Going Back to an Old Job: When It Makes Sense (And How to Do It)

You've taken a new role, but things aren't going as expected. Or worse: you left your former company without a lined-up opportunity, and are now feeling stuck in your job hunt. Either way, one question keeps nagging at you: "Should I go back to my old job?"  

This thought is often followed by a wave of emotions, like doubt, frustration, and even shame. You may be afraid of taking a step back or looking like a loser in front of your former colleagues and manager. Perhaps you're just nervous about making the wrong move again. Be as it is, don't let this stop you from getting what you want—or need.

Think about why you're considering going back to an old job and where you are at your career right now. It's not always an easy decision, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's some expert advice about how—and when—to return to a former employer.

Is it OK to go back to an old job?

When it comes to returning to an old job, there's no right answer. It's something you should consider after carefully reviewing your situation and weighing the pros and cons. 

“This is a very personal decision. If someone left a job there was most likely a reason for doing so,” says career and leadership development coach Amy Fauth. Before deciding, ask yourself these questions:

1. Why did I leave? When you miss something about your past, it's easy to remember only the good things. But if you've decided to leave, there was probably a valid reason for it. Take another look at why you made that decision and see if it still matters today.

2. What do I miss about my old job? If you want to go back, there's likely something about your former role that sparks your interest. Did you prefer the company culture back then? Did you have better relationships with your colleagues? What about the benefits and opportunities to grow? All these factors should be taken into account.

3. What don't I like about my current job? OK, you're unhappy in your current role, but why is that? Did they lie to you during the interviews? Is the work environment toxic? Are you burned out, or anxious about not being able to fulfill their expectations? Think about it.

4. Will going back make me feel more fulfilled and successful? Also think about whether going back to your old job will actually help your career and life, or if you're just craving something familiar, even if it's not necessarily better. 

5. Did the old company change after I left? If you left not long ago, the answer is likely no. But if you're gone for a while now, chances are the company will not be the same anymore. Of course, it could have changed for the better—but that's something to keep in mind.

Writing your answers down or making a pros and cons spreadsheet might help clear things up. “If the company culture, work environment, and responsibilities still resonate with your career aspirations, going back can be beneficial,” says Nicole Griffin, talent acquisition leader.

Is it embarrassing to go back to your old job?

Some people might think returning to an old job is a sign of failure, but that's far from the truth. A 2022 survey revealed that 43% of workers who changed jobs during the pandemic regretted their decision. 

The same research showed that 1 in 5 of these workers returned to their former jobs. This implies that 1) you're not the only one in the “I want my old job back” ship and 2) there's nothing embarrassing about it, so much so that there are managers out there rehiring people.

How to get your old job back in 5 steps

It's decided: You're going back to your old job—or at least you’re going to give it a try. Now it's time to take the necessary steps to make it happen. We've put together an easy-to-follow guide to help you get there:

1. Check the company's policy

First things first: You'll need to double check the company's policy to make sure there are no restrictions on rehiring former employees. Some organizations have a no rehire policy, but are willing to hire people who used to work for them as freelancers, for example.

2. Network, network, network

If the company's policy allows rehiring, then you're good to go. Contact HR and/or colleagues you had a good relationship with. “Start the conversation to express interest in returning,” says Griffin. These connections could also give you a clearer picture of the current opportunities available. 

“Connect on LinkedIn, invite them to coffee or lunch, send an email, or give them a call. The best way to reach back out will depend on the relationship you had prior to leaving,” says Fauth.

If you feel like it's best to keep the conversation online, be professional about it. “Craft a personalized message. Be respectful of their time and open to scheduling a call or meeting to catch up,” says Griffin.

3. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile

Stay ahead of the game and update any relevant information that could grab your former employer's attention. “Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile reflect your current skills and experiences,” says Griffin.

Be aware that you won't necessarily receive any special treatment just because you used to work for them. So yes, leverage your past relationship with the company, but also treat the application process like any other candidate would.

4. Prepare for an interview

You're likely going to be interviewed. So “prepare by researching recent developments in the company and articulating how you can contribute effectively in your previous role or in a new position,” says Griffin.

You'll also want to be ready to:

• Explain why you left and why you want to come back: What happened? Why do you think going back is right for you? 

