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Business Etiquette/Proper Etiquette to Ask for a Job Back Post-Resignation

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Expert: - 7/11/2011


Question
Ms. Lett,

Approximately 5 years ago, the summer following my junior year of high school, I was hired at a local bank that is fairly large with over 30 branches in the SE part of the state in which I live, with a fairly decent turnover rate in employment.

Because I was hired to work at the main branch of the bank, I was privy to becoming friendly with and networking with executives who directly ran the branches, departments, etc.

I worked at the bank, in the same department in which I began employment in 2006, through my Freshman year of college (2008).  I resigned because my school schedule became far more demanding and the two hour commute to and from school made working almost impossible.

I recently graduated from college in May and have been searching for employment since.  I am ready to ask for a job back at the bank and have found out that the Human Resources Director, a Vice President, is someone that I knew previously and someone that I believe would remember me.  However, with the significant turnover rate and the large number of employees, there is a chance that she may not.

What is the proper etiquette for contacting Human Resources to ask for a job back with the company?  I was considering calling the HR Director to anecdotally "remind" her of who I am and to ask for a meeting to discuss possible future employment, but I am now considering other avenues of contact, such as an email or letter, since it may be awkward if she does not remember me.  However, I am worried that this impersonal method of contact would give her the ability to ignore my email or letter and to never follow-up with me.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Amber

Answer
Dear Amber:
You are very lucky that you have a history (and I am assuming a good history) with someone who is in the position to hire you.  Don't worry that she doesn't remember you.  The point that is important is that you remember her.
I suggest you call her (no email or letter written) and introduce yourself again telling her that you remember her well because she impressed you with her professionalism and willingness to help others.  Compliment her with true recollections.  If there was an event that you remember that she participated in recall that to her as well.  It is difficult for people not to listen with a stronger ear to someone who tells them they are memorable for good reasons and have had an influence on their life.
Then highlight your academic successes and express that you would very much like to resume working for the company if she knows of any way that would be possible.  Let her take it from there.

I believe you will have a good chance of presenting yourself well if you follow this advice.  You have an advantage over other candidates for work - you have a history and established relationships.  

I would love to know if this works for you and if you are hired.

Wishing you well,
Cynthia Lett

Business Etiquette

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Cynthia W. Lett

Expertise

Author of "That's So Annoying - An Etiquette Expert On The World's Most Irritating Habits And What To Do About Them" . One of the few Certified Etiquette Professionals (CEP) and Certified Protocol Professionals(CPP) earned by examination through the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals (www.ispep.org). I will be happy to answer your questions about business or social etiquette, international customs or protocol issues.

Experience

Ms. Lett has trained over 100 etiquette professionals worldwide to teach the subject to professionals and children. She has worked in 102 countries and is expert in doing business in unfamiliar cultures. Ms. Lett is principal of The Lett Group since 1983. Professionally, Ms. Lett is the founder of and serves as Executive Director of the International Society of Protocol & Etiquette Professionals headquartered in Washington, DC.

Organizations
University Club of Washington, DC She is an active member of the National Speakers Association, American Society for Training and Development; Women Business Owners; Professional Convention Management Association; and past member of the American Society of Association Executives; Foundation for International Meetings (Board of Governors 1986-1987). She was elected into Who's Who of American Women; Who's Who of Advertising Executives; 2000 Notable American Women; Who's Who of the World's Women; Who's Who of U.S. Executives and Who's Who of the World.

Publications
Ms.Lett is the author of "That's So Annoying: An Etiquette Expert On The World's Most Irritating Habits And What To Do About Them" available wherever books are sold and at www.thatssoannoyingbook.com. She has been featured and quoted in publications such as Successful Meetings, Meetings and Conventions, Meeting News, Business Travel News, Washington Business Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Regardies Magazine, Wall Street Journal, The Robb Report, Entrepreneur Magazine, The Harvard Business Review, Ohio Business Review, Training and Development Journal, CIO Magazine and others

Education/Credentials
Certified Protocol Professional Certified Etiquette Professional Certificate: Adult Learning Techniques - George Washington University Master-Legal Studies - Antioch School of Law BS - Restaurant, Hotel & Institutional Management - Purdue University BA - Public Relations / Interpersonal Communications - Purdue University

Awards and Honors
Distinguished Darden Professor - Purdue University

Past/Present Clients
During 1990, Ms. Lett planned a series of Business Exchange meetings in the Soviet Union for entrepreneurs from the United States who wished to learn about joint ventures with the Soviets in many different fields. She is featured in the PBS special – Pioneer Living – as the protocol expert. Ms. Lett is also the etiquette expert for the Fine Living Channel and currently featured in Survival Guide – Office Etiquette. She is also a frequent expert on etiquette issues for Fox Cable News.

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