Going back is not an admission of defeat, but demonstrates you are looking for opportunities in every direction and have cleverly kept good relations with old contacts.

What's important is to address and evaluate why you left and why taking an opportunity to rejoin an old organization can benefit both the employer and you.

So if you are thinking about returning to a previous employer you should:

1. Rethink the reason you left

Ask yourself whether the reason you left in the first place is no longer a concern. If you still don't respect your boss or the organization itself, it's not going to be the best position for you. However, if you left the job on good terms and you've been offered a new and exciting role, then there's no reason why a job offer from your old company should be seen as a step down.

2. Make a fresh start

Be confident before returning that you deal with any outstanding issues so you literally start "afresh". If there were any points of disagreement during your last stint at the organization, they must be resolved and a new, clear direction set. A clean slate is essential for working into a new role.

3. Get to know co-workers

Make sure you meet with any colleagues who joined the company in your absence to be assured that you will be able to work well with them. Don't go back to a job that you will just want to leave again because you find relations with some fellow employees unbearable.

4. Learn new skills

Make certain there are new skills for you to learn, new territory for you to cover, and that you are not just "going back" into an "old" job. The salary should be better, promotion opportunities there and clear windows of opportunity. This will also mean that you cannot expect favoritism or an easy ride just because of your familiar background.

(Contact yangning@chinadaily.com.cn for questions and career advice)

Contributed by Sarah Jones, manager of Antal International Business Consulting Co Ltd Shanghai Branch

China Daily