Strategies for Rejoining a Previous Employer After Layoff: HR Insights and Recommendations

Hi All,

Since this portal is mainly for HR-related issues, I would like to have my query answered by HR professionals. I worked for a company for almost 4 years, moved from one project to another. I was a dedicated and honest worker, received promotions, and recognition. However, one day, due to no project availability, I was asked to quit, which I did on good terms.

Now, I am unsure if I was asked to leave due to performance or other reasons since other colleagues could stay and survive. What are my chances of returning to my parent company? What should be the ideal process to get this answered?

Your suggestions are highly appreciated.

Regards,
Vijay

Hi Vijay,

At times, when the company lays you off, it does not mean that you are a bad performer. Restructuring in any organization takes place due to business decisions. Sometimes, when you do not have a project at hand, too, the company cannot keep you for too long as they are dependent on their clients. If you get an opportunity to work for the same company, you can take it up and look at it positively. Remember, you were a good performer, and that's why the company is willing to take you back.

Regards,
Supreetha

Thanks for the reply. I am yet to approach my previous employer. I am not sure if they would consider me since it's been 4 years. Also, I am unsure of how I should approach them - in person or through email.

Regards,
Vijay

Greetings,

The ideal way to approach is through the Hiring Manager. Is your reporting manager still employed by this firm? Do you have an option to find out the reason for the layoff through a trusted channel?

Applying through job sites might look ideal, but it can be dicey given the number of applicants you will have to compete with. I suggest you undergo a background verification for your profile with this employer, and depending on that outcome, you can apply through the connections you had established earlier.

There are many background verification companies that offer candidate verification. You might have to pay for this service, but initiating this process will help you apply with confidence.

Looking forward to hearing from you! Wish you all the best.

You should have asked at the time of termination what the reason was. If you had been working there for a long time, before leaving, you could have easily sat down with your boss or director and asked them to explain why you were asked to quit and what the possibility of working for them again might be.

It's not useful to dwell on that now, but if you still know people you worked with previously, especially managers familiar with your work, you can call and inquire about any available vacancies that you could apply for. Since you left on good terms, I don't see any reason why they would not respond politely.

If reaching out to former colleagues is not an option, you can simply visit the office, meet with the recruitment head, and discuss the possibility of employment while providing them with your CV. If you are still in contact with someone from the company, you can leverage that connection if necessary to further your case.

Hi Vijay,

Not every organization discloses the reason why they let you go. I would say bury the past behind and don't worry too much about it. If you can get in touch with your hiring manager, that would be ideal; else, talk to HR directly. Also, if any of your friends are still working there, they could refer you. Employee referrals hold more value than walk-ins or applying through agencies. Don't worry too much; get in touch with them. If they have openings, they will willingly take you back, and if they don't, there is always a better road ahead, so just look elsewhere.

Regards,
Supreetha

Hi,

I would suggest an indirect approach. Get in touch with any old associate and try to find out if there are suitable openings. If the response is positive, then drop in and contact HR.

Regards,
Col. Rathi

Everyone can have a job. Going back to anyone's previous employer will only humiliate you. Rest assured, you will not receive the same respect and recognition that you enjoyed earlier.

Mr. Vijay,

First of all, I want to ask you why, after a 4-year gap, you wish to rejoin an organization that previously laid you off without proper reasons or explanations. Think twice. If there are no other job opportunities or reasons compelling you to do so, then you may consider reaching out through the various means suggested by many respondents in the thread.

In this scenario, your image and dignity could be enhanced if your former employer were to offer you a higher pay and position upon your return. Otherwise, the situation may take a negative turn.

If I were in your position, I would strive to present myself in a more significant way to my ex-colleagues and the organization by maintaining occasional contact with them.

I agree with Frederick – everyone can find a job. It would be advisable to explore other alternatives.

Whether it is suitable or not, I am unsure, but this is my personal opinion.

Dilip Bhandari