• Outline what you've learned with this experience: Did you have new responsibilities? What skills have you developed? 

• Prove your commitment to the company: Since you're already left before, why should they trust you and believe that you're not going to get frustrated and leave again?

5. Resign from your current job

Quitting a job without a backup plan is almost never a good idea—unless you have enough savings to support you. If that's not your case, keep your current job until the whole hiring process is finished. If everything goes as planned and you're able to get your old job back, then you can resign.

Also, keep in mind that if you're quitting a job you just accepted, you may end up burning a bridge. So try your best to thoughtfully explain the situation and why you're leaving so soon, and do what you can to make the transition smoother.

What to say when you want to return to your old job

First of all, you should “express your interest in reconnecting, and emphasize shared experiences or accomplishments from your time working together,” says Griffin. If you'd like to do this over email, it's a good idea to craft your message in a cover letter style. That's how:

Highlight your past experience at the company

Mention your role and the team you were part of. “The best way would be to talk about the things you enjoyed about the company or team you worked with,” says Fauth.

You can also add what you've developed or achieved while working there. “Acknowledge your previous tenure with the company in a positive light. Briefly mention your past contributions and accomplishments, demonstrating your familiarity with the company's values and culture,” adds Griffin.

Explain why you left—and why you want to come back

It's OK to be honest, but keep it professional and avoid giving unnecessary details. Instead, make a connection between what you've learned at your current company and how it made you a better fit for your old role now. 

“Keep the tone professional and forward-looking, focusing on how you can contribute to the organization's success in the future,” says Griffin.

Showcase what do you have to offer

Like any other letter asking for a job, this one should include what you can bring to the table. Even though they already know you and your past contributions—assuming the management hasn't changed—it's still important to give them a reason to have you back on the team. 

“Emphasize how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for the company's current and future goals” Griffin says. 

Cover letter returning to old job: Template

Here's a template so you can use those tips in practice. Just fill in with your information and make the necessary adjustments to fit the message you want to send.

Subject: [Your Full Name] - Inquiring about previous role

Dear Ms./Mr. [Last Name],

This is [Your Full Name]. As you know, I've worked at [company name] as [job title] from [beginning date] to [end date]. I worked in the [team you were part of or department title] supervised by [Name of Manager]. 

I am writing to inquire if it's possible I return to my former job. I left this position because I wanted to pursue [brief mention of the reasons why you left]. Now I feel that [reasons why want to leave your current job]. I enjoyed my time at [current company], but I do miss the routine of my old job, my former colleagues and the partnership we developed throughout the years.

I believe that working as a [current job title] made me grow as a professional and as a person. I developed [hard skills], expanded [what you learned]  and learned how to [soft skills]. My goal is to put all this new skill set to work for [company name], to help the [team/department name] achieve its current and future goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you would like to meet to further discuss my interest in the position.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Cover letter returning to old job: Example

Here's what the letter looks like after you fill in your details. Use this example as a guide to craft your email.

Subject: Anna Lee Wright - Inquiring about previous role

Dear Ms. Williams,

This is Anna Lee Wright. As you know, I've worked at The Test Company as a Sales Manager from December 2021 to January 2024. I worked in the Marketing & Sales department supervised by Zoey Scott. I am writing to inquire if it's possible I return to my former job.

I left this position because I wanted to pursue a merchandising career and expand my knowledge in other selling areas. Now I feel that my interests are more aligned with the Sales Manager position. I enjoyed my time at The Zyx Company, but I do miss the routine of my old job, my former colleagues and the partnership we developed throughout the years.

I believe that working in merchandising made me grow as a professional and as a person. I developed a deeper knowledge of sales strategies, expanded my ability to lead multiple projects and learned how to better communicate with the people I manage, as well as with high profile clients. My goal is to put all this new skill set to work for The Test Company, to help the Marketing & Sales department achieve its current and future goals.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please let me know if you would like to meet to further discuss my interest in the position.

Best regards,

Anna L. Wright

After sending your email, any outcome is possible. They may want you back right away or may not. If the response isn't the one you're expecting, don't get discouraged and avoid taking it personally. Companies are always readjusting their budgets and resizing their teams—especially during difficult economic times, so it's probably not about you. Keep a positive attitude because it can still happen in the future.