Rejoining Request Letters After a Career Break :
A Rejoining Request Letter is a formal written communication sent by a former employee to a previous employer requesting re-employment after a period of absence from work due to personal or professional reasons. These breaks can vary in duration and nature, and may include:
Maternity or paternity leave
Health recovery (personal or family-related)
Pursuing higher studies or certifications
Relocation or immigration
Family responsibilities (childcare, elder care, etc.)
Mental health or burnout
Entrepreneurship sabbatical or freelancing
This letter is generally addressed to the HR department, the former reporting manager, or a senior leader of the organization. It is written in a formal, respectful tone and should include:
A mention of previous tenure
The reason for the break (in brief)
A clear interest in rejoining
Any upskilling or developments during the break
Your current availability and willingness to contribute
The main goal of the letter is to reopen the professional relationship and present yourself as a valuable candidate ready to contribute again.
Why Is It Important?
Writing a rejoining request letter is more than a formality — it can be a strategic step in your career revival.
1. Restarts a Professional Relationship
Companies often value former employees because they:
Are already trained in internal systems
Understand company culture
Have built relationships within teams
Require minimal onboarding
A well-written rejoining letter re-establishes that connection and repositions you as an asset.
2. Represents Confidence and Professional Maturity
Instead of being apologetic about the break, the letter shows:
Ownership of life decisions
Clarity in career planning
Willingness to take initiative to resume career
Readiness to move forward with focus and professionalism
Employers appreciate candidates who communicate transparently and assertively.
3. Highlights Skill Maintenance or Growth During the Break
If you used your break to:
Learn new tools or trends
Freelance
Attend workshops or online courses
Stay updated with the industry
…then the letter becomes a powerful platform to highlight your relevance and preparedness.
4. Increases Chances of Placement
Many organizations prefer rehiring ex-employees (also called boomerang employees) because it saves:
Recruitment costs
Training time
Cultural onboarding
A strong rejoining request can place you ahead of new candidates in the hiring queue.
When Should You Send It?
The timing of your rejoining letter can make a big difference.
Right Time to Send:
When you have resolved the situation that caused your break (e.g., family, health, study)
When you see a job opening at your previous company
When your former manager or HR has hinted at opportunities
After researching current team requirements or business needs
When your break has lasted a few months to a few years and you’re ready to re-enter the workforce
Avoid Sending If:
You’re unsure about rejoining or still unavailable
Your exit from the company was due to unresolved conflict or disciplinary reasons
You haven’t updated your resume or skill set in a long time
If you’re proactive and well-prepared, a rejoining request can turn into an offer quickly — especially in a company where you left on positive terms.
Structure of a Rejoining Request Letter
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to write a compelling and professional rejoining letter:
1. Sender’s Details
Mention your:
Full Name
Previous Employee ID (if applicable)
Contact number and email
You can include these at the top or in the signature section.
2. Date
Use the standard business letter format:
Date: 09/07/2025
3. Recipient’s Details
Include:
Recipient’s full name (if known)
Designation (e.g., HR Manager, Senior Manager)
Department
Company Name
Company Address
This gives the letter a formal and respectful tone.
4. Subject Line
Keep it concise and specific.
Examples:
Request for Rejoining After Career Break
Application to Rejoin Company After Maternity Leave
Seeking Reemployment at [Company Name]
5. Formal Salutation
Use:
Dear Sir/Madam
Dear [Manager’s Name]
Respected [Title or Name]
Avoid overly casual greetings like “Hi” or “Hey.”
6. Opening Paragraph – State Your Intention
Start with clarity. Mention:
Your past designation and department
Duration of your previous tenure
Your intention to return
Example:
I am writing to express my sincere interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I previously worked as a [Designation] in the [Department] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
7. Body Paragraph – Briefly Explain the Break
Keep it short, non-defensive, and positive. Avoid over-sharing personal issues.
Example:
I had to take a career break due to personal family responsibilities. Now that my situation has stabilized, I am ready and fully committed to resume my career.
If your break was for study or skill enhancement:
During this time, I completed a certification in [Skill/Tool], which has further improved my ability to contribute to current industry demands.
8. Highlight Skills, Experience, or Upskilling
Let the company know you’ve stayed in touch with your field.
Example:
To maintain my professional edge, I have continued to upskill through online courses and freelance projects. I have strengthened my knowledge in [mention any tools, certifications, or areas relevant to your role].
This shows dedication and value.
9. Express Loyalty and Readiness to Contribute
Reassure them of your interest and capability.
Example:
I have always valued the professional experience and growth opportunities I received at [Company Name]. I am eager to rejoin and contribute meaningfully to your ongoing success.
10. Request for Consideration
Politely ask them to consider you for a suitable role.
Example:
I would be grateful if you could consider me for any relevant openings. I am available for immediate joining and would be happy to discuss further in person or over a call.
11. Polite Closing and Signature
Close with:
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sign off with:
Sincerely
Warm regards
Yours faithfully
Then include:
Your Full Name
Email Address
Contact Number
(Optional) LinkedIn or Resume link
Sample Rejoining Request Letter – Complete Format
To,
The HR Manager
[Company Name]
[Company Address]
Date: 09/07/2025
Subject: Request for Rejoining After Career Break
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope you are doing well. I am writing to formally express my interest in rejoining [Company Name], where I previously worked as a [Designation] in the [Department] from [Start Date] to [End Date].
I had to step away from my role due to personal reasons that required my full attention. Now that my circumstances have changed, I am fully ready to resume my professional journey. During my break, I also completed a professional course in [mention course/skill], and remained updated with the latest developments in the industry.
My time at [Company Name] was both professionally rewarding and personally enriching, and I would be honored to contribute again in any suitable capacity. I am available to rejoin immediately and open to discussing any formalities or assessments required.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to work with your esteemed organization once again.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Employee ID – if applicable]
Best Practices and Tips
Do:
Be clear and concise in your reason for the break
Focus on your current readiness, not past absence
Keep a positive, confident tone
Mention professional growth during the gap
Use a clean, business letter format
Don’t:
Sound apologetic or desperate
Give too much personal detail
Send an overly long or emotional letter
Write in an informal tone or format
Demand to be rehired — keep it respectful and open-ended
Conclusion
A Rejoining Request Letter after a career break is not just about asking for your job back — it’s about reintroducing your professional identity and showing that you are just as (or even more) valuable now. When written strategically, this letter demonstrates:
Maturity
Commitment
Loyalty
Growth
Many professionals return to their previous companies with stronger capabilities, and your rejoining letter can be the start of an even more successful chapter in your career.