Being fired can be a devastating career setback. In some cases, it may seem like the end of your tenure with a company. However, it is possible to get your old job back, or even a new role, at an organization that terminated you. It requires careful strategy and diplomacy to make a compelling case for rehire after firing.
Make Sure You Left on Good Terms
Before exploring rehire options, honestly assess the nature of your termination Some key questions to consider
- Did you part ways on relatively positive terms? Or was there animosity?
- Were you fired for serious misconduct versus performance issues?
- Is the manager who fired you still there or has there been turnover?
- Have any policies changed that might impact rehiring you?
Your chances improve if management changes or new opportunities open under different managers. But if you burned bridges badly pursuing rehire could be unwise.
Research Open Positions
Most companies won’t rehire someone into the same job they were fired from. But new openings provide opportunities.
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Check the company website and job boards for postings. Focus on ones well-suited to your experience.
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Avoid applying for roles similar to the one you were terminated from. It seems disingenuous.
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Target positions in new departments or divisions unrelated to your past firing.
Reconnect with Former Colleagues
Ex-coworkers can provide inside intel to assess rehire chances and advocate for you.
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Reach out to trusted former colleagues still at the company. Explain you are exploring options for returning. How do they appraise your prospects?
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Ask if they would be willing to put in a good word for you if opportunities arise.
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See if they have heard of any forthcoming openings not yet advertised that might be a fit.
Prepare to Explain Yourself
Expect to directly address the termination in any rehire discussions. Prepare clear explanations for:
- What factors led to your firing? Take responsibility – don’t blame others.
- How have you gained insight from the experience?
- Why you feel you would now thrive if given a second chance.
- What unique strengths you can now contribute to the company.
Honest self-reflection and ownership of past mistakes is key.
Request a Meeting
Once you’ve identified potential openings, request a meeting with the hiring manager – not HR. Explain you are interested in returning to the company in a new capacity.
- Send a polite email or LinkedIn message to request an in-person meeting or phone call.
- Briefly explain your desire and interest to return. But avoid rehashing past issues.
- If they decline to meet, respect their decision graciously. Don’t lobby them excessively.
Getting your foot in the door is the first challenge.
Make Your Best Case
In the meeting, you must persuasively convey why the company should rehire you. Focus the discussion on:
- How you have developed and improved professionally since leaving. Directly address any past issues that led to firing.
- Why you feel the company is a great fit for your experience and skills. Compliment them – don’t criticize.
- How your unique value proposition now aligns with the position you are seeking.
- That you will bring fresh perspective and renewed energy if welcomed back.
The more compellingly you convey your value, the better your chances.
Be Ready to Negotiate Salary
To smooth the path to getting rehired, indicate willingness to negotiate salary and role levels reasonably.
You likely can’t expect to just step back into the job you were let go from on the same terms. Demonstrate flexibility.
Follow Up After the Meeting
Send a thank you note after the meeting reaffirming your interest and outlining next steps discussed.
But avoid contacting them excessively during the decision-making window. Give them space to evaluate rehiring you objectively.
Be Prepared to Move On
There is a very real possibility that despite your best efforts, the company will decline to bring you back on board. If so, accept that decision gracefully.
Dwelling on it or harassing them to change their mind will only confirm you were rightfully terminated in the first place.
Take it as a learning experience as you move forward in your career search.
Consult an Attorney
If you feel your termination was unjust or discriminatory, consult an attorney to better understand your options. There may be legal grounds to negotiate reinstatement or pursue financial damages depending on the circumstances.
However, lawsuits to impose rehiring rarely succeed. The courts tend to defer to employers’ judgment absent clear discrimination.
Consider Other Paths Back In
If rehire seems unlikely, explore indirect paths to make your way back in the door:
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Network your way into a different division.
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Accept a lesser position to get in the door, then impress your way up.
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Seek to partner or contract with them versus direct employment.
Where there is a will, persistence can sometimes find a way.
Returning to a company after termination is admittedly a long shot. But put ego aside, take ownership of your role in the firing, and make an honest pitch conveying your capabilities. With a little luck and perseverance, you may be able to turn termination into a comeback.
Similar Terms:
Wrongful termination
At-will employment
Termination letter
Severance agreement
Unemployment benefits
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- Always work a two week notice when quitting.[12] Even if you feel like you need to leave now, work a notice. If you do not work a two week notice some employers will permanently blacklist you. You may never work for them again at any level. Furthermore, when future employers check with past employers they may want to know if you are reliable and may use a failure to work a notice as an indication youre unreliable. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Before asking for your job back, try reaching out to your employer directly in order to determine whether rehiring is even a possibility. If you receive an interview, be sure to prepare yourself for questions like “Why should we take you back?” and “Why do you want to work here again?” If you quit your job voluntarily, dont forget to apologize to the interviewer and let them know that you regret your decision and that you made a mistake. For more advice, including what to do if you were wrongly terminated, read on.
How to approach your former employer to ask for your job back! – Part 1
How do I ask for my job back after being fired?
Follow these steps to ask for your job back after being fired: 1. Consider why you lost your job There are many reasons why you can find yourself let go from a position, and the different reasons come with different obstacles to getting your old job back. Here is what to consider based on why you were fired from your previous job: 1. You quit
Can I get my job back after being fired?
Although it can be difficult to get your job back, by demonstrating that you have addressed the issues which led to your being fired you give yourself the best opportunity to earn a second chance with the company. Read more: How To Get Over Being Fired
How do I ask a former supervisor for my job back?
To inform a former supervisor about your decision to rejoin their team, you may email them and ask if they’re interested in discussing this during an in-person meeting or over the phone. Here’s an example email, which you can use as inspiration when asking for your job back: Dear John, I hope you and the rest of the team have been doing well.
How to ask for a job back after leaving a company?
If you determine that rejoining a company you left is what you want to do, it helps to know how to ask for your job back. Follow these steps: 1. Keep in contact with old colleagues Keeping in contact with your colleagues even after leaving a job is a good way to maintain your professional network.
