Looking for a job? Want to return to your old company? A sample letter to a former employer for rehire is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a letter you write to ask for your old job back, or a similar position. It shows you’re interested and serious about re-joining the team.
This article provides helpful templates. We’ll share example letters. These samples make writing your letter much easier. They’re designed to help you craft a persuasive request. You can adapt them to your specific situation.
Use our examples as a guide. They cover various reasons for wanting to return. From improved skills to changed circumstances. You’ll confidently write a letter that gets noticed.
sample letter to former employer for rehire
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Employer Name]
[Employer Title]
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Dear [Employer Name],
I am writing to express my strong interest in returning to [Company Name]. I enjoyed my previous role as [Your Previous Position] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. My time there was valuable, and I learned a great deal. I believe my skills and experience have grown significantly since then.
During my previous employment, I successfully contributed to [mention a specific achievement or two, quantifying if possible]. For example, I consistently exceeded sales quotas by an average of 15%. This demonstrates my commitment to exceeding expectations.
Since leaving [Company Name], I have gained further experience in [mention relevant skills or experiences gained]. This includes [give a specific example] which directly relates to the demands of a role similar to my previous one.
I am confident that I can make significant contributions to your team again. I am eager to utilize my enhanced abilities and experience to benefit your company. My resume provides further detail on my qualifications and recent accomplishments.
I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
How to Write a Sample Letter to Former Employer for Rehire
Laying the Groundwork: Assessing Your Situation
Before even considering penning a missive, perform a thorough self-assessment. Why did you leave your previous role? What has changed since then? Did you leave on amicable terms? Honesty is paramount here; glossing over past shortcomings will likely backfire spectacularly. A candid self-appraisal will illuminate your strengths and weaknesses, shaping a persuasive narrative for your re-engagement.
Crafting a Compelling Salutation: Beyond the Generic
Avoid the prosaic “To Whom It May Concern.” If possible, address your letter to a specific individual – your former manager, perhaps, or a key decision-maker within the Human Resources department. Personalization elevates your correspondence beyond a mere form letter, demonstrating initiative and a genuine interest in rejoining the company. A meticulously crafted salutation sets the tone for the entire epistle.
Articulating Your Rationale: Explaining Your Return
This section requires meticulous articulation. Clearly express your desire to return to the company, highlighting what you’ve learned and accomplished since your departure. Did you gain valuable experience elsewhere? Did you acquire new skills that would directly benefit the organization? Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible, using concrete examples to bolster your claims. Vague pronouncements of “improved skills” carry little weight.
Showcasing Accomplishments: Highlighting Your Value Proposition
This is not simply a reiteration of your resume. Focus on achievements directly relevant to the company’s needs and your previous role’s responsibilities. Showcase quantifiable results – increased sales figures, streamlined processes, cost reductions. Remember, you are selling yourself as an asset, a valuable resource that the company would be remiss to overlook.
Addressing Past Issues: Confronting the Elephant in the Room
If your departure was less than ideal, address it head-on. Own your mistakes, demonstrate contrition, and clearly articulate how you’ve grown and learned from past indiscretions. A forthright approach, demonstrating self-awareness and a commitment to improvement, is far more effective than obfuscation or evasion. Transparency breeds trust.
A Professional Valediction: Concluding with Conviction
Your closing should reiterate your interest and enthusiasm. Express your availability for an interview and provide your contact information. Maintain a professional yet confident tone. A perfunctory closing diminishes the impact of your meticulously crafted letter. Leave a lasting impression.
Proofreading and Polish: The Final Touches
Before submitting your letter, meticulously proofread and edit your work. Grammatical errors and typos can undermine your credibility. Have a trusted friend or colleague review your letter for clarity and impact. A well-polished letter demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism – essential qualities for any prospective employee.
FAQs about sample letter to former employer for rehire
Requesting rehire from a former employer requires careful consideration. A well-crafted letter can significantly improve your chances of success.
What should I include in a letter requesting rehire?
Your letter should reiterate your interest in returning to the company, briefly summarize your relevant experience and skills since your departure, highlight any new skills or qualifications you’ve gained, and express your enthusiasm for the specific role or type of work you’re seeking. It’s crucial to explain why you left previously and address any concerns they might have about your past performance. Finally, express your availability for an interview and thank them for their time and consideration.
How should I address my reason for leaving in my letter?
Be honest but positive. Frame your departure in a way that doesn’t place blame. For instance, if you left for a better opportunity, mention that you gained valuable experience but now believe your skills are better suited to your previous role. If personal circumstances necessitated your departure, briefly and professionally explain without going into excessive detail.
Should I mention my salary expectations in the letter?
Generally, it’s best to avoid specifying salary expectations in your initial letter. Focus on your skills and qualifications. You can address salary during a potential interview, once you have a better understanding of the role and their expectations.
How can I make my letter stand out?
Quantify your accomplishments and contributions from your previous employment. Use action verbs and provide specific examples of your successes. Tailor your letter to the specific company and role, demonstrating your understanding of their current needs and how you can fulfil them. Proofread carefully to ensure your letter is free of errors.
What if my previous departure was not under ideal circumstances?
Acknowledge any past shortcomings or negative aspects, but focus on what you’ve learned and how you’ve improved since. Show genuine remorse and a commitment to performing better. Highlight any positive changes in your work ethic, skills, or attitude that demonstrate your growth and maturity.
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