What to do when your old company asks you to come back

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Dear Joan:
What happens when the company that you left several months ago asks you if you would like to reapply for a position at the old company because they heard you were unhappy in your new position?

This happened to me and I did, like a fool, reapply and interview but it got out of hand when they asked me what benefit it would be to hire me back into the company. I decided that they were a bunch of arrogant fools, who did not realize or care about what they had at the time I was working there. I told them that I wasn’t interested and that I am staying, and liking the new job.

This must happen to other people. Maybe not that exact scenario, but what are the considerations if you are asked to go back to your old place of work. Is it how they approach you or what they are offering you?

Answer:
Let me get this straight. They asked you to come back to work there, and then they asked you to justify why they should hire you? I’d be insulted, too.

It’s understandable why you were flattered to be asked back. Most people can only dream of being begged to come back to a job they left. After all, you might reason, once I’m gone they will realize how much they need me and realize that they didn’t appreciate me when I was there. You feel vindicated. You grant them an interview, or at least mull the satisfying possibilities. But let’s deal with reality. Here are some thoughts about when to consider returning and when to say, "Good riddance!"

If you left your job because you didn’t feel appreciated, you should ask yourself why and how that would suddenly change, if you returned. If, indeed, you felt trod upon before, it’s likely it will even get worse. Consider the rationale your former employer might use, "He came back, so he couldn’t have been too dissatisfied. He probably realized just how good he had it here!"

On the other hand, if you liked your former company but didn’t feel that you were growing in your job or advancing fast enough, it might be worth considering an offer for a bigger job. However, you should use the opportunity to request more money and other perks you want. After all, if they want you badly enough to want you back, you might as well ask for what you want. You have nothing to lose.

Often, when a former employer makes an offer like this, they realize that you have a special skill or you filled a need that they underestimated. Reconsider carefully, however. The old line, "You can’t go home again," can be very true in this case. It never will be the same. Even if you have every intention of returning and staying, your employer will probably be paranoid about your lack of loyalty. I’ve often heard employers say that they don’t make counter offers for just that reason. They figure if you’ve left once, you probably won’t be satisfied if you return, even if they offer you more money (money is usually not the reason people quit).

Perhaps another plausible reason to return to a company is if there has been a significant change in management. Frequently, people leave their jobs because they are dissatisfied with the way things are run. If the changes look sweeping enough, it might be worth considering a return.

In the final analysis, ask yourself why you left in the first place. Remember all the reasons you used to justify your decision. If nothing much has changed, don’t look back.

Dear Joan:
I originally interviewed for a permanent position. I was called for a second interview and informed that they would like to offer me the position. But because the person I was replacing was provided with a two week notice (he had the option to resign with a two week notice), they asked if I would be willing to come in as a temporary employee for two weeks and then they would offer me the permanent position.

I agreed to accept their offer but wanted to confirm that they were serious about me as a full-time employee. After meeting with them for a third time and confirming this, I agreed to start. I started the job a few days ago and I am still uncertain about their plans for me. Today, I found an ad in the paper for the position. Should I constructively confront the hiring manager for clarification? And how do I get a guarantee that they are really going to offer me the position?

Answer:
Your opportunity for a written guarantee may be gone. Ideally, after the third meeting, you should have asked for their commitment in writing, or written a summary letter yourself.

Because of the job ad, I think you have a logical reason to question your hiring manager. You might say, "I know we have a verbal agreement but I got a little concerned when I saw this ad." Another approach is to write a summary letter now, since you’ve only been on the job a short time. You can explain that you are merely summarizing the verbal agreement, so that everyone has the same understanding.

If the job falls through and someone else is given the position, you may have dodged a bullet. If they don’t honor their commitments to you before you work there, I can only imagine how they would treat you afterwards. 

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