Want to be a Boomerang Employee? Here’s How.

Employing a boomerang employee is more common than you might think.

While people always have their reasons for leaving a job. they are not always linked to their job performance or working relationships. It is often far more complicated than that, so when a formerly valued employee wants to return, employers are increasingly happy to welcome them with open arms.

A 2016 survey showed that 40% of job seekers were willing to return to a previous employer. Still, as companies embrace new working models, there is an even higher interest in boomerang moves back to employers whose cultures have transformed. 

If you loved everything about your old job apart from the daily commute, why wouldn’t you consider a move back when flexible working comes into the equation?

Employers understand that boomerang employees are like potential recruitment gold dust. If their performance was satisfactory and their work relationships healthy before their departure, it is highly likely that they will stay longer and be more engaged than a brand-new employee.  

So, if you are considering a move back to the future, here are a few thoughts:

Boomerang employee? Circle back

Think through why you left. First, take a moment to be honest with yourself. Are you sure that the reasons why you left are no longer valid? Trying to convince yourself that things will be different a second time around with no clear evidence will not end well. If there are any nagging doubts, do yourself a favour and forget the idea.

Be smart about who you approach. Normal recruitment channels do not always apply to a boomerang hire. Approach the person who would be most invested in you coming back. Hopefully, that is your former boss, but it may also be their boss. They will then influence HR on your behalf and might even create a position for you.

Prepare your sales pitch. You need to be clear about the value you will bring to the role. It may be that you left a few years ago and have developed your skillset since then. Make this added value clear to your old employer as they will only remember the “old” you. You also need to share that the decision has been carefully considered.

Consider why they might not want you back. There are two sides to every employment relationship. While you might consider yourself a perfect employee, there may be reasons why your employer might not be as keen. They may invite you back for a chat out of curiosity – if they are not super excited, you need to ask yourself why. 

Work together towards reconciliation. Working out a new and improved role may take a little time, but it is worth the effort. You won’t have any worries about the cultural fit. Spend your energies on creating a job description that maximises your abilities and allows you some space for further growth. Don’t just go back to your old job.

Negotiate the best possible deal. Once you realize that both parties are interested in making it happen, you owe it to yourself to negotiate a killer compensation deal. If the employer wants you back, they will likely be ready to offer you an improved salary. You should remember that this will still need to be within their pay scale.

Being a boomerang employee could transform your employee experience. In today’s fast-changing work environment, it is perfectly possible to come to love working somewhere that you previously couldn’t wait to leave. Keep an open mind.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).