How to Professionally Ask for Your Job Back (With a Sample Letter)
There are times when, after leaving a job, you might realize that your former position was a better fit than you thought. Perhaps the new role didn’t live up to expectations, or maybe personal reasons prompted your departure, but now you’re ready to rejoin your old team. Asking for your job back can feel daunting, but if approached with professionalism, humility, and a clear case for why you should be rehired, it’s possible to regain your old position.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to professionally ask for your job back and offer a sample letter template to help you craft your request.
Steps to Professionally Ask for Your Job Back
1. Reflect on Why You Left
Before making any moves, it’s important to reflect on why you left the company in the first place. Was it for a better opportunity, personal reasons, or workplace dissatisfaction? Understanding the reasons behind your departure will help you address any concerns your former employer might have when you request to return.
2. Assess the Situation
Think about the current state of your former company. Have there been changes since you left? Is your previous role still available, or has someone else filled it? Even if your old position is no longer vacant, there may be other opportunities within the organization. Research the company’s latest developments to determine where you might fit back in.
3. Evaluate Your Relationship with Your Former Employer
Your chances of being rehired depend largely on the nature of your relationship with your previous employer. If you left on good terms and maintained a professional rapport with your former colleagues, your chances of being welcomed back increase significantly. However, if your departure was contentious, you may need to do more to repair the relationship before asking to return.
4. Revisit the Skills You Gained Since You Left
One of the best ways to strengthen your case for rehiring is to highlight the skills, experiences, or knowledge you’ve gained since leaving. If you’ve been working in a similar field, how can those new skills benefit your old employer? Demonstrating that you can add additional value to the organization may make you a more attractive candidate than when you left.
5. Reach Out to Your Former Employer
Once you’ve done your reflection and research, the next step is to initiate contact. It’s best to start with a polite, professional email or letter expressing your interest in returning to the company. Be clear about why you left, why you want to come back, and how you can contribute to the organization moving forward.
6. Be Prepared for Any Response
While it’s possible your former employer may welcome you back with open arms, there’s also a chance they may not have a role for you at the moment, or they may have reservations about rehiring you. Be prepared for any outcome and stay professional regardless of the response.
Sample Letter to Ask for Your Job Back
Below is a sample letter that you can use as a template to request your job back. Be sure to personalize it based on your situation and relationship with your previous employer.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]
[Employer’s Name]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in returning to [Company Name]. Since my departure, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on my career path, and I realized that my time at [Company Name] was incredibly valuable. The skills and experiences I gained while working as a [Your Previous Position] have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.
While I initially left for [briefly explain your reason for leaving], I now recognize that the culture, teamwork, and mission of [Company Name] are a perfect fit for my career aspirations. I am eager to bring back the skills I have acquired during my time away, including [mention any new skills or experiences], and contribute to the continued success of the team.
If there is an opportunity available, I would be thrilled to discuss how my renewed dedication and experiences could benefit the company. I would be grateful for the chance to reconnect and explore the possibility of rejoining the team.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you are open to a conversation, and I am more than happy to provide any additional information or attend an interview at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Additional Tips for Success
- Maintain Professionalism: Always keep a professional tone when communicating with your former employer. Whether they are enthusiastic about your return or hesitant, maintaining your composure and professionalism will leave a positive impression.
- Be Honest: Honesty is key when asking for your job back. Be upfront about why you left and what has changed that makes you want to return.
- Keep Networking: Even if your former employer doesn’t have an open position for you at the moment, keep the door open by maintaining a positive relationship. Networking can lead to future opportunities.
Conclusion
Asking for your job back can be an intimidating task, but with careful preparation and a professional approach, it’s possible to regain your old position. Reflect on your reasons for leaving, assess the current situation, and present your renewed value to the company. A well-crafted letter, like the one provided above, can help you make a compelling case to your former employer.
For more professional tips on navigating career transitions, check out our latest articles on How to.
