Have you been contemplating getting in touch with your old boss about a new job opportunity? The prospect of reaching out to a former employer can be daunting, but it is a common tactic in the job search market. In fact, some of the highest paying job offers happen when you network with your previous employer.
The process of drafting that perfect email for your old boss may seem overwhelming at first, but fret not, as there are numerous sample emails available online that you could edit according to your needs.
So what exactly should be included in your email? Well, for one, be sure to introduce yourself and remind your former boss of who you are and what you did while working together. As well as that, it’s essential to express your interest in the company and mention the reasons why you believe you would be a valuable asset to the organization.
If you are looking for some inspiration, don’t miss out on the several sample emails available online, as these can help you craft a well-written email that increases your chances of landing that dream job.
Therefore, if you are still ruminating on the idea of communicating with your previous employer, take advantage of the numerous tools available to you. Draft that email and take your first step towards securing your next job role.
The Best Structure for a Job Inquiry Email to Your Old Boss
If you’re thinking about reaching out to an old boss for a job opportunity, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure that your email stands out and gets noticed. Here’s a step-by-step guide on the best structure for a job inquiry email to your old boss.
1. Begin with a Catchy Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing your old boss will see in their inbox, so it needs to be catchy to grab their attention. Use your old boss’s name in the subject line, and try to keep it short and to the point. For example, you could use a subject line like “Job Inquiry from [Your Name],” or “Seeking Employment Opportunities with [Company Name].”
2. Start with a Greeting
Start off your email with a friendly greeting, addressing your old boss by name. Begin by expressing your gratitude for their past mentorship and guidance, and mention how much you enjoyed working with them. This sets a positive tone for the rest of your email and helps lay the foundation for a positive relationship moving forward.
3. Introduce Yourself and Your Skills
Next, introduce yourself and highlight your skills and qualifications. Mention your specific career goals and how you can contribute to the company. Be sure to keep this section brief and to the point, focusing only on your strengths and value proposition.
4. Mention Why You’re Interested in Returning to the Company
Make it clear why you want to work for the company again. Was there a project or team that you enjoyed working with in the past? Do you believe that the company’s mission aligns with your own values and goals? Show that you have done your research on the company and explain specifically why you think you would be a good fit.
5. Offer to Provide More Information
At the end of your email, offer to provide additional information about yourself and your experience if your old boss is interested. Be sure to thank them for taking the time to read your email and considering you for any open positions that may be available. Reiterate your excitement for the opportunity to work with them again.
6. Close with a Warm Regards
End your email on a positive note. Close with a warm regards and your name, so your old boss knows who has reached out to them. Before pressing send, make sure to proofread your email for any grammar or spelling errors.
By following this structure, you will be able to craft a compelling job inquiry email that helps you stand out from the competition and gets the attention of your old boss. Remember, keep it short and to the point, focus on your strengths, and show your enthusiasm for the company and the opportunity to work with your old boss again.
Sample Email to Old Boss for Job Recommendation
Applying for a Position in Your Company
Dear [Name]
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to ask for a recommendation as I am applying for a position in your company. I believe that my skills and experience would be a great fit for the company and I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with such an exceptional team.
During my time working for you, I had the opportunity to develop my skills in project management and data analysis. The environment in your company was extremely challenging and this allowed me to develop my ability to work under pressure while delivering quality results. I am certain that my contribution to the company would be significant.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and any assistance you can provide me with.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reconnecting and Requesting a Job Referral
Dear [Name],
It’s been a while since we have spoken and I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you to ask for a recommendation as I am seeking new job opportunities. I am actively searching for a new job and I believe that your referral might be helpful in my employment search.
During my time working for you, I learned so many valuable skills and gained a solid understanding of the industry. Furthermore, I believe that working with you allowed me to develop into a well-rounded professional. I would be honored if you could take a few minutes of your time to formally recommend me to potential employers.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and any assistance you can provide me with.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Asking for a Character Reference
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you doing well. I’m writing to request a character reference from you as I am applying for a new job. I need a reference from someone who knows about my work ethic and personality so that prospective employers can gain an understanding of who I am and what kind of employee I would be.
During our time working together, you saw my capacity to work hard and strive for excellence. I believe this comprehensive insight into my work habits and personality might just make the difference in securing the job I have applied for.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and any assistance you can provide me with.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Asking for a Referral After a Long Sabbatical
Dear [Name],
It’s great to be back in touch with you, and I hope you are doing well. It has been some time since we last spoke and I felt that it might be a good time to reconnect with you. I have decided to return to work after an extended sabbatical, and I am writing to inquire if you could provide me with a recommendation as I begin my job search.
Your support and guidance when I last worked under you played a pivotal role in my professional development. As a manager and mentor, you were an invaluable asset to me. I would be grateful for any help in my job search that you could provide, including a referral.
Thank you kindly for considering my request. I appreciate your time and any assistance you can provide me with.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Reaching Out for Job Opportunities with Former Boss
Dear [Name],
I hope you are doing well. It has been ages since we last spoke, and I wanted to reconnect with you, as you were always an essential part of my work life. I have been exploring job opportunities, and I wondered if you had any positions vacant in your company or knew of any relevant openings that match my skillset.
During the time when we worked together, I was fortunate to learn many professional skills that I continue to utilize today. It would be an honor to work with you again.
I would be grateful for any assistance you could provide me with regarding job opportunities. Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Updating Former Boss and Asking for a Job Review
Dear [Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to update you regarding my career progress since we last spoke. I am currently looking for new job opportunities, and I was hoping you could provide me with a reference for my job search?
During our time working together, you played an important role in shaping me into the person that I am today, and I am proud to have worked under you. I learned many valuable professional attributes while working with you, and I believe my work experience and my ability to handle challenging situations would be of great value to any organization accepting me as their employee.
Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate any assistance you can provide me with.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Requesting a Job Reference for a Potential Employer
Dear [Name],
How have you been? I was hoping that we could catch up soon and share with each other how life or work is going for us both. Meanwhile, I am reaching out to you to seek a reference or recommendation for a job I am applying for.
During our time working together, you provided me with invaluable guidance and unmatched leadership. I would be most grateful if you could provide me with a reference or recommendation to help secure a new job. I am confident that any recommendation from you would help boost my chances of being selected for the job that I am applying for.
Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your time and dedication.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing a Sample Email to Previous Boss for Job
Reaching out to an old boss for a job opportunity can be an uncomfortable yet effective step towards beginning a new career path. However, it is essential to write a professional and concise email that expresses your interest in the position and showcases your potential value to the company. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when drafting your email:
- Be Clear and Specific: When writing your email, make sure you clearly state the position you are interested in and why you believe you are the right fit for the role. Provide specific examples of your skills and experience that would benefit the company and support your case for being considered a strong candidate.
- Show Gratitude and Respect: Even if you left your previous job on a negative note, it is important to approach your old boss with respect and gratitude for any opportunities they provided you in the past. You can mention any positive experiences and lessons you were able to take from your time working with them and emphasize your eagerness to potentially work with them again.
- Highlight Any Relevant Achievements: If you have achieved any notable accomplishments since you last worked with your old boss, make sure to include them in your email. This will demonstrate your growth and potential value as an asset to the company, giving your old boss a reason to consider bringing you back onto the team.
- Keep It Concise and Professional: Be mindful of the length of your email and keep it concise and to the point. Avoid using overly casual language and instead maintain a professional tone throughout. Be sure to proofread and edit your email to ensure it is polished and free of any typos or grammatical errors.
When reaching out to an old boss for a job, it is essential to approach the conversation with tact and professionalism. By keeping these tips in mind when drafting your email, you can create a strong case for why you would be a valuable addition to the company, and potentially open doors to exciting new career opportunities.
FAQs related to Sample Email to Old Boss for Job
What should I include in my email to my old boss for a job?
It is advisable to include your previous work experience, skills, and achievements along with your interest in a particular job opening.
Should I remind my old boss about my previous work experience?
Yes, it is a good idea to remind your old boss about your previous work experience, especially if they were pleased with your work.
How can I approach my old boss for a job without sounding desperate?
It is important to be professional and polite in your email. Express your interest in the job opening and why you believe you are the best fit for the role.
How long should my email to my old boss be?
Your email should be concise and to the point. It should not be too long; ideally, it should be no more than two paragraphs.
Should I attach my resume to the email?
Yes, it is advisable to attach your updated resume along with your email. This will give your old boss a better idea of your qualifications and experience.
How soon can I expect a response from my old boss?
It depends on the workload of your old boss and the urgency of the job opening. It is best to wait for a few days before following up on your email.
Is it appropriate to ask for a recommendation from my old boss in my email?
Yes, you can ask for a recommendation from your old boss, especially if you had a good working relationship with them. However, it is important not to sound presumptuous.
How can I thank my old boss for considering me for the job?
You can thank your old boss in your email for considering you for the job and express your appreciation for the opportunity.
What should I do if I don’t get a response from my old boss?
If you don’t get a response from your old boss, it is best to follow up with a polite reminder email after a few days. However, it is important not to come across as pushy or aggressive.
Wrap Up Your Job Search with Confidence!
Hopefully this sample email to an old boss has given you the push you needed to reach out and see if there are any job opportunities that suit you. Remember, reaching out never hurts, and in many cases can lead to something truly great. Thanks so much for taking the time to read this article – we hope it provided some help and support for you! Be sure to check back for more tips, advice, and articles on how to make your job search as rewarding and effective as possible. Best of luck to you!