8 Tips For Getting Rehired By A Former Employer

The U.S. unemployment rate continues to fall (6.7% as of December 2013) and many people who had lost their jobs because of corporate downsizing are returning to their former employers for job opportunities.

While it may not be possible to get your old job back, if you enjoyed working at a certain company (and left on a positive note), then getting rehired is definitely an option. But before you apply for any positions, here are eight tips to consider:

1-Find job opportunities of interest. On your previous employer’s website, search for open positions that are of interest and download those job descriptions. Carefully read each job description, highlighting key requirements.

2-Update and customize your résumé. Tailor your résumé to those positions in a way that showcases your skills, education and your accomplishments that are most relevant to the job requirements.

3-Define your network. Make a list of everyone with whom you worked or knew at your previous company so you can see your network. LinkedIn is a helpful tool to accomplish this task.

4-Re-establish relationships. Using whatever means you’re comfortable with (LinkedIn, telephone, in person, email, Facebook, etc.), connect with key people to re-establish relationships. Focus on making contact with co-workers who saw your work firsthand and could be your “inside coach” to help you get back into the company. Also, find out what’s happened or changed since you left.

5-Spread the word. Let your network know you’re interested in getting re-hired. Offer to email them your updated résumé and ask them to submit it to hiring managers for positions of interest. Need references? This is also a good time to ask key people within your network to be included on your list of references or ask them for a recommendation (either a formal letter or a recommendation via LinkedIn).

6-Connect with HR. Did you work with or know anyone in HR at your previous employer, specifically in the area of recruiting? Contact them to let them know you’re interested in open positions that fit your background.

7-Stay current. Regularly review the company’s website for current job postings, and contact hiring managers for positions of interest.

8-Prepare answers. If you weren’t part of corporate downsizing due to the recession, have an answer ready for why you left and where you worked after leaving. Be able to explain why you want to come back and the value you would bring to the company if you were rehired.