How to Write a Letter of Intent to Return to Work After Leaving (With Template)
Navigating employment comes with many arising challenges, especially when you aim to return to your previous position. Writing a letter of intent to return to work is intimidating, but it offers an excellent opportunity to express your desire to contribute to the company once more. Whether personal circumstances or a shift in your career path led you to walk away, a well-crafted letter can reopen doors. Let’s explore how to structure your letter of intent, detailing its essential components along with a template of a letter of intent to return to work.
Understanding the Purpose of a Letter of Intent to Return to Work
A letter of intent to return to work is a formal document expressing your desire to be reconsidered for employment at a company you previously worked for. It's for expressing your interest in returning while providing context about your absence and emphasizing the skills and experiences that continue to make you a valuable asset to the organization. It offers a chance to highlight any additional skills or experiences you have gained since leaving, demonstrating your growth.
Key Components of a Strong Letter of Intent to Return to Work
Crafting a compelling letter involves several key components that work together to convey your intentions clearly and effectively. Follow this structure to ensure your letter is persuasive and impactful:
Introduction
Start with a polite and professional opening that mentions the specific position or company you’re interested in. Take the time to express gratitude for the previous opportunities you had there. This sets a positive tone and demonstrates respect for the organization.
Example: “Dear [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to express my sincere interest in returning to [Company Name] as [Position Title]. I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunities I received during my time at the company.”
Reason for Leaving (Briefly)
Provide a brief explanation of why you resigned. Keep this section concise and avoid delving into negative details that will put the wrong taste in your employer’s mouth. The focus should remain on your intention to return rather than dwelling on past issues.
Example: “As you may recall, I made the difficult decision to leave [Company Name] due to [brief reason, e.g., personal circumstances, pursuing further education, etc.]. While I have appreciated the experiences gained since then, I recognize the unique value of working within your team.”
Reason for Wanting to Return
Clearly outline your motivation for wanting to come back. Discuss any changes in your personal or professional life that have influenced this decision. Standard examples include enhanced skills, a change in career direction, or a renewed passion for the company’s mission.
Example: “I am eager to return to [Company Name] because I believe in its mission and values. Since my departure, I have [mention any skills or experiences gained, or personal changes] that align with the company's growth and vision. The valuable relationships I built and the collaborative environment truly resonate with my career aspirations.”
What You Bring to the Table
Reaffirm your value to the organization by highlighting your skills, experiences, and accomplishments while employed there. This is the time to showcase how you’ve grown or what you can offer that’s even more substantial than before.
Example: “During my previous tenure, I [mention specific achievements or contributions], and since then, I have acquired [specific skills or experiences]. I am confident that this growth, combined with my familiarity with the organization, positions me as an even stronger candidate for the [Position Title]. I’m committed to providing an excellent service that goes above and beyond.”
Closing
Wrap up your letter positively. Express your eagerness for the opportunity to discuss the possibility of returning to the company and mention your willingness to provide further details about your experiences. Mention your willingness to discuss available roles if relevant, as your previous position may be filled.
Example: “Thank you for considering my request to return to [Company Name]. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my enhanced skills align with [Company Name]’s needs. Feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. I am excited at the prospect of rejoining your team and contributing to our shared success.”
Sample Intent to Return to Work Letters/Emails for Every Situation
Below are multiple sample intent to return to work letters/emails, tailored to your reason for leaving.
Letter of Intent to Return to Work: Left for Personal Reasons Sample
Jane Doe
XYZ Corporation
456 Pine Street
Kitchener, ON N2B 4Q5
Dear Jane,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to express my genuine interest in returning to XYZ Corporation as a Marketing Coordinator. I would like to sincerely thank you for the opportunities I received during my previous tenure at the company.
As you may recall, I made the difficult decision to leave XYZ Corporation due to personal circumstances. While I value the experiences I’ve had since then, I recognize the unique environment at XYZ fuels my passion for marketing.
I am eager to return to XYZ Corporation because the company’s mission of promoting sustainability aligns perfectly with my values. Since my departure, I have honed my skills in search engine optimization and data analytics. I believe I can contribute significantly to the ongoing projects at XYZ Corporation.
During my previous tenure, I successfully led the launch of a social media campaign that increased engagement by over 40%. Since then, I have acquired proficiency in data-driven marketing techniques. I am confident that this growth combined with my familiarity with the organization makes me an even stronger candidate for the Marketing Coordinator role.
Thank you for considering my request to return to XYZ Corporation. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my enhanced skills align with the needs of the organization. Please feel free to contact me at 555-123-4567 or john.smith@email.com. I am excited at the prospect of rejoining your team and contributing to our shared success.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Intent to Return to Work: Left for Another Opportunity Sample
Jane Doe
XYZ Corporation
456 Pine Street
Kitchener, ON N2B 4Q5
Dear Jane,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out to express my wish to return to XYZ Corporation as a Finance Analyst.
