Whether it’s due to a change in personal circumstances, a misalignment with your new role, or a realization that your last job was a better fit, it’s not uncommon to want to return to a former employer. But the decision — and the negotiation — to get back to an old job requires a balance of head and heart. Here are some tips to help you navigate the situation.

• Assess the reasons for your return. Before you make the decision, ask yourself two questions: Why did you leave in the first place and why do you want to return? Your reasons will help you determine whether going back will advance your career or hold it back.
• Gather information: Look into the financial state of your previous organization and the industry to better understand whether they may be open to hiring.  You can also leverage relationships with former colleagues or managers to gain insights into recent company developments, new hires, and changes in their major goals or objectives.
• Ask for a meeting: Reach out to your previous manager or someone in HR to express your interest in rejoining the company and ask if you could meet face-to-face or virtually over Zoom to discuss it further. In your message, clearly state why you value the company, why you’re looking to return, and what you’re bringing to the table.
• Think from the employers perspective: If your former employer agrees to meet with you, it’s a good sign. It means they value you and your work enough to listen to what you have to say, but they may have some tough questions surrounding why you left and what happened to change your mind.
• Try and win their trust: To build and re-build trust, you need to show sincerity, transparency, care, and integrity. During this conversation, you can display these attributes by acknowledging any issues that took place in the past, focusing on clear communication, demonstrating a willingness to understand and address their concerns, and showing them respect and a genuine interest to resolve any misunderstandings.