The Wall Street Journal-20080115-Tough Task- Getting Your Old Job Back
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Tough Task: Getting Your Old Job Back
Q: How do I ask my last boss for my job back? I was fired, but with the changes I've made in my life, I believe I might be rehired.
A: My first reaction is to wonder why you want your old job back. If you are rehired, you will need to work harder than before to regain your manager's and co-workers' trust.
If you really want to rebuild your career, don't limit your search to just your former employer. Improving your life and your skills probably means you have more job opportunities than before, says Steve Browne, director of human resources for LaRosa's Inc., a restaurant company based in Cincinnati. You may be better off making a fresh start.
It also isn't easy for fired employees to get their jobs back, Mr. Browne says. Companies typically can't stop terminated employees from reapplying for work, but some may have policies against rehiring them. If you decide that reapplying is a good career move, come up with strong business reasons to present to your former boss about why rehiring you makes sense, says Julie Cohen, a career coach in Philadelphia.
The fact that you're familiar with the job and the organization and that you don't need to be retrained are good reasons. If you are drawn back to the organization because of your passion and commitment to its mission, mention that as well, Ms. Cohen says.
Figure out how best to approach the company. It may be wise to contact the HR department or a former colleague to ask for advice, Mr. Browne says. If you plan to contact your former manager directly, decide if an email, letter or phone call is best. Also, rehearse out loud the answers to the tough questions you'll be asked, such as, "Why should we hire you back?"
