FRED BOCKER

Amonth ago, I quit a job I loved in the midst of a heated argument with my boss. We’ve had a history of clashing, and after a year of this, I walked out. I just found out she was fired. I want to go back to my former employer but don’t know how to go about approaching them. I am concerned they won’t want me back because of how I left or my past disagreements with my former boss. I miss it. Do you have any suggestions?

Walking out on a job is a serious matter. Your status with your former company may be that you are not eligible for re-hire. Even with that said, all may not be lost.

Obviously, the organization took action on whatever issues they had with your prior boss. The circumstances of that termination could work in your favor.

When approaching the company, be humble but confident. I would suggest initially seeing someone with authority in the human-resources department, as that person could be a powerful advocate for you. Fishel & Bocker HR Associates Inc.

Make sure you have valid explanations as to why you clashed with your supervisor and that you can logically explain your actions.

I strongly suggest you seek out employees and managers who are still employed there, those who you have worked with closely. They may be willing to attest to your excellence as a co-worker and to your high level of performance.

Create a document filled with accomplishments while you were employed there that you can present to whomever would be in authority to hire you back.

This document would include challenges you faced, actions you took and quantifiable results you achieved.

In the eyes of the company, you must be able to show you overcame your mistakes and that you could add tremendous value.

In the corporate world today, it’s about the bottom line. If you are able to show your major contributions to their profitability, that would go a long way in your quest to return to your former employer. Have a question? Send it to Ask the Experts, The Arizona Republic, 200 E. Van Buren St., NM19, Phoenix, AZ 85004. E-mail asktheexperts1@gmail.com or fax 602-444-8044.