Sample Email Asking for Old Job Back: Tips and Examples

Are you considering rejoining your previous employer but unsure of how to approach them? We’ve all been there. Writing a convincing email that portrays your genuine interest while highlighting your strengths can be daunting. However, fear not! We’ve gathered some sample emails asking for old jobs back so that you can take a cue. You can use the following examples as is or tweak them according to your unique scenario. Our aim is to help you draft an effective email that will maximize your chances of landing your old job back. Read on and get ready to impress your former employer!

The Best Structure for Asking for Your Old Job Back via Email

Asking for your old job back can be a daunting task, but with the right structure in your email, you can increase your chances of success. Here are a few tips and tricks that you can use to make your email stand out and increase your chances of getting your old job back.

1. Start with a friendly greeting

Starting your email with a friendly greeting is essential as it helps set the right tone for your message. You can use a simple “Hi [Manager’s Name],” or “Hello [Department Supervisor’s Name]” to begin your email. This greeting will create a rapport with your manager or supervisor and set the stage for your request.

2. Express Your Gratitude

When asking for your old job back, it is essential to express your gratitude for the opportunity you had in the past. This expression of gratitude will show your manager or supervisor that you appreciate the chance you had and are eager to work with them once again. You can use a simple phrase like, “I wanted to thank you for the wonderful opportunity to work with you in the past” to achieve this.

3. Remind Them of Your Contributions

It would be best if you reminded your manager or supervisor of your contributions to the company during your previous stint with them. You want to remind them of the value you brought to the team and the impact you made on the company’s goals. This reminder will help them understand how essential your presence is in the team and that you are worth rehiring. You can say something like, “I was proud to be part of a team that achieved [specific goal you helped achieve]. I believe I can contribute in a similar capacity if I am given the chance to work with you again.”

4. State Your Request Clearly

It would be best to state your primary request clearly, which is to get your old job back. State the specific role you are interested in and the department or team you want to join. You can use phrases like, “I would love to come back to [Department Name] and take on the [Job Title] role if available” to make your request clear.

5. Highlight Your Achievements Since You Left

Lastly, you want to remind your manager or supervisor that you are still a valuable asset, even if you’ve been away from the company for some time. Highlight any significant achievements or milestones you’ve hit in your career since you left the company. This reminder will reinforce your value and show them that you’ve become even better since you left the company. You can say something like, “Since leaving the company, I’ve accomplished [specific achievement related to your field] and feel that I have gained even more skills and insight that I can apply to [Department Name].”

You can end your email by thanking your manager or supervisor for taking the time to read your message and consideration. Use a closing signature such as, “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

With this structure, you can increase your chances of success when asking for your old job back. Remember that the key to success is to be polite, professional, and straightforward in your request. Good luck!

Seven Sample Emails Asking for Old Job Back

Rekindling the Passion

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you in good health. I am writing to express my interest in joining your esteemed organization again after having left it last year. The decision to leave was a tough one, but I wanted to explore new opportunities and broaden my horizons. However, I have come to realize that there is nothing that can replace the passion I had for working in this company and that no other organization can offer the same level of challenge and reward.

I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the team, given my past experience and knowledge of the organization’s culture. I am excited to rejoin the company and resume working on the projects I left unfinished. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Thank you for considering my application. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

A New Chapter

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you because I am interested in applying for a position at [Company Name] that I heard about from a friend who works there. I worked for the company in the past, and I have come to realize that it was the best job I ever had. I left the company to pursue other opportunities, but I am now in a position where I am ready to make a change and start a new chapter in my career.

I am looking for a new challenge in a fast-paced and dynamic environment where I can apply the skills and knowledge I acquired while working at [Company Name]. I believe that this position would be the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the team and to the company as a whole.

Please let me know if you need any additional information or if there is anything else I can provide to help with the recruitment process. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Starting a Family

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. As you may remember, I worked for [Company Name] in the past and left to pursue other opportunities. However, I am now at a stage in my life where I have started a family and am looking for a stable and fulfilling job. I believe that [Company Name] is the perfect place for me to resume my career and achieve my professional goals.

The time I spent at [Company Name] was one of the most rewarding and enjoyable periods of my career. I learned a lot during my time here and developed some invaluable skills that I believe would enable me to make a valuable contribution to the team. I am excited to rejoin the company and to be part of a team of professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Please let me know if there are any openings that match my profile, or if there is anything else I can do to assist you in the recruitment process. Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Returning to the Workforce

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I had worked previously. I had left my job at [Company Name] to take a break and focus on my personal life. However, I am now in a position where I am ready to get back to work, and I cannot think of a better company to start my career with again.

During my tenure at [Company Name], I received valuable training and had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects. I believe that I can apply the skills I learned in my past experience to the work being done at [Company Name]. I am confident that I would be able to make a positive contribution to the team and add value to the company.

Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of working with [Company Name] again and hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

[Your Name]

A Better Cultural Fit

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I had worked previously. I had left the company to pursue other opportunities, but I have come to realize that there is no other company that matches [Company Name] in terms of the culture and work environment.

I believe that the values of [Company Name] and its focus on collaboration and innovation align with my own personal values, and I am confident that I can make a valuable contribution to the team. I am excited at the prospect of rejoining [Company Name] and working alongside professionals who are passionate about what they do.

Please let me know if there are any openings that match my profile or if you require additional information from me. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

A Chance for Growth

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to express my interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I had worked previously. During my time at [Company Name], I was fortunate to work with a team of professionals who were supportive, helpful, and genuinely interested in helping one another grow.

I am confident that my time away from [Company Name] has prepared me to make a positive contribution to the team in a new role. My experience in other organizations has given me a broader perspective and a better understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s competitive business world.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to discussing my qualifications and experience with you in greater detail soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

A Change of Heart

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I had worked previously. I had made the difficult decision to leave the company to pursue other opportunities. However, I have come to realize that there is no other company that can match [Company Name] in terms of its people, its culture, and its commitment to excellence.

The time I spent at [Company Name] was one of the most enjoyable and rewarding periods of my career. I was fortunate to work with some of the best professionals in the industry and have learned a great deal from them. I am confident that I will be able to add value to the team in a new role and help the company achieve even greater success.

Please let me know if there are any openings that match my profile, or if you need any additional information from me. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for a Successful Email to Ask for Your Old Job Back

Leaving a job is a tough decision, and sometimes we may realize that it wasn’t the right move. If you are thinking about asking for your old job back, it’s important to do it the right way. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Be Clear and Specific

Don’t beat around the bush. Start your email by stating your intention to ask for your old job back. Be specific about the position and the department you want to return to. Include details such as your previous job title and the dates you worked there. It’s also important to explain why you left in the first place and why you want to come back.

2. Highlight Your Accomplishments

If you did a good job during your previous employment, mention it! Emphasize your successes, the milestones you achieved, and your hard work. This is the perfect opportunity to remind your boss or HR department what you brought to the table. If you have received positive feedback from colleagues or customers, include it in your email.

3. Acknowledge Your Mistakes

If you left your previous job on bad terms, it’s important to acknowledge any mistakes you made. Show that you are aware of why things went wrong and what you could have done differently. Make sure you apologize if necessary and explain how you have learned from your mistakes. Showing humility and a willingness to improve will increase your chances of being rehired.

4. Show That You Are Committed

Your employer will want to know that you are committed to the company. One way to demonstrate that is by explaining why you believe that your old job is the best fit for you. Show that you have done your homework, researched the position, and think that it aligns with your career goals. You can also mention any new skills you have acquired or any additional experience you have gained since you left.

5. End on a Positive Note

End your email on a positive note. Express how much you enjoyed working for the company and that you would be thrilled to return. Make sure to thank them for their time and consideration, and express your excitement to hear back from them. Remember to keep your tone professional and courteous throughout the email.

By following these tips, your email asking for your old job back can be a success. Remember that it’s important to be confident but also humble, and to show that you truly want to return to the company.

FAQs about asking for old job back


What should my subject line be when sending an email asking for my old job back?

Your subject line should clearly state your intention and include keywords such as “reapplication” or “job inquiry.” For example, “Reapplication for [Job Title] at [Company Name].”

How should I start my email asking for my old job back?

You should start your email with a brief introduction, expressing your interest in returning to the company and reminding the recipient of your previous employment.

What should I say in the body of my email?

You should explain the reasons why you left the company (if applicable), highlight any additional skills or experience you have gained since leaving, and express your passion for the company and the job.

What tone should I use in my email?

You should be professional and respectful, but also convey enthusiasm and positivity.

Do I need to attach a resume and cover letter when asking for my old job back?

It’s not necessary if you have already worked for the company and they have your information on file. However, if you have significant changes in your experience or education since your last employment, it can be helpful to attach an updated resume and cover letter.

How long should I wait after leaving the company before asking for my old job back?

It’s best to wait at least six months to a year before asking for your old job back, to give yourself and the company time to evaluate any changes and if they are a good fit for each other.

What if I left the company on bad terms?

You should acknowledge any past issues and explain how you have grown and learned from them. It’s essential to take responsibility and remain positive and professional in your communication.

What if my old position is not available?

You can inquire about other opportunities in the company or ask if they know of similar openings elsewhere. It’s also worth expressing your willingness to apply for other positions in the future if they become available.

How do I follow up after sending an email asking for my old job back?

You should allow a week or two for a response before following up with a polite and professional email. It’s essential to remain patient and not to appear pushy or desperate.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this article on a sample email asking for an old job back has been helpful to you. Remember, it’s never too late to right a wrong or to ask for what you want. As always, keep things casual and professional, and don’t forget to show gratitude for the opportunity. Don’t forget to come back and visit for more career advice and tips!