This time of year is one of the busiest for recruiters - and for job-seekers. The holidays are a rare opportunity to pause and reflect on what we have accomplished and what makes us happiest in our daily lives. Often that leads to evaluating if we're really being fulfilled with our present role at work.

While most people will be satisfied to hold steady in their career direction, others will find it's time to test new waters. And then there are those who will come to realize that their best opportunity to grow may just be in the opportunity they left behind.

Returning to a former employer is a big decision, just as it is for an organization to rehire a former employee. It wasn't so long ago that once someone left a company, it was seen as an act of disloyalty and therefore, almost taboo to hire them back.

Fortunately, this attitude has changed drastically in recent years, mostly due to the trend of previously laid-off workers being brought back into the fold by their former employers.

According to a recent survey, 40 per cent of employers say they plan to rehire laid-off workers for full time or consulting work in the foreseeable future.

The shift is also a symptom of the ongoing war for talent, with companies eager to attract the best people in the market, even if that means rehiring someone who used to work for them.

An employee who once flew the coop for another opportunity is coming back to the nest with more experience, improved skills and greater industry knowledge. They are more valuable to the company than ever before.

For employers, there are many advantages to rehiring a former employer; in fact, it's difficult to find a downside in the situation for either the employee or the employer. Among the reasons to rekindle your previous working arrangement:

• There is less risk in hiring someone tried and true compared to hiring a total stranger.
• You already know the candidate's qualifications and what he or she is able to contribute.
• A former employee is already a good fit with your culture with an understanding of your expectations and established working relationships.
• Familiar workers do not require as much orientation or training, which lowers costs.
• Former employees usually return with a greater appreciation for their former employer.

For employees wanting to make a return to their former company, there is much to consider. Most importantly is how graceful of an exit you originally made. Did you leave your past employer on good terms, or are there burned bridges obstructing your way back?

If the company still thinks highly of you and there are no residual feelings of resentment on either side, there is no reason not to return. Walking through the door with enhanced expertise will likely mean coming back in an even better position than when you left.

Even though you are already familiar with the company, it is important to investigate the opportunity as thoroughly as you would with a new job. Before you return:

• Use the friendships and connections you have within the company to gauge how welcoming your former boss and co-workers would be to you. Invite your supervisor out for lunch, which will open the door to discuss the possibility of returning.
• Realize that your previous position has likely been filled. Visit the company's website to learn what other opportunities may be available.
• Find out how much has changed within the company since your departure. Have there been leadership changes? Has the company fallen on hard financial times?
• When negotiating a return, be genuine in your interest and earnest in your comments. At the same time, be cautious when explaining why you left (to pursue an opportunity you would not have been able to realize had you stayed) and why you want to come back. Do not speak negatively about your current employer nor disclose insider knowledge about the competition. It reflects badly on you and makes it appear likely that it isn't the first time you've run down an employer.

Returning to a previous employer should not be considered a step back. In many ways, re-engaging with upgraded skills and experience is a giant leap forward in your career and can make for a more satisfying work situation the second time around.

-- With reporting by Barbara Chabai

John McFerran, PhD, F. CHRP, is founder and president of People First HR Services Ltd. For more information, visit www.peoplefirsthr.com.

RESEARCH:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/employers-look-to-the-tried-and-true/article1350486/

http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20080324/LIFE/803240302/Returning-to-a-former-employer-has-advantages

http://articles.techrepublic.com.com/5100-10878_11-5090397.html

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 26, 2009 B21