How to Ask For Your Old Job Back After Quiting was originally published on Ivy Exec.
You quit for another position in a different firm to take your career to the next level. But now, your new role isn’t what you dreamt of, and you regret leaving your old workplace in the first place. So, do you accept your fate and stay until you get a better opportunity?
Quitting your job doesn’t mean you can’t return, especially if you left on good terms. Still, approaching your former boss may be tough, and you might be a bit embarrassed. If you constantly think about your old job and wish you hadn’t left, follow these steps to ask for it back.
🔹 Find Out if the Position Is Available
Some companies take weeks or even months to fill positions. Your old job may be open or filled depending on how long ago you quit. Before asking for it back, it’s a good idea to confirm if it’s available first.
Visit your former company’s website to see if there is an ad for the position. Besides, check social media pages for updates about new hires. You can also ask your former colleagues if you are still in touch with them.
Many employers give new hires a probationary period to assess if they are a good fit for the company. So, you may still have a chance even if you discover your old job is already filled. If the new hire fails to meet expectations, the employer may be open to rehiring you.
🔹 Research the Skills Needed for Your Old Job
Your former employer may change the requirements of your old job after you quit. They might need someone with specific expertise or skills that are in high demand. Further, they may want new candidates to be familiar with particular tools or have a specific certification.
As you consider asking for your old job back, you should determine if the employer needs the same skills you possess. If you identify that you don’t meet the new requirements, figure out how you can still be competitive.
Enroll for additional training so that it will be easier to convince your old boss to rehire you. Equip yourself with high-demand skills to stand out from others eyeing the job.
🔹 Approach Your Former Employer
Once you establish that your old job is available and you have what it takes, it’s time to meet with your former boss. Even if you plan to send in a fresh resume, it’s better to meet with HR beforehand. Express your interest in the position and let them know you’ll reapply.
Your former employer will likely have questions when you tell them you want your old job back. After all, they might be skeptical about spending their resources on you when you could quickly leave again. They may also wonder why you want to quit your current position.
Be honest about why you want your old job back, but avoid speaking ill of your current employer. Even if they are the main reason you don’t want to stay, find better ways to frame your answers. For example, you could mention that you prefer the culture of your previous workplace to that of your current one. You may also say that you felt more fulfilled in your old position.
🔹 Explain Why You’re Still an Asset
Showing an employer you will be an asset can help you regain your old job. They will likely consider you over new candidates if you can prove your value.
When asking for your old job back, focus on your accomplishments while at the company. Remind your former boss how you helped them secure big clients and made notable profits. Highlight your main achievements while you held the position in question and showcase your impact on the brand.
If a notable period has passed since you quit your job, you must sell yourself. Inform your former boss about your new skills and explain how they make you more efficient. Let them know about your performance and responsibilities in your current workplace.
Highlight the positive changes you brought to your current workplace without leaking confidential information. Don’t forget to support all your claims with figures and, if possible, present a recommendation letter.
🔹 Negotiate Better Terms
You might be afraid to negotiate with your old boss because you think they will do you a favor if they rehire you. But the truth is, this move will benefit you and the employer. They will save money that they would otherwise use to advertise and recruit. Moreover, they won’t spend a lot of resources training a new person since you are familiar with the job.
Negotiate for better terms when asking for your old job back. Even if you get the same title, you could ask for a higher salary or more benefits. You may also request the employer to alter some terms of your previous contract for more flexibility.
If you feel your former boss is willing to offer a better deal to rehire you, that’s a good sign. They value you and appreciate how well you did your job.
🔹 Be Ready to Compromise
Your former employer might be unable to meet all your requests when considering you for your old job. They might not have the budget to pay you the salary you ask for, even if you deserve it. Moreover, they might have some reservations about rehiring you, especially if you quit after a short period.
Be ready to compromise when asking an employer to take you back. If they agree to rehire you, be open to signing a short-term contract, provided the salary isn’t lower than what you made before. On the other hand, if they offer a different position, consider whether it has reasonable terms.
While it’s okay to compromise, you should always evaluate your decision before returning to your old job. It would be unfortunate if you accepted a different deal, only to regret it later and quit again. Weigh all your options and determine if there is room for more negotiation before signing a new contract.
Secure Your Old Job With Confidence
Asking for your old job shouldn’t make you feel embarrassed or like you’re derailing your career. With the right approach, you can convince employers to rehire you and offer more perks. Ensure you’re professional when negotiating and highlight what you like about the company to boost your odds.
