Writing a Letter to Previous Employer for Rejoining (with Sample)
Use this sample letter as a template for your formal letter to previous employer for rejoining.
Last updated on November 11, 2020
There many reasons why you quit your job and just as many reasons why you want your job back. Hopefully, you left your employer on good terms, but even if there was some tension, there are ways to apologize for any unacceptable behavior and still get your job back.
When you have considered all of your options and are convinced getting your previous job back is your best choice, you need to write a convincing letter to your previous employer as to why it would be good for you to be rehired.
When you have considered all of your options and are convinced getting your previous job back is your best choice, you need to write a convincing letter to your previous employer as to why it would be good for you to be rehired.
It may increase your chances of getting your previous employment back if you do a little research of the company to see how things stand.
For example, if your supervisor is still there, it may help to mention that your supervisor gave you good evaluations. You may also find out that there are other positions open in the company and suggest you be hired for one of those if your job is already filled.
If your former boss is not the head of your department or even still with the company, you may contact another manager, whom you know, to ask to return to your job. Even if that person can’t help you, he or she may be willing to recommend you to the Human Resources Department.
Now, you are ready to write your letter. Ordinarily, you wouldn’t mention a boss’s health, but these days it is more considerate to wish a person well.
Otherwise, the letter should be formal and not have casual or social overtones. In the first paragraph, you should mention the purpose of the letter. You may write that you are looking for a job and would like a chance to return to your old job or apply for a different position in the company.
Even though the company may have your resume on file, you should attach it to the email to make it easier for your boss to see your qualifications. If you have added value to your profile, this is your chance to put it in your resume.
You may have worked for another company in a different position and gained knowledge or taken an online or college course to gain new skills such as accounting or computer skills. You may have gained a certificate for pre-school education or learned how to organize waste management.
This could help you qualify for a different position in the company and show that you haven’t been idle for the time you were not working. Finally, if you had to leave the job for reasons that were beyond your control, you may get compassionate consideration and a job offer.
Here are three tips for requesting a return to your old job:
- Maintain a relationship even if it’s just online with a colleague at your old company. Sent a text or email or post something on social media so they don’t forget you
- Keep in contact with any social media page the company has such as Linkedin or Facebook. If there are alumni employee’s parties or networks, you should join them.
- Be sincere about returning to your old job. Make sure it’s the right move for your career. You may be asked many questions such as why did you quit, why do you want to come back, what have you been doing and why should we rehire you? Your answers need to be open and honest.
Here is a sample letter to previous employer for rejoining.
Sample Letter to Previous Employer for Rejoining
Re: Job Application from YOUR NAME
Dear NAME OF EMPLOYER:
I hope you and your family are well. You may remember I was employed at NAME OF BUSINESS as a data processor for 10 years. When my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I left the job abruptly without proper notice to care for her.
She has fully recovered, so I would like to request to be rehired. I had good work reviews from my superior, NAME OF SUPERIOR, and hope you will consider giving me my job back.
I sincerely regret I didn’t depart the company in the best of conditions, but I was overwhelmed with grief and concern about my wife. If you rehire me, I assure you I will work hard for the long-term and not repeat my previous actions.
During the last six months, while at home caring for my wife, I took an online course to upgrade my IT skills. I believe I bring more skills to the job than I had when I left.
I realize the job I did is filled, but I would be willing to do any other job in the data processing or other department.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I can be reached at PHONE NUMBER or by reply to this email at any time and would be happy to meet you and discuss my request.
Sincerely,
YOUR FULL NAME
By Andre Bradley
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