Interview at a company I used to work for

re14796

I used to work for a government organisation but I left this organisation in 2015. I now have an interview for a higher position (I was a band 3 this is a band 4). I will not be working in the same team as I was before but in the same department. I think my ex manager is now high up in the team which I might be joining. How do I deal with knowing the interviewer? Also how do I convince them that I won't leave this new position? I was in the old position for just over a year. The reason I left was more money but also the work was quite repetitive.

[Deleted User]

I think you'll have a job convincing them that you will stick around for long, not only did you leave them after a year but you are seeking a return only eighteen months later.


While none of this will totally prevent them re-employing you, don't be too surprised if you are declined.

Savvy_Sue

You deal professionally with the interviewer: "Hello Fred, good to see you again" and keep any chit chat ("how's the family") which might be appropriate for outside the actual interview.

And you prepare for any questions about your reasons for changing jobs. I wouldn't say that the previous job there was repetitive (you never know, the new one might be too!) or that you jumped ship for the money, but rehearse the positive aspects of your current job, and the relevant experience it's given you, making this opportunity with your previous employer ideal for your current skillset blah blah blah. If you can subtly highlight reasons why you're likely to stick around longer then do so.

By prepare, I suggest working out what you'd like to hear yourself say, and practise saying it aloud. If you find yourself saying something stoopid, stop yourself (in the practice situation) and work out what you want to hear yourself say ...

This advice comes from someone who, when asked "Why do you want to work for ...?" heard herself say "Well, I need a school hours job, and you're offering school hours." Which was, I think you'll agree, stoopid. Fortunately I was able to rapidly backtrack and share better reasons, and I did get the job, but if I'm ever job hunting again I intend to take my own advice ...

jobbingmusician

I think you have a good reason in what you have told us. You left the job before because you found it wasn't sufficiently challenging (or because you wanted to gain wider experience). You have done that, and you are now seeking to return at a more senior level because of all the GOOD things about that organisation.

LannieDuck

I agree with jobbingmusician - you can make this into a positive.

You needed more of a challenge than the previous position could provide, but nonetheless enjoyed your time at the agency. That's why you're pleased to be reapplying to the organisation. The time spent elsewhere has given you the additional experience that means you now think you're well qualified for the higher grade position.

re14796

Thanks for all the advice

Much appreciated