Should you go to work for a former employer?
Ken Pelczarski | TLT Career Coach July 2022
In the current job market, returning to a former employer can be a great option, given a few key contingencies.
Have you ever balked at working for a former employer because it did not work out the first time? Your feeling of hesitancy could be justified depending upon the reason you parted ways in the past. There are, however, many circumstances under which reconnecting with your former employer can work out well for both parties.
Historically, only a small percentage of employers have a firm policy of not hiring former employees. Through my numerous business contacts over the past few decades, I have found that most employers are open to hiring an ex-employee if the individual left in good standing and there is a likelihood of long-term employment.
The COVID-19 pandemic job environment since March 2020 has created even more situations than your average job market in which employers are considering hiring ex-employees. Throughout the pandemic, both the employer and employee may have parted ways reluctantly while knowing they may have continued their working relationship under different circumstances. In addition, there is a current talent shortage, so employers are searching harder for new pools of candidates including former employees.
When nearly 20 million jobs were lost in April 2020, employers were forced to let go many employees because of a downturn in business, low sales/profit forecast, CDC safety guidelines and/or the ability to employ certain types of individuals remotely. In addition, employees left good jobs voluntarily for reasons such as COVID-19 safety concerns, spending more time with family and/or re-evaluating career goals.
Below are some distinct advantages to accepting a position with a former employer.
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It is viewed favorably by most industry professionals that your former employer thought enough of you to rehire you.
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You already know the “lay of the land” and how to get things done and be successful.
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Both parties know each other and what to expect.
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You are likely to have previous years of employment reinstated for benefit purposes.
You may already be sold on going back to work for an old employer. Both parties need to be fully satisfied, however, and your former employer will need to evaluate a number of factors before committing to rehiring you.
What are some reasons for an employer to consider hiring an ex-employee?
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Hiring an ex-employee is not against company policy.
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It is not setting a dangerous precedent.
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The individual left in good standing.
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Reasons you left the company are no longer relevant.
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It is less difficult to evaluate a well-known strong performer.
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You display strong motivation for the position and company.
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Current or former employees recommend you.
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Your qualifications for the position are as strong as other candidates.
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The employer recognizes your value more now than when you were employed previously.
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You are better suited to work for the new company management and/or ownership.
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Hiring you will not cause a general company morale problem.
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Your compensation history fits into the company pay structure.
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The company has always valued your motivation and skill set but needed to let you go during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What are some reasons for you to consider going to work for a former employer?
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You regret ever leaving the company.
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Reasons for leaving have disappeared or lessened.
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You fit well into the new company culture.
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The company has recently become highly profitable.
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The employer now allows you to work remotely or in a hybrid schedule.
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The employer now allows flextime for greater work-life balance.
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You would be broadening your skill set in a new function.
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You would be advancing into a higher-level role than previously.
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You are offered a position with greater decision-making authority.
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The company recognizes your true value.
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You see a likelihood of long-term employment.
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Both parties agree that they are fulfilling a short-term need.
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The employer has a position available in a desired location.
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You have always respected the company, but the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a decision for you to leave.
What are some reasons for you to avoid working for a former employer?
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Reasons you left the company still exist (e.g., culture, top management, ownership, former boss).
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Hard feelings among management and/or coworkers may surface if you did not leave on good terms.
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Former coworkers may resent you if you previously underperformed.
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A former colleague may resent you if they are denied a promotion because you are rehired.
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The position is the same as previously, but you are looking for new learning and personal growth.
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You would be working for the same toxic boss.
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The employer does not appear to be making a long-term commitment.
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There are significantly better opportunities available in your field.
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You are offered non-competitive compensation and/or less money than previously.
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The company did not manage the COVID-19 pandemic well and did not take good care of employees during the height of the pandemic.
What are some ways to obtain a position with a former employer?
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Reach out to your closest contacts with the company.
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Learn what has changed since you departed the company (e.g., culture, top management, ownership, former boss, growth, profitability, morale).
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Confirm that you would fit well into the company culture.
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Get opinions on types of positions for which you would be best-suited.
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Request a personal recommendation from your inside contact(s).
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Learn the way to officially apply for the desired position.
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Express sincere interest in working for the company again.
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Explain why you see this opportunity as a great long-term career move.
Salary negotiations should go smoothly after you and your former employer decide to work together again, especially if you worked for the company in recent years. Your previous salary should provide a solid basis for discussion. A greater compensation package than the earlier employment will likely be appropriate if you have enhanced credentials through new learning or experience or are taking on a higher-level position with the company. In addition, average salaries have gone up significantly in recent times and will have increased in general since the two parties last worked together. The bottom line is that you should be able to negotiate an outstanding compensation package.
If you are searching for a new position, keep an open mind, and you may find your desired personal growth and challenge in a surprising place. Your next career opportunity just might be with a former employer.
Ken Pelczarski is owner and founder of Pelichem Associates, a Chicago-based search firm established in 1985 and specializing in the lubricants industry. You can reach Ken at (630) 960-1940 or at pelichem@aol.com.