Get your foot back in the door – your strategy starts the day you say “I quit”.

Boomerang employees – the term used to describe people who leave an organisation and later return – are on the rise.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
<b>PHOTO</b> EVERETT
<b>PHOTO</b> EVERETT

Boomerang employees  – the term used to describe people who leave an organisation and later return – are on the rise. And industry players say it’s no surprise. “Millennials value growth and opportunity above company loyalty,” says Paul Heng of Next Career Consulting Group, Asia.

So if the road leads you back to your former employer, here’s how to ensure a warm welcome.

Be nice at the exit interview

Think: It’s not you, it’s me. Rather than point to push factors, stress that you’re pursuing personal growth opportunities, says Paul.

What that means: Don’t criticise the company. Use neutral terms instead of negative ones – say how you’d do something differently rather than that it could have been better or improved.

And build goodwill. “If you aren’t starting at a new job right away, offer to freelance for the company while you’re in transition,” says Julailah Wahid of recruitment firm Careerbuilder Singapore.

While you’re away

Stay on your ex-employer’s radar

“Festive greetings via Whatsapp are a great way to signal that you want to continue being a part of your ex-boss’ network without being too random or obvious,” says Paul.

Stay relevant

Update your Linkedin profile regularly with the skills and accreditations you’ve gained at your new job, to showcase how you’ve become a more valuable asset.

Coming back

Trickier questions will be asked at the rehiring interview. Here’s how to slay them.

1. Why have youdecided to come back to the company?

There’s a foolproof way to tackle this. Say: “There was a dearth of growth opportunities when I was last here, but in this new position I will be able to continue learning and to further develop my skills.”

Also, emphasise what you value about the company, like its working environment.

2. What more can you offer the company?

Focus on the skills you’ve picked up while away, and be very specific about how these better equip you for the new position.

3. Are you going to stay this time?

Don’t tell interviewers what you think they want to hear. Assure them that you’ll rise to any challenges, continue your professional development, and contribute to the company.

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