Returning to a Previous Job

Question

I screwed up by leaving a cushy big tech job for a start-up five months after starting. This was eight months ago.Basically, I'm wondering if I have to interview again, or if they'll just take me back. Has anyone gone through the process of going back to a previous big corporate employer?

codefreeordie · Accepted Answer

This depends entirely upon your situation and the company.
Generally speaking, if both the company and your previous manager regret your departure and want you back, you can go back pretty easily.
I know, for example, that Google generally* does not require an interview for a return to the same job function and job level within 12 months, provided that the departure was "regrettable" and the outgoing manager and at least one or two internal references approve of the return.
After all, you're more valuable now than you were then -- you appreciate what you had now in a way that you didn't used to. So, if they already were sad that you were leaving, they should be even happier to have you back just a little bit wiser.
--
* Generally. This only applies if there is currently-open headcount for you where there is a good match.

notpushkin · Answer

It all depends on how things are run in your previous company. I've got my old job again after a quick (just about 10 minutes!) catch-up &ldquo;interview&rdquo; with my old colleague after a ~1.5 years hiatus.

refurb · Answer

Depends on the company.I had a colleague leave for a start-up, hate it within one week and was reinstated into her old role 10 days after "quitting".

Returning to a Previous Job

I screwed up by leaving a cushy big tech job for a start-up five months after starting. This was eight months ago.
Basically, I'm wondering if I have to interview again, or if they'll just take me back. Has anyone gone through the process of going back to a previous big corporate employer?

It all depends on how things are run in your previous company. I've got my old job again after a quick (just about 10 minutes!) catch-up “interview” with my old colleague after a ~1.5 years hiatus.

Depends on the company.
I had a colleague leave for a start-up, hate it within one week and was reinstated into her old role 10 days after "quitting".