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Writing an email to your former boss to ask for a job can be a daunting task, but it’s not impossible. With the right approach and a well-crafted message, you can increase your chances of success.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you write an effective email to your ex-boss.
Step 1: Start with a Friendly Greeting
It’s important to establish a positive tone right from the beginning. Start your email with a friendly greeting that acknowledges your past relationship with your ex-boss.
You can say something like, “Dear [boss’s name], I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a while since we last spoke, and I wanted to reach out to you about a potential job opportunity.”
Step 2: Remind Them of Who You Are
Your ex-boss may have worked with many people over the years, so it’s important to remind them of who you are and what your previous role was.
You can say something like, “Just in case you don’t remember me, I’m [your name] and I worked for you at [company name] a few years ago as [your previous role].”
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Step 3: Explain Your Current Situation
It’s important to explain why you’re reaching out to your ex-boss now. Be honest and transparent about your current situation. For example, you could say something like, “I’m currently in the job market and I was hoping you might be able to help me out.
I remember my time at [company name] fondly and I thought it would be worth reaching out to you to see if there are any opportunities available.”
Step 4: Highlight Your Skills and Experience
Take the opportunity to remind your ex-boss of your skills and experience. This can help jog their memory and give them a better idea of how you could fit into their organization. Be specific and highlight any achievements you had while working for them.
For example, “During my time at [company name], I successfully managed a team of [number] people and increased our sales by [percentage].”
Step 5: Ask for Their Help
Be clear about what you’re asking for. Ask your ex-boss if they can help you in any way, whether it’s by forwarding your resume to their HR department, providing a recommendation, or letting you know about any open positions.
You could say something like, “I was wondering if you might know of any job openings at [company name], or if you could provide a recommendation for me.”
Step 6: Close with Gratitude and Contact Information
Thank your ex-boss for their time and consideration. Let them know that you appreciate any help they can provide, and provide your contact information in case they need to get in touch with you.
For example, “Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I appreciate any help you can provide. If you need to reach me, please feel free to email me at [your email address] or call me at [your phone number].”
Template 1: Reconnecting and Asking for job Leads
Subject: Catching up and seeking job leads
Dear [boss’s name],
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been some time since we last spoke, and I’ve been meaning to reach out to catch up.
I’ve been keeping an eye on [company name] and am excited to see how much it has grown since I left. Congratulations on all your successes!
I wanted to reach out to you today because I’m currently seeking new job opportunities, and I was hoping you might be able to help me out.
Specifically, I’m interested in exploring any potential job openings that might be a good fit for my skills and experience. I’d be grateful for any job leads or recommendations you might be able to offer.
As you might remember, my expertise lies in [your skills and experience], and I’ve always appreciated the collaborative and supportive work environment at [company name]. I would be thrilled to explore any potential opportunities to work together again.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Template 2: Asking for a Recommendation and Offering to Catch Up
Subject: Request for recommendation and catching up
Dear [boss’s name],
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been [length of time] since we last spoke, and I’ve been reflecting on my time at [company name] and the valuable experiences and lessons I gained while working for you.
I’m reaching out today because I’m currently seeking new job opportunities, and I was hoping to ask for your assistance with a recommendation.
I’ve always appreciated your guidance and mentorship, and I believe your endorsement could help me stand out as a candidate for new job opportunities.
In addition to seeking a recommendation, I’d also love to catch up and hear more about how things have been going at [company name]. I’d be happy to set up a call or grab a cup of coffee if that’s something that would interest you.
Thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Template 3: Asking for a Job Opening and Expressing Interest in the Company
Subject: Seeking a job opening at [company name]
Dear [boss’s name],
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been some time since we last spoke, and I’ve been keeping up with the latest news and updates from [company name]. I continue to be impressed by the growth and innovation at the company, and I’ve been following its progress with great interest.
I wanted to reach out to you today because I noticed that there is an open position at [company name] that I believe would be a great fit for my skills and experience. I’ve always admired the company’s commitment to [company values or initiatives], and I believe I could make a valuable contribution to the team.
As you might recall, my expertise lies in [your skills and experience], and I’ve been honing my skills and experience since we last worked together. I’m excited about the possibility of returning to the company and working with you and the team again.
If you would be willing to provide any guidance or assistance with my application, I would be grateful. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I approach my former employer about coming back to my old job?
Answer: It’s best to reach out to your former employer in a professional and courteous manner, either through email or phone.
Start by expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to work with the company in the past, and explain why you’re interested in returning.
Be sure to highlight any new skills or experiences you’ve gained since you left that would make you a stronger candidate for the position.
2. What should I say when asking for my old job back?
Answer: When asking for your old job back, it’s important to be honest and upfront about your reasons for leaving in the first place and your reasons for wanting to return.
Be prepared to discuss any new skills or experiences you’ve gained since you left, and how they would make you a valuable asset to the company.
Also, express your enthusiasm and willingness to work hard to re-earn the trust and respect of your former colleagues and superiors.
3. How do I explain why I left my old job in the first place?
Answer: When explaining why you left your old job, it’s important to be honest and professional. Avoid being negative or critical of your former employer or colleagues, and instead focus on the reasons why you felt it was time for a change.
If you left for personal reasons, such as to take care of a family member, be honest about that as well. Emphasize that you’ve learned from the experience and are now ready to return to the workforce with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
4. How do I show that I’m still qualified for my old job?
Answer: To show that you’re still qualified for your old job, it’s important to highlight any new skills or experiences you’ve gained since you left.
Provide concrete examples of how you’ve been keeping up with industry developments and how you’ve been continuously developing your skills.
If possible, demonstrate how the skills you’ve gained would be beneficial to the company. Also, it would be great if you can share some of your recent work or projects.
5. How do I negotiate salary and benefits when asking for my old job back?
Answer: When negotiating salary and benefits, it’s important to do your research and be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience.
Be aware of the current market rates for similar positions, and be prepared to explain why you believe you’re worth a certain salary. It’s also important to be flexible and open to negotiation.
Be sure to discuss any specific benefits that are important to you, such as health insurance or retirement benefits.