Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

The motivation for most technology workers is challenge and money. In more prosperous times, you could go to the company next door and get a new job with a 15% salary increase the same day. However, times have changed and not all companies can afford to be so generous. Moreover, IT workers are finding themselves in the job marker not out of choice, but because their current job is in danger or they have been laid off.

So, what's wrong with going back to your previous employer and asking for your old job back? Well, maybe nothing and then again, maybe everything. It really depends on the reasons you left, the reasons you want to come back, and if you're still on good terms with the company. It could be a win-win solution for both the employer and the job-seeker depending on circumstances.

There's no question that recent downturns in high-tech industries has changed the job market, but it's still true that finding good employees is both costly and time-consuming. If a company has the chance to bring back a good employee who requires little training, it may be a wise decision for them to consider the option. This is particularly true if the employee had a good working relationship with managers as well as peers.

If going back to your previous employer is an option you want to explore, you need to be honest about your reasons. Do you truly want to work for the company again, or is it easy money until something better comes along? You should expect the company to question your motives to protect themselves and any investment they may have in bringing you on again. Be prepared with an honest response as to why you want to come back, and why they should consider you.

Your best chance for returning to a previous employer is if you left there on good terms as a well-liked and respected employee. Did you give adequate notice and offer to provide assistance or training to a co-worker before you left? You must also have had a strong relationship with your manager, and been recognized as making positive contributions to the company.

Once you've determined that returning to your previous employer is an option, it is extremely important for you to have completely thought out your reasons for wanting to come back. This will be a big discussion point with your manager and others from the company. They want to be reassured that you won't leave again for the wrong reasons, and you can bet that money is a big concern. You are a good candidate for being recruited out of the company if you are motivated purely by money.

Keep in mind that since you left your previous employer, things may have changed. It's possible that the working environment is exactly the same as before, but is more likely that some things have changed. This may be a good thing or a bad thing. If you are expecting everything to return to normal upon your return, you may be disappointed. You are an outsider, and will be looked at as someone with questionable loyalty. One of your first jobs will be to regain the trust of your manager and coworkers, while at the same time proving yourself and your skills.

If you are an IT worker looking for a job, don't overlook any opportunities that may exist with your previous employer. It could turn out to be a good solution for everyone involved.

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