Returning to Work as a Boomerang Employee

The Great Resignation drove millions of workers to leave their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic but now, some workers are returning to the companies they left garnering the nickname “boomerang employees.”

Employees returning to the jobs they quit or were let go from isn’t a new concept, but the trend is gaining traction. If you want to return to your old workplace, here are a few things to consider before accepting a boomerang offer.

Determine Why You Left—You may have quit your job for various reasons, such as a better opportunity for advancement, uncertainty during the pandemic or caring for a loved one. Working for your old company again wouldn’t be bad if you departed positively and avoided burning any bridges. Consider your reason for leaving and whether it is sufficient to warrant a return. Also, if you make it to the interview stage, be prepared to have an answer for the hiring manager or recruiter about why you left and what has changed.

Do Your Research—Do some research now that you’ve decided to rejoin your former employer. You don’t want to waste time getting rehired by a company that won’t hire you back. See if a returnship or return-to-work program is available through Human Resources. If you’re eligible to reapply, investigate any company changes since you left. If you can’t get hired for the same role, would you be willing to work in a different department? Are there any lingering issues that need to be addressed?

Showcase Your Skills—So, what makes this time different? Hiring managers will want to know why you are the best candidate for the job. Since leaving your previous job, you may have gained new skills or earned a degree or certification. You’ll want to create a positive re-entry experience. Show that you are eager to return to the company and why you’re the best fit a second time.

Be Confident About Your Decision—It’s important to think carefully about the decision to return to your old company. Ask yourself the tough questions and consider the benefits and drawbacks of working as a boomerang employee. Maintain your optimism about getting a second chance to reinvent yourself; it may lead to better results in the future, and you may be more committed to staying for the long haul.

Are you a boomerang employee? What other advice could you give to workers considering returning to their old company? Let us know in the comments section below!

Comments

  1. Mitchell Byers

    Returning to a previous employer, no matter how or why you left or were let go, is a horrible thing to do. I’ve done it… twice, and I know others who have done it too.

    Even if you left on good terms or were just laid off — if it has been several years, no one remember that; they just assume you are a bad person or a bad worker.

    The first few weeks might be great, but after that, you will be treated like garbage, or else like a second-class citizen. One of these will happen: You will suddenly be expected to know the thousand changes that occurred since you last worked there, OR you will be completely left out or uninvolved from everything — because they will think that you are no good or they will think: “oh, they’ll just leave again, so why bother including them”.

    If you’re lucky, you might make it a year or two… but you’ll be soon working on that resume again.

  2. Post
    Author
    Asia Johnson

    Hi Edward,

    This blog is ran by Express Employment Professionals. Please reach out to your local Express office to assist you in your job search by clicking here.

    Thank you.

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