Asking for your old job back is not for everyone, but for certain former employees, it can be successful. If you left on bad terms because of a poor relationship with your employer or because of poor performance, forget about it, advises Tech Republic, an online IT trade publication. If you left on good terms, however, you might have a fighting chance. The first step in the process is writing a letter to the decision-makers in the company, letting them know you've available and valuable as ever.

Reintroduce

In the first paragraph of the letter, remind the employer of who you are, what department you worked in and any supervisors you worked under. This gives the employer the chance to place you and perhaps recall who you are. If nothing else, it gives the employer the opportunity to ask her co-workers about you.

The Ask

Following your introduction, get right down to asking for what you want. Use the second paragraph to let the employer know that you're looking to get your job back, and then re-state the title you wish you get. No need to discuss details such as salary or a starting date just yet; the idea here is to broach the idea with the powers that be.

Discuss Circumstances

Naturally, the employer is going to wonder why you left in the first place and what has changed since the last time you worked for the company. Be honest, but try to paint yourself in a good light. Saying you left to grow in your career is fine, but you'll have to follow that up with a discussion of why you're going backwards now. Say you wanted to learn as much about the business as possible, or that you've learned from experience that you fit in best with this particular company. If you made significant strides for the company during your time on duty, this is a good place to mention it; don't assume anyone will remember. Another idea: capitalize on your inside knowledge of the company and mention your ideas to solve a problem the company is currently having. It also doesn't hurt to remind the employer that it will take less time – and cost less money – to train you rather than other new hires, reminds CBS Moneywatch.

Available Times

In the final paragraph, mention once again that you're really looking forward to working with the company a second time. A little flattery or nostalgia doesn't hurt here. Mention a specific time when you plan to contact the employer – or better yet, when you plan to visit the workplace, ostensibly to visit a former colleague. Provide your contact information at the bottom of the letter, including your street address, phone numbers and email address.