Coming back to an old employer can be a great move if you have thought through it. But there are some pitfalls you will need to avoid while communicating your desire to come back.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the best practices you can follow and some tips you can use when writing that email requesting to come back to a former employer. You will also get a sample email that you can edit and use as per your requirement.
Tips to Remember
Before sending out an email, take time to assess your motivation for going back. Ensure that this is not an impulsive decision that you might regret later.
Review company policies to find out if there is any information you need to reveal or action you need to take when intimating a possible return.
Ensure that your resume is up to date with not only the job you have had since but also the skills you have developed and certifications you have attained.
Prepare pointers that you can help you to address reasons for departure without creating a negative impression on you with your potential future employer.
Best Practices
Throughout the email and potential communication after that, use a polite and professional tone with the hiring manager/HR point of contact.
Explicitly state your intent of returning to the company and also specify the role you are aiming for so that there is no ambiguity and the recipient will be clear on what he/she has to do.
Highlight relevant skills and achievements you picked up during your time away and state how they align with the organization’s goals and aspirations both in the near and long term.
Try and state your motivation as to why you want to come back and make sure that you frame it as a win-win for the company and not just for yourself.
Do not forget to express gratitude to the hiring manager/HR for considering your request, politeness will help if you want to start building a rapport with them again.
Sample
Subject: Rejoining [Company Name] as [Designation]
Dear [HR Manager],
My name is [Your Name] and I was hoping to return to [Company] as [Old Role] and would like to pursue it starting from [Start Date]. I was [Old Role] for the period starting from [ Previous Tenure Start Date] to [Previous Tenure End Date].
Since my departure from [Company], I have built several skills like [List Skills] which will greatly enhance my work and help me contribute to our company’s success in a much better way than my previous tenure.
During my last tenure with [Company], I headed [Names and Details of Projects You Headed]. I also contributed to [Projects You Contributed to] and worked with [Teams You Collaborated With].
I left the company due to [Explain Reasons Why You Left] but now that I [Explain Why You are Coming Back]. This would be a great move for me and the company.
I am super excited at the prospect of contributing to [Company]’s growth and returning back to my team that I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of. I have attested 2 reference letters from my former managers at [Company] to assure you that people are keen to have me back in their team.
Thank you for considering my request to rejoin and if you would like to discuss this further, then please reply back to this email and we can arrange a quick call.
Thanks again.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Mobile Number]
Conclusion
It is important to get the communication right when you are looking to return to an old employer but by using the tips shared above and the sample email template, you can draft an effective email that might just get you the callback.
If you enjoy content like this consider checking out our other posts on email scenarios in the workplace. Also, if you want to improve your productivity and get more things done, consider downloading the Routine app, it is free to use.
