To write a letter to a manager for a job?

[Manchestercats]

I used to work in a well know company and left in 2010 to go on maternity.
I would really love to return but it sadly seems very much impossible.
I live now in a different area and I don’t know or have any contacts left.
I had one interview last year with them in my local branch, I was un successful, not any feedback why.
Also all the other candidates were around 18 years old ( I’m 55)
I was told once I am refused, there is no way back now as even if I apply again, I will be automatically refused.
Im thinking to write a letter, literally a paper one and send it to a local branch to be considered for a job?
Am I ridiculous?