How to Get a Job Where You Used to Work

How to Get a Job Where You Used to WorkHow to Get a Job Where You Used to Work4Sometimes, you dont realize what you have until its gone. If this is true for you and your work life, what can you do to turn back the clock and get a job where you used to work?While initially it may seem like it should be easier to land a position in a place youve already worked, in some situations, your past connection there may be a liability. If you quit due to conflict or otherwise parted ways on bad terms with your former employer, it may not be that easy to return for an encore performance. Even if you left on a high note, there may be challenges to stepping back in where you left off or getting a foot in the door for a higher role.To navigate this potentially awkward situation, here are four tips to help you think through your options and improve your chances of success when approaching your old organization1. Have a good reason to return.Whether you left as a beloved star employee or burned bridg es on your way out the door, your former employer will want to know why youre asking to come back now. Even if you had a valid explanation for your departure, the fact is that you did leave to take another opportunity, whether professional or personal. Be prepared to explain your rationale for reapplying, and share with the hiring manager what skills and experiences youve gained in the interim that make you an even mora desirable candidate today.2. Leverage positive connections.No matter where you used to work, chances are that you remember some colleagues fondly while others not so much- and vice versa. This means you need to use good judgment about which of your old contacts you reach out to when trying to network back into the company. Ideally, youve kept in touch with a handful of your favorites, so asking for updates about the company or position wont come out of left field. Since not all relationships are equal and some may even hurt more than help you, be careful who you ask for help. Focus on reconnecting with your strongest allies with whom you have the most positive associations.3. Polish up your resume.You might feel that your resume is less important when presenting it to your former employer, since they have already seen what you can do. But its crucial to position your achievements accurately when submitting a resume to a companywhere you once worked- and in fact, failing to do so can jeopardize your chances of working there again. Be careful about how you present the work and accomplishments from your past stint at the company, advises Alex Twersky, cofounder of Resume Deli. Chances are, if you inflate your past responsibilities or contributions- or worse still present something inaccurately- there will be someone on the hiring end with legacy knowledge that may catch you in your innocent (hopefully) misstep.4. Make a case for your value.Dont assume that just because you did a good job at a company previously, youll be a shoo-in for a new positi on there. For one thing, depending on how long ago you left, there may be a new wave of decision makers who are unfamiliar with your prior performance. Another issue is that the hiring team may expect even more from you as a returning employee, so youll need to show them why youre truly the best person for the job, using specific examples from your previous experience both inside and outside the company. Your interviewers may also expect to hear about your renewed commitment to the organization to assure them you wont just leave again at the first opportunity.While each of ansicht strategies may help you earn a place back at the table, its smart to think through what you really want before you pursue a new position at a place you used to work. Remember what factors led you to pull up stakes previously, and be sure that you wont find yourself dealing with the same issues. While returning to the familiarity of an organization at which youve already been employed may bring some comfort , be sure youre doing it for the right reasons. Ask yourself, Am I doing this because I believe this is a great opportunity, or because Im afraid to try something new?Readers, have you ever tried to get a job where you used to work? Was the outcome what you expected? Share your experience with us below