How to reach out to past employment offer

May 27, 2015 7:11 AM

About a year ago, while still working at Company A, I interviewed for Company B. I declined the offer at the time; but they said their door is always open for me if I change my mind. How do I reach out now and try again?

About a year ago, while still working at Company A, I interviewed for Company B. The job was a perfect match for my skills, the company looked great, the package they offered was more than I was making at the time, and everything was fantastic. It was a hard choice, though, since my then (and still current) job was almost all those things as well; but eventually I decided to decline the new offer (albeit with regret), because my future advancement path was marginally more promising at the current workplace.

Well, times change, and my future advancement path stopped looking so great here, so I wonder what is the best way to reach out to the hiring manager in Company B, who said at the time of my interview to keep in touch and that their door is always open for me if I change my mind. They don't have any current official openings from what I can see on their website, but this might be one of those cases where they might consider hiring if someone who is a good fit comes along.

So my question is, how do I do this? Do I send a casual email without mentioning that I would like to re-apply? Do I go straight to the matter? How to phrase this? I'd be grateful for specific examples of how one should write such an email.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (3 answers total)

"Dear Bob: I hope you remember me -- I interviewed with you last June for the X role, although I ultimately had to decline your excellent offer due to circumstances relating to my role at A. You mentioned we ought to keep in touch, which I appreciated as I was truly impressed with the people and the work at B. I think now is a better time for me to make a move, and if there are any needs coming up that you think I could help out with, I would love to renew our conversation." End with politeness about hoping his summer is starting off well, anything you remember about him personally etc.
posted by fingersandtoes at 7:21 AM on May 27, 2015 [14 favorites]

It's not dating. You don't need to be casual in case you scare them off*. They said to get back in touch if the situation changed, so you should. The wording above is perfect. If you're a known quantity and they made you an offer in the past, you will be right at the top of their list.

*Source: was in exactly the same position, came back with gusto when my situation changed rapidly, found out they had a job they hadn't advertised yet and timing was perfect.
posted by Happy Dave at 7:54 AM on May 27, 2015 [2 favorites]

Do not send a casual email without making it clear why you are contacting them. You're not old buddies where it's rude to only reach out when you want something -- you only know them because you applied to work there, so why would you hesitate to make it clear you would like to re-apply to work there? Be clear about what you want to get out of the interaction.

I agree with fingersandtoes' script mostly. I personally would specifically ask about job openings or hiring. You can say something like you know the position you applied for may not be open, but if the company has other openings that you may be suited for, you would be very interested. (I wouldn't phrase it as asking if there is something you can "help out with" because you are asking to be paid to work full-time for them, not volunteer or do part-time work.)
posted by AppleTurnover at 11:14 AM on May 27, 2015 [1 favorite]