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Re-applying to my former company and former role...

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Re-applying to my former company and former role...

Long story short - my department went from 4 people to 1 (just myself) in 2 weeks, then COVID hit. We did hire another team member, but they left a year later. I received approval to backfill and hired a replacement. They left after less than a year. A lot of tasks and responsibilities fell on me and I was dealing with health issues that resulted in two separate surgeries. I didn't feel I could get my head above water personally or professionally and was seriously struggling. I gave notice and have now been in my current role for a little over a year. Today, I saw my old role posted. I would like to re-apply but am afraid the relationship with my former boss may count against me. I still performed well in my role, but I don't think I would have been her choice of candidate for that position. There is now one layer of management between my old role and her.

During the year I have been gone, I have had the great chance to grow, mature, gain new perspective, and honestly get a mental break and physically heal. Since I've left, my former company has made great improvements to processes and people. Any recommendations on how I approach my desire to come back? Feedback on how to articulate my fresh perspective and growth since I've been gone?

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  1. Anonymous

    You just have to bite the bullet on this one. Considering your old boss will most likely be consulted first, you may want to reach out and test the waters to see if they will support your return. You fresh perspective can be described as a highly personal journey of improving your health and recoveryfrom burnout. Going into other areas of growth and maturity is up to you.

  2. Anonymous

    OP here - thanks for the comment! Do you think they would take it as a negative for me to expressly say I was burned out? It is true - and I believe a large portion of that was contributed to the pressures I put on myself. Other factors were my direct leader changing 3 times in 2-3 years and turnover in the generalist role. I do think if there is consistency in headcount for the department - more can be accomplished vs. me feeling like I wear the weight of it all.

  3. Anonymous

    It's certainly worth a try. It will come down to how much the old team (mostly the old boss) values your prior experience and knowledge v the need for fresh ideas, energy, flexibility and a new perspective. They may remember your burn out more than you think since it wasn't that long ago.

  4. Anonymous

    Honestly... that's what has driven my hesitation to apply. I did submit my application this morning. A great thing about working in HR is you see employees grow, mature, and develop. HR professionals are not exempt from that. I hope they consider the value I brought to the organization then, as well as the value I can bring now.

  5. Anonymous

    Crossing my fingers for you! You should hear back soon so keep us posted!

  6. Anonymous

    Be prepared to answer the question about what is different about you because the circumstances that caused you to leave are likely still there.

  7. Anonymous

    OP here - That is true! I will ask questions for sure. I know some of some changes already made that are really good (what I was seeking while I was still there)

  8. Maggie Stone

    Just playing Devils advocate here. If it took a year to get you back on track, why do you want to go back? Why do you want to leave your current role?

  9. Anonymous

    OP here - please challenge me on this! It did not take me a year to recover - but with the mountain of work and me putting pressure on myself to do everything, it did delay my recovery. After I left, they did add another person so the department is now a team of 3. The people still there are familiar with the organization - I feel comfortable the amount of work is more even spread than when I was there alone.

    I really love the people I worked with in my former org. It's really close to home and is in an industry I'm passionate about.

    I'm in the job market because during the interview/hiring process, my current employer described a very different company culture and leadership attributes than what is accurate. I wanted to give it time, but things have not changed. There are also concerns about financial decisions that leave me feeling uncertain about the future.

  10. Anonymous

    I would not return.

    No matter how much APPEARS to have changed, I'd feel like I was going backwards in my career. If you want the same role (I can understand), I'd apply elsewhere.

    Also, surgery aside, if it took a YEAR to recover- and if recruiting sees you are a veteran- despite changing processes: license fir taking advantage!! You'll be underwater again in no time. :(

    I'd take the opportunity to see organization as a memory and move on. JMO.

    Others in this string have excellent advice as well.

  11. Anonymous

    OP Here - thanks for your feedback! I wasn't clear in my original post - it did not take me a year to recover, but with the mountain of work and the pressures I put on myself to do everything, it delayed my recovery.

    Ultimately, I did really hate to leave my former role - I loved the people and am passionate about the industry. They have established some new processes and systems which should have a positive impact on HR operations.