Since my time at XYZ Corporation, I have had the opportunity to explore other professional opportunities that broadened my perspective and strengthened my skill set. However, the level of professional development and skill growth I experienced at XYZ Corporation was unmatched. I am eager to continue refining my professional capabilities, and feel there is no better fit for me than XYZ Corporation.
I greatly value the organization’s culture and commitment to continuous learning, and I am eager to build upon on the foundation I previously established. I believe the experience I have gained since leaving would allow me to contribute even more effectively to the team with a new perspective.
As you may recall, during my time at XYZ Corporation, I contributed to process improvements that helped streamline reporting timelines and provided leadership with more accurate and timely financial insights. Over the years, I have continued to grow significantly in this area, and believe I can optimize the company’s current processes even more upon rejoining.
Thank you for considering my interest in returning to XYZ Corporation. Please feel free to email me at john.smith@email.com or call me at 555-123-4567 to discuss how my skills and experience align with your current needs.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Intent to Return to Work After Being Laid Off
Jane Doe
XYZ Corporation
456 Pine Street
Kitchener, ON N2B 4Q5
Dear Jane,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my strong interest in returning to XYZ Corporation. I am happy to take on any role you find suitable and aligned with my experience and skills.
As you may recall, my position was affected by organizational changes that resulted in a layoff. While this transition was unexpected, it allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my career goals and further strengthen my skill set. Throughout this time, my respect for XYZ Corporation and its leadership has only grown. I am still eager to contribute my skills and expertise to the organization in any way I can.
Since my departure, I have expanded my expertise in workflow optimization and stakeholder communication, and I am confident that these skills would allow me to contribute effectively upon rejoining the team.
When I previously worked at XYZ Corporation, I consistently supported departmental objectives by improving internal processes and collaborating across teams to meet key deadlines. I believe that my familiarity with the organization, combined with the additional experience I have gained since then, would allow me to make an immediate and meaningful impact.
Thank you for considering my interest in returning to XYZ Corporation. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with your current needs. Please feel free to contact me at 555-456-7890 or john.smith@email.com.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Intent to Return to Work: Left for Further Education Sample
Jane Doe
XYZ Corporation
456 Pine Street
Kitchener, ON N2B 4Q5
Dear Jane,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in returning to XYZ Corporation as a Project Coordinator.
2 years ago, I made the decision to step away from my role to pursue further education. The decision to leave was a difficult one, but vital to my growth as a project management professional. I can say with confidence that my time studying at ABC College has significantly expanded my certifications and technical knowledge. The experience has also strengthened my analytical and problem-solving skills. I would be grateful for the opportunity to demonstrate what I’ve learned by resuming my role at XYZ Corporation.
XYZ Corporation’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement aligns closely with my professional goals. Since my departure, I have completed a certification in project management and gained hands-on experience with advanced planning and reporting tools. I am confident these skills will allow me to contribute meaningfully to current and future projects.
During my previous tenure, I successfully coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure timely project delivery and clear communication among stakeholders. With the additional education and training I have completed, I believe I can return as an even more effective contributor to the team.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this letter and considering my return to XYZ Corporation. I would love to talk to you more about what I’ve learned and how I intend to make a difference. Please feel free to contact me at 555-987-6543 or john.smith@email.com.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Letter of Intent to Return to Work: Left for Health Reasons Sample
Jane Doe
XYZ Corporation
456 Pine Street
Kitchener, ON N2B 4Q5
Dear Jane,
I hope you are doing well! I am writing to formally express my interest in returning to XYZ Corporation as an Operations Assistant. I truly appreciate the understanding and support I received during my previous time with the organization.
As you may recall, I made the difficult decision to leave my position due to health-related reasons. I am pleased to share that my health has significantly improved since then and I am now fully able and eager to return to the workforce. I am happy to provide a doctor’s note and/or any non-confidential medical documents to show that I am physically able to return to my role.
This time away has allowed me to recover fully and gain renewed focus and motivation. XYZ Corporation has always stood out to me for its supportive culture, collaborative environment, and operational excellence, which is why I am eager to continue in my previous position. I am confident that my renewed energy and commitment will allow me to make valuable contributions to the team.
During my previous tenure, I supported daily operations by improving scheduling efficiency and assisting in process documentation that enhanced workflow clarity. With improved health and perspective, I am ready to resume my responsibilities and contribute even more effectively than before.
Thank you for considering my request to return to XYZ Corporation. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my readiness and how I can support the team’s goals. Please feel free to contact me at 555-321-9876 or john.smith@email.com.
Sincerely,
John Smith
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