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Did you just start a new job and are already regretting quitting your last position? Or have you been demoted, laid off, or fired from your job? You may not be able to get your old job back, but it certainly doesn't hurt to ask. You have nothing to lose by sending a courteous request to be rehired.
Make sure you really want to return to the company. You left for a reason, after all. If you are only going back because it is the easiest option, think hard before sending a letter or email to ask for your job back.
Consider making a pros-and-cons list to consider whether you should return to the job.
Keep in mind that if you were to be rehired, you most likely would be starting over as a new employee. Your salary and benefits package may not match what you were earning before.
Remind your employer of the department you worked in, along with your job title. You might also mention how long you worked there. If you worked there for a while, this will remind them of your dedication to the company.
Start by sending the message to your former manager. You may also have to speak to human resources or upper management, but your former boss is a good person to start with.
Consider making a pros-and-cons list to help you decide whether you should return to the job. Be sure you really do want to return to the position before you ask to be rehired.
You need to convince your former boss that hiring you again is a great idea for the company. Tell them why you are a terrific fit for the job. If you achieved any big successes at the job (for example, if you have helped the company save money), remind them of this. If you have developed any new skills since leaving the job, mention them.
Don’t go into great detail in this letter. You can mention why you are leaving your new job, but keep it brief, focusing mainly on why you think you should return to your old position.
If your former boss considers you for the position, you will likely meet with him or her in person. During that meeting, be prepared to answer more questions about why you left your old job, and why you want this job back.
Your job might already be filled. Therefore, if you are willing to consider other open positions at the company, say so. Being flexible may help you get a job offer.
If you just quit your job and are having second thoughts, you may be able to withdraw your resignation and continue working in your current role. Here's how to withdraw a resignation, with advice on what to say to your manager, and sample letters and emails asking to rescind a resignation.
What should you do if you've been demoted, laid off, or fired? You may not be able to do anything about it, but it may be worth appealing the decision and writing a letter to ask the employer to reconsider.
Review tips for writing an appeal letter, with an example and template to use for your appeal.
If this is a written letter, use the official business letter format when writing your letter. Include your contact information at the top, the date, and the employer’s contact information. Be sure to provide a salutation at the beginning, and a handwritten signature at the end.
If this is an email, begin with a salutation, and end with your typed name. For an email, also be sure to include your name in the subject of the message to ensure your request is read.
This letter is what can get your foot back in the door at your old company. Therefore, take the time to make this letter as professional as possible. Read through and carefully proofread the letter for any errors.
This is an example of a letter asking for a job back. Download the letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online).
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Stephen Applicant
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
555-555-5555
stephen.applicant@email.com
Jerry Lee
Editor-in-Chief
XYZ Company
321 Metropolis Ave.
Business City, NY 54321
As you know, I recently started a new job at ABC Company. However, I have realized the job duties and work environment are not what I expected. I am therefore writing to inquire about the possibility of returning to my position as Assistant Editor at XYZ Company, which I held for the past four years.
I sincerely regret my decision to resign and if I were to be rehired, I can assure you I can offer a long-term commitment to the company.
In the interim period since I was Assistant Editor, I have gained experience with new content-management systems, including Drupal and WordPress. I believe these skills would be invaluable as ABC Company continues to expand its online presence.
If the company would consider rehiring me, I do understand that my job may have been filled. If so, are there any other open positions I would be eligible to apply for?
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you, and I am available at your convenience for a conversation. I can be reached at 555-555-5555 or stephen.applicant@email.com.
Stephen Applicant (signature hard copy letter)
A request to be rehired can be sent by email. List your name and former job title in the subject line of the message: "Your Name - Job Title." Include your contact information in the signature of the message to make it easy for your former supervisor to get in touch with you.
