Whether you left a job to explore new opportunities, needed a break, or experienced an unexpected layoff, sometimes the desire—or need—to return to a previous position emerges. Asking for your old job back isn’t always easy. In fact, it can feel like a difficult conversation for many. But you know what can help? Putting it in writing.
A rehire letter can be a professional, thoughtful approach that’s less stressful than having an in-person conversation—at least as a starting point. However, getting it right requires a careful balance of honesty, respect, and a clear understanding of why you want to return. This article will cover how to write one, with tips and sample letters for asking for your old job back.
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Is it OK to ask for your old job back with a rehire letter?
Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out to your former employer through an email or letter to ask for your old job back. In fact, this can be a professional way to express interest without putting your former employer on the spot.
Acknowledge why you left, express what has changed, and communicate why you believe returning is the best step for both you and the company. Whether you left on good terms or faced challenges, addressing the situation with maturity can increase your chances of a positive response.
When done well, a rehire letter can help rebuild connections and reestablish your credibility. Still, keep in mind that timing, approach, and tone are crucial.
When to send a rehire letter
This is a situation where the context is incredibly important. Asking for your job back after you left with minimal warning is very different from asking for your job back when you've heard that they're struggling to replace you and would welcome your return.
“If there's one common denominator here, it's the importance of networking skills,” says CEO Rafi Friedman. “This is how you'll be able to find out if your old job is still available, how people feel about you, and when and how to ask for your old job back.”
You can launch this effort via email—which could be ideal for saving your communication for future reference in case there are no openings at the moment—or with a more personal form of contact, like a phone call, to test the waters. Then, if you find there's room for it, you can follow up with a formal letter.
“An email or letter out of the blue without that inside information is certainly worth a try, but unlikely to get the results you're looking for,” Friedman says.
How to write a rehire letter to a former employer
Before jumping into the list of sample letters asking for your old job back, here are some essential tips to keep in mind when writing your request.
1. Reflect on your reasons for leaving and returning
First, be honest with yourself about why you left the company and why you want to return. Was it for personal reasons, or did you need a new challenge? Clarifying your intentions will make it easier to explain them to your former employer.
2. Pick the right time
Timing is everything. Reaching out too soon after leaving might signal indecisiveness—while waiting too long could result in the company moving on. Assess whether the company is in a position to rehire, and if your return could align with current staffing needs.
3. Be humble but confident
When asking for your job back, balance humility with confidence. Show that you respect the company and stand by your previous decision to leave, but also emphasize the skills, growth, and experience you’ve gained since then.
4. Highlight what you bring to the table
If your previous employer rehires you, they’ll want to know how you’ve grown and how your return benefits them. Focus on how your new experiences make you an even better fit than before.
5. Use a professional yet warm tone
Maintain professionalism throughout the email or letter. However, your tone should also be warm and genuine. After all, you’re not just applying for a new job—you’re reconnecting with former colleagues who likely already know your work.
What to include in a rehire letter
- A clear subject line: Keep it direct and professional.
- Acknowledgement of your departure: Whether voluntary or not, briefly mention why you left.
- Your desire to return: State your interest in rejoining the company.
- The skills or experience you’ve gained: Highlight how you’ve grown during your time away and why you’re an even better fit now.
- A thank you: Show gratitude for considering your request.
Asking for your old job back: Sample letters
Below are three sample letters to request rehire after termination—you can just adapt them to your situation. Each letter follows a different scenario, whether you left voluntarily, were laid off, or departed on less-than-ideal terms.
#1 Sample letter requesting your job back: Voluntary departure, ready to return
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to express my interest in returning to [Company Name] in my previous role as [Job Title], or in a similar capacity. During my time away, I have gained new insights and skills that I believe could greatly benefit the team.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with you and the team, and the culture, values, and goals of [Company Name] align with my professional aspirations. I would love the opportunity to discuss the possibility of rejoining the team and contributing to the company’s ongoing success.
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to the opportunity to reconnect and discuss any potential openings.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
#2 Sample letter to get job back: Laid off, seeking rehire
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope you are doing well. As you may recall, I was part of the team impacted by the layoffs last [Month/Year]. I wanted to reach out and express my interest in returning to [Company Name] if any suitable opportunities arise.
Since then, I have further honed my skills in [mention any new qualifications or relevant experiences]. I remain passionate about the work and am eager to contribute once again to the team’s objectives.
Please let me know if there are any opportunities for me to return. I would be grateful for the chance to reconnect and explore how my experience could support the company’s goals moving forward.
Best regards,
#3 Apology letter to get job back after personal conflict or dissatisfaction
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this note finds you well. I’m writing to discuss the possibility of rejoining [Company Name]. Upon reflection, I recognize that my departure from the company was due to [briefly mention the issue] but I feel confident that I’ve gained a new perspective and skills that could benefit the team.
I’ve always held [Company Name] in high regard, and I would welcome the chance to speak with you about any opportunities to contribute to the company’s ongoing success. I have learned a great deal during my time away and believe I could offer even greater value upon my return.
Thank you for considering my request, and I hope we can have a conversation soon.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
What If your rehire letter gets denied?
Even if you were an exemplary employee there’s no guarantee that you will get your old job back. Don’t take this personally—there are certain factors that businesses have to consider, including current staffing needs and the overall job market. Have a backup plan ready in case the outcome is different than what you expected.
Should you ask for your old job back in person?
While sending a letter or email is often the easiest and least intrusive way to ask for your old job back, there’s no rule against making the request in person. If you have a good rapport with your former manager or boss and feel comfortable enough, a face-to-face conversation might help you gauge their interest in rehiring you.
Bottom line
Asking for your old job back is a bold move, but it’s not uncommon. The key is in the approach—whether through an email, rehire letter, or even a face-to-face conversation, professionalism, honesty, and respect will help your case. By framing your request in a way that highlights your growth and emphasizes the value you bring, you increase the likelihood of a positive response.