Boomerang Candidates – Is It Right for Your Team?

Boomerang CandidatesWe all know what a boomerang is: An Aboriginal Australian hunting weapon that is thrown and comes back to the thrower. The word, over time, has come to mean anything that gets thrown out and comes back, and that is true for employees. A boomerang candidate is a former employee who left your organization for another position and is now interested in returning to your company. But should you consider this candidate for your open job? Here are some things to consider.

What skills did they learn elsewhere?

When they left your company, what happened next? What kind of company did they work for and what experiences can they now bring back to your table? Was this growth something your company was unable to provide? Take a hard look at their skills. Even though they have worked for your company in the past doesn’t mean they are a good long-term fit.

What does your candidate pool look like?

What other candidates are you considering for this job? Where did you source them? What do they bring to the table that your boomerang candidate cannot? A fresh perspective may be just as valuable as reinstating someone who needs a little training. It is a good idea to weigh these pros and cons before making a decision.

Did they leave on good terms?

The most important thing to consider is why they left in the first place? Was it a life change that was unavoidable, like a relocation or new circumstance? Did they simply want to take an opportunity to learn something new that your company couldn’t offer at the time? Or, and most importantly, was there a specific reason they were not a good fit for your organization? Has anything changed that demonstrates improvement in that area?

How does your team feel about them?

Finally, you need to talk to others in the company who remember or worked directly with your boomerang candidate. Do they feel as though this person left on good terms? Do they feel confident that this placement would work out for them? Do they have fond memories and like your former employee as a person? If not, why? What would need to change to make it a better long term fit?

Are you looking for the right candidate to fill your open positions? Contact CornerStone Staffing today to learn about how our awesome team of recruiters can help!

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