    I hear you on potentially taking advantage and something to consider, however I think my past experiences with them could be leveraged to really make an impact (if they did move forward with my candidacy).

  12. Anonymous

    You gotta do what is RIGHT FOR YOU:)

  13. Anonymous

    There's a reason all of that happened. If they refilled your position shortly after you left and the position is vacant again it means nothing changed. I left a similarly toxic place. If you're thriving now, why go back to where you had to struggle and merely survive?

  14. Anonymous

    OP here - I'm in the job market because during the interview/hiring process, my current employer described a very different company culture and leadership attributes than what is accurate. I wanted to give it time, but things have not changed. There are also concerns about financial decisions that leave me feeling uncertain about the future.

    Having said that - I did really enjoy the people and industry I worked in. I would know what to expect and having this break - my mind is clear and I'm better equipped than I was when I left.

  15. Anonymous

    Ask them for an informal coffee chat, ask all the questions, and tell them about your growth in the last year. Get the vibe before re-applying.

  16. Anonymous

    two of my former coworkers left a job for different roles. The positions were filled and came open again. They were able to come back and work because they had a good relationship with the supervisor.

  17. GirlBossanova934974

    2 things come to mind right away. First, you have nothing to lose by applying to your old job. If they reject you, so what! You are currently employed, right? You lose a few hours of your time. But the ONE THING that hits me is that YOU have not said one good thing about your former employer! Oh the benefits were great? My coworker in XZY Department was a great mentor? Oh, they paid GREAT!? My boss was super? The skills I picked up were worth a year's pay? I am not reading any of that. Sounds like you want to go back to prove to yourself you COULD do it if things were not so bad in your own life. You can go back but you better have some GOOD reasons to do so other than this time, it will be better.......Hope hope hope.

  18. Anonymous

    OP Here - You are right - I didn't highlight the specific reasons why I want to go back. I love the industry, the people are fantastic, good benefits, very short commute, long history/stability and I honestly wasn't fully ready to leave. You are also right on me wanting to prove myself. I know what I have to offer and see the opportunities to improve things - I think I'm the right person to do it. I established great relationships with employees and leaders and they really valued and respected my expertise.

  19. Anonymous

    I would write up something about the items you list in your posting. Be heartfelt and reach out not only to the hiring manager but also leadership above. Let them know that the role was the best one you have had in your career and that your health struggles which are now resolved caused you to leave that job that you loved. Ask to be considered again directly and if you don't hear back, you know. If you do go in humble and well presented and upbeat. Focus on coming in and hitting the ground running and learning about the new things that have positively changed the company since you left. Good luck.

  20. Anonymous

    OP Here - thanks for the recommendations! In general, I'm a pretty humble person. I have no shame admitting where I could have done better or if I missed the mark. Overcoming my health struggles was huge - if that didn't happen, I do not think I would have left the company. I did highlight some strategies and programs I would work on if rehired in my cover letter. I hope they read it and see my passion and excitement to return.

  21. Anonymous

    You are very welcome! and if they don't, then clearly they don't deserve you. They should at the very least interview you again as a proven resource. If they don't shame on them.

  22. Anonymous

    Thank you so much! Given I was there for several years and have only been gone a year - I am hoping they do reach out for a call or interview. All professionals learn, grow and develop in their career - HR is not exempt from that. I'm hoping for that chance to highlight my growth and new perspective, showcasing my self-awareness and adaptability.

  23. Anonymous

    As long as you left on good terms and the employer isn’t toxic, I don’t think this would raise eyebrows at all.
    There’s nothing wrong with a heartfelt “I miss you guys” to your favorite manager followed by a coffee chat and you sharing that after some time to attend to your health issues and heal you’re hungry to get back into a role that you find more fulfilling. Then simply ask point blank if the manager thinks folks would be open to you reapplying. Any healthy company should be fine with this, so honestly if the answer if no you’re probably better off not working there anyway.

    Disclaimer: much spends on the industry, but in tech and most nonprofit offices people don’t tend to hold grudges about this. In staff roles for stuff like finance, higher ed, business/sales, they’re a bit more likely to orient to a person leaving as an act of disrespect, but that’s very much to the detriment of those workplaces.

  24. Anonymous

    OP here - thanks for your comment! My former manager is located in a different state. I did reach out to my former business partner that I would be supporting again, if rehired. We haven't been able to fully connect but they are aware I applied. There have been multiple instances of people leaving and coming back - hoping there is no grudge!

  25. Anonymous

    It's interesting what you said about higher education. I work in that business and they can certainly be petty in some aspects. Especially the gatekeepers who work hard to keep good people out if they choose to leave for better opportunities, then later decide to return because and even better opportunity became available. They view their initial departures as a sign of betrayal rather than advancement. However, I agree that she should reapply and learn the outcome rather than being left wondering what might have been. Best of luck!

  26. Anonymous

    Thank you! Of course I am hoping to be re-hired, but will accept whichever outcome I receive. It's better to know than wonder.

  27. Anonymous

    Absolutely! And if you are rehired, I hope your return meets your expectations. ?

  28. Anonymous

    I don't work in higher education. But I work in K-12th education. N the event you should leave your position even in the case of a medical leave or for taking care of family, it is seen as betrayal. This can be seen as a major career blunder to an hiring manager.

  29. Anonymous

    You can certainly try to reapply at the company you worked at. Sometimes, some companies allow you to reapply to work at the same company.

    At other times, you may be placed on a nonrehireable list. The employer may use an ATS filter system to prevent you from being rehired at least for that particular company.

    Just try to get some recommendations from another employer.

    Sometimes if you have a medical condition, say for anxiety, the employer may not be willing to cover the doctor costs or visits if you are rehired. At least, I experienced this. It did not seem right because I had been rehired.
    All I can say is to just reapply to work at the company. Good luck!

  30. Anonymous

    OP here - thanks for the encouragement. I applied today! From policy standpoint, I am rehireable, but we all know that doesn't mean I would get considered. Fingers crossed!

  31. Anonymous

    I say go for it! Then you have no regrets! Good Luck! Covid was tough on everyone and you had surgeries.

    Nothing to lose! At least you will have closure rather than what if.....

  32. Anonymous

    OP here - thanks! I formally submitted my application this morning. I am cautiously optimistic but will also respect and accept if they choose not to move forward with me. You are right - I have nothing to lose and perhaps this could be closure for me if I am meant to be elsewhere. Thanks for the encouragement!

  33. Anonymous

    Interesting...I was laid off last October because they didn't have enough funding to keep me. I wonder if this has changed (I noticed several people from the former company checking my LinkedIn profile). Would I consider returning to this role if that were an option? I've also grown a lot since October. The reason I would consider it is because I felt I didn't have a chance to develop and take things to the next level, as the pandemic caused everything to "shrink" including staff and budget. Let me know what you've decided!

  34. Anonymous

    OP - exactly this! It's been a little over a year since I left. In that time, I have been able to self-reflect and develop my viewpoint and mindset that I think now better aligns with the needs of my former org. I left many things on the table that I wanted to see come to fruition and have several ideas of new strategies and programs that I can implement should they consider me. I did include these in my cover letter, hoping to showcase the growth in my approach and skill set.

  35. Anonymous

    Amazing :) keep us updated if you hear back!

  36. Anonymous

    Thank you - I will!!

  37. Anonymous

    OP here - I spent quite a bit of time carefully crafting a cover letter that hopefully expresses my sincerity and highlights the strengths I would bring to the table from day 1. 100% agree that grass is not greener. I better appreciate what I had, but leaving also afforded me to think beyond my former mindset. I hope they sense my excitement and are able to see my improved way of thinking.

  38. Anonymous

    Would love an update if you applied or not! I've had friends go back to previous companies and they are thriving, happier than they've ever been because they can were able to lay out their expectations and say "I'll come back if..."

  39. Anonymous

    OP Here - I did submit my application yesterday morning! I've been looking at the status in the candidate portal and it still says under review. (I know, I know... like watching a pot trying to boil water). I am just eager. There a quite a few folks that left and came back to my prior org - I am hoping I can be one of them. I will post an update when I have one!

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