You got fired, and now you see a new opening at that same company. Your mind is racing—is this a second chance or just asking for trouble? It’s a confusing and delicate situation, especially in Kenya’s tight job market.
This article breaks down the smart steps to take before you hit ‘apply’. We’ll guide you through a clear process, from checking your feelings to The company’s culture, to help you make the right choice.
What You Need Before You Start
Before you even think about updating your CV, you need to gather a few key things. This isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about preparing your mind and Your past. Here’s what you must have ready:
- Your Termination Letter or Records: You need to clearly remember the official reason for your dismissal. This helps you assess if the issue was a one-off mistake or a fundamental mismatch. Find your copy or, if lost, you can formally request it from the company’s HR department.
- Honest Self-Assessment: Take real time to reflect. Ask yourself: have you genuinely grown from what happened? Are you applying out of desperation or a real belief you can succeed this time? This internal check is crucial.
- Updated Professional Profile: Your LinkedIn and CV must show new skills or certifications gained since you left. This proves your value has increased. In Kenya, consider affordable online courses from platforms like eMobilis or Alison to bolster your profile.
- A Trusted Contact: Identify someone still at the company—a former colleague or manager you were cool with—who can give you the real ‘githeri’ on the current culture and if re-hiring ex-staff is even considered. This insider info is gold.
Step-by-Step: Should I Apply for a Job in the Same Company That Fired Me? in Kenya
This decision requires careful thought and action; follow these 6 steps over a week or two to avoid rushing into a mistake.
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Step 1: Conduct a Brutally Honest Exit Review
Revisit your termination. Was it for performance, redundancy, or misconduct? Be truthful with yourself. If it was for a serious breach of policy, applying again might be a non-starter from the start.
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Step 2: Research the Company’s Current State
Go beyond their website. Check their latest news on Business Daily, employee reviews on Glassdoor, and their social media. Has management changed? Is the department you’re targeting under new leadership? This context is everything.
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Step 3: Reach Out Discreetly to a Trusted Insider
Contact that former colleague you were cool with. Don’t ask for the job; ask for insight. A simple “Niaje, I saw the opening in X department, how is the team culture these days?” can reveal if the environment has improved.
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Step 4: Update Your Application Materials Strategically
Your CV and cover letter must address the gap. Frame your time away as a period of growth. Do not hide your previous employment there, but focus on new skills and a renewed perspective you now bring.
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Step 5: Prepare for the Direct Question in an Interview
If you get an interview, they will ask about your departure. Prepare a concise, professional, and positive explanation. Acknowledge the past, take responsibility if needed, and immediately pivot to what you’ve learned and why you’re a better fit now.
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Step 6: Make the Final Decision Based on Logic, Not Emotion
Weigh all the information. Does the role solve a real career need, or are you just trying to prove a point? Consider your other options in the market. Sometimes, the best move is to apply your renewed energy elsewhere.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Your Application is Automatically Filtered Out
Many large companies use automated tracking systems (ATS) that might flag or reject your application based on your previous employee ID or name match. The fix is to apply through a direct referral if possible. If not, in your cover letter, proactively but briefly mention your prior positive experience with the company’s work, framing your return as an asset.
Facing Stigma or Gossip from Former Colleagues
Old office politics can resurface, with former peers questioning your return. This is very common in Kenya’s close-knit work environments. The resolution is to enter with humility and focus solely on your current role. Address it directly only if it affects your work, and then do so professionally with your new manager, not through office gossip.
Being Offered a Lower Position or Salary
The company might see your return as a chance to get experienced talent at a discount, banking on your desperation. Know your worth. Research current market rates for the role on platforms like BrighterMonday and MyJobMag. Politely negotiate based on the new skills and value you bring, not your past history with the company.
Unresolved Bad Blood with a Specific Manager
If the person who fired you or had major conflict with you is still there and influential, your application is likely doomed. The fix is to research the reporting structure for the new role thoroughly on LinkedIn. If that manager is still directly in the chain of command, it’s often wiser to save your energy and look elsewhere.
Cost and Timeline for Should I Apply for a Job in the Same Company That Fired Me? in Kenya
The main costs here are not official fees, but your investment of time and resources. The process from decision to potential interview can take 2 to 4 weeks.
| Item | Cost (KES) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| CV & Cover Letter Professional Review | 500 – 3,000 | 2-3 days |
| Online Short Course/Certification (e.g., Alison) | 0 – 5,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Transport for Informal Meetings | 200 – 1,000 per trip | Varies |
| Potential CRB Clearance Certificate (if required for new role) | 1,050 via eCitizen | Instantly online |
The biggest hidden cost is emotional energy and opportunity cost—time spent on this could be used applying elsewhere. Costs are generally consistent nationwide, but transport will vary if you need to travel to a company’s head office in Nairobi, for instance.
The Bottom Line
Applying to a company that fired you is a high-stakes gamble that requires more than just courage. The process goes smoothly only when you lead with honest self-reflection and strategic preparation, not raw emotion. If the reasons for your departure have been resolved and you bring new, undeniable value, it could be a powerful comeback story.
Weigh your options carefully, and trust your gut. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend facing a similar tough career decision. For more advice on navigating Kenya’s job market, explore our other articles on interview skills and salary negotiation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Should I Apply for a Job in the Same Company That Fired Me? in Kenya
Will the company even consider my application after firing me?
It depends on why you were let go and company policy. Redundancy or a minor performance issue is more forgivable than gross misconduct. Check if they have a formal re-hire policy by asking a trusted insider discreetly.
Many companies have a “do not re-hire” flag in their HR system, so a direct referral might be your only chance to bypass an automatic rejection.
How should I explain my previous termination in a new interview with them?
Be honest, brief, and professional. Acknowledge the past, briefly state what you learned, and immediately pivot to the skills and renewed drive you now possess. Never blame others or sound bitter.
Practice this answer aloud until it sounds confident and forward-looking. Your tone matters as much as your words in this situation.
Is there a recommended waiting period before I reapply?
Yes, a cooling-off period is wise. At least 1-2 years allows for genuine professional growth and shows you didn’t just jump back out of desperation. It also gives time for possible management changes within the company.
Use this time to gain a new certification or relevant experience that strengthens your case for being a different, more valuable candidate.
What if I left on bad terms with my direct manager, but they have left the company?
This significantly improves your chances. The main obstacle is often gone. However, you must still research the current team culture and ensure your past reputation with other staff won’t be a major issue.
Your application should focus entirely on the present opportunity and your current fit for the new team’s needs, not the old conflict.
Can I negotiate a better salary if I get rehired?
Absolutely, and you should. Your negotiation power comes from the new skills and perspective you’ve gained since leaving. Do not accept a lower offer based on your past; anchor your request on current market rates for the role.
Use salary data from local job boards to justify your ask. Coming back should be a step forward, not a step back, in your career progression.
