or two down the road I DO have the minimums and have to check "Yes" I have applied before. How is that question used? Is it a strike against you because you have already gotten rejected once?

Thanks.

You haven't been rejected if they never called you. Answer yes if you have. There's nothing to worry about. What are you going to do, say no? You don't know how long they keep apps on file.

Not in the slightest. Employers typically like tenacity - I've said it before and I'll say it again... there isn't an employer on the face of this Earth that doesn't want to know you want to work for THEM. You haven't been rejected if you've never interviewed. Most employers will keep an application active for one year - update it!

Even if you had been rejected (from an interview) in the past it isn't a strike. At best, IF they were to pull a previous app with interview notes it would be from a curiosity standpoint... they would then be looking at what you've done since then. How have you grown...

Send those apps!