by David B Hitchcock

Created on: May 27, 2009

Layoffs: What to do when they want you back

4 questions to ask when your old company wants you back

When you get the call back from a company that recently laid you off, there are many things that go through your mind. Normally YAY is the first one if you are still out of work. After that most thoughts are about how to make the most of the situation, and if you should go back to work there.

Should you go back to work there?

This is really the what it's all about. The answer to this question depends on how and why you were laid off. If you were told the layoff was going to be temporary, then you expected to go back. If you had been fired, the company wouldn't want you back. If you were laid off without any future plans mentioned, it's a bit different. Something changed and they want you back. If you enjoy the company, the people, and your job there isn't much reason to stay away. Or is there? Here are 4 questions that can help you sort things out.

Why do they want you?

This is an important question to ask. Do they need your experience and expertise? Was it simply part of the agreement when you were laid off? Did they find that everything fell apart when you left? You might be one of those people who quietly do what needs to be done and take no credit for the work. Those are the people that management doesn't realize are worth more to the business than almost anyone else - they care about the work, the customers, and they generally have loyalty to the company. If you are one of these people, and your company laid you off that can really hurt. But if the company finally realizes how important you and your work are, it might be worth it to go back. But you need to ask the question "Why do you want me back?" The answer is what you will base your decision on.

What is the job?

You might not be going back to your old job. You might be going back to a part time job instead of a full time one. Or your might be contracting instead of getting a fulltime position. These are important things to find out. If you are not going back to your old job, generally it means the company values you enough to find you a position so they don't lose you. Contracting or part-time work generally is temporary, but if the company doesn't have the funds to hire full time these types of positions can be used to keep an employee around until that fulltime position is possible. Maybe you are going back to a higher position than before, possibly management or an executive role. This is

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