A “boomerang” hire is someone who leaves a company and later returns, and these conversations carry their own etiquette: acknowledging the history honestly, being clear about what’s different this time, and negotiating as if it were a genuinely new offer, not a favor.
Reaching Out to a Former Employer
If you’re the one considering a return, open the conversation directly.
- “I’ve been thinking about my time at the company, and I wanted to reach out to see whether there might be an opportunity to return.”
- “I left on good terms and learned a lot elsewhere, and I’d genuinely welcome the chance to come back if there’s a fit.”
- “I know it’s been a while since I left — would you be open to a conversation about what’s changed, both for me and for the team?”
Responding When a Former Employer Reaches Out to You
If they approach you first, respond in a way that keeps your options open without over-committing.
- “I appreciate you thinking of me — I’m definitely open to a conversation, though I’d want to understand what’s changed since I left.”
- “I have a lot of respect for the team, so I’m happy to talk, but I’d want this to be evaluated on its own merits, not just nostalgia for how things used to be.”
Explaining What’s Different Now
Be candid about how you and the situation have both evolved.
- “Since I left, I’ve taken on more scope and led a couple of larger projects — I’d want this role to reflect that growth, not just slot back into my old position.”
- “A lot has changed for me professionally, so I’d want to talk through how this role compares to where I’ve grown since leaving.”
- “I’m curious what’s changed on your end too — has the team’s direction, structure, or leadership shifted since I was there?”
Negotiating as a New Offer, Not a Favor
Treat the compensation and role discussion like any other negotiation.
- “I want to be clear that I’m evaluating this as I would any other offer — I don’t think prior history should mean settling for less than market rate.”
- “Given what I’ve learned and accomplished since I left, I’d expect this offer to reflect a step up from where I was when I departed.”
Addressing Why You Left the First Time
If it’s relevant, address it honestly rather than avoiding the topic.
- “I want to be transparent: part of why I left before was [specific reason], and I’d want to understand whether that’s actually changed before committing again.”
- “I don’t want history to repeat itself, so I’d appreciate an honest conversation about whether the underlying issue has actually been addressed.”
Vocabulary Reference
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Boomerang employee | Someone who leaves a company and later returns to work there again |
| On good terms | Having left a job amicably, without unresolved conflict |
| Market rate | The typical compensation for a role given current market conditions |
| Nostalgia | A sentimental attachment to the past, sometimes clouding present judgment |
| Step up | An improvement in role, scope, or compensation compared to a previous position |
Key Takeaways
- Whether initiating or responding to a boomerang conversation, keep the tone open but not overly eager or obligated.
- Be candid about what’s changed both for you and for the company since you left.
- Negotiate the return as you would any new offer, without discounting your value out of familiarity or nostalgia.
- If your original departure was tied to a specific problem, address it honestly before agreeing to return.
- Treat this as a genuine evaluation of fit, not an automatic reunion, on both sides.
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