Applying for job at a former employer? Engineering.

[cdon]

Looking for some advice regarding applying for a role at a previous employer as I haven’t done it before.

Some background:

I joined the previous company after graduating from University as an Engineer (Design) where I worked for about three and a half years. During that time the company went through some restructuring so I ultimately ended up doing something different towards the end. I still enjoyed it and got to work on a lot of different projects.

I left about two and a half years ago to join a smaller company in a similar industry. Same type of Engineering but much smaller team, less corporate, much shorter deadlines and much more responsibility. Main motivation at the time was money and a new challenge.

The current company is in a growth period and doing ok so there is likely going to be potential for some element of leadership or running a small team in the not too distant future as we take on more Engineers - but likely to remain design based.

During the last week my previous employer has advertised for a very specialised engineering position - that often you wouldn’t see outside of Aerospace and Automotive. I have some experience in this and it has always been a goal of mine but opportunities are few and far between where the company is based.

The position would be joining a new team (currently only one other person) working in the same office as before and likely under the same leadership - in a different role with very different deliverables to before.

I have been thinking very carefully about formalising my interest and applying for the role but want to make sure I approach it correctly.

I would be applying via the standard HR portal like everyone else. Is there anything I would need to give particular thought or attention to when applying? Other than a good reason why I wish to return.

[55palfers]

If the manager you used to work for is still there (and you left with your reputation intact) just give him a call and ask for an informal chat.

[HappyMidget]

Yup, always use the inside tract if available.

As long as you left on good terms, should be a breeze, as they know you and what you are capable of.

[Mandat]

55palfers said:

If the manager you used to work for is still there (and you left with your reputation intact) just give him a call and ask for an informal chat.

+1

If you have any old contacts, use them to your advantage, if you can.

[lyonspride]

HappyMidget said:

Yup, always use the inside tract if available.

As long as you left on good terms, should be a breeze, as they know you and what you are capable of.

I've never known an engineer leave on good terms, employers always seem to take it personally, i've never really understood it, a person leaves, all seems well and then the next day everyone's talking about how useless they were.

[cdon]

Thanks for the advice all.

As above I didn’t leave in a cloud of smoke or burn any bridges on my way out - but you never know how others perceive it - or if they’re after someone new.

I will give the Manager a call and see how it goes.

[eliot]

as others say - informal chat is the best approach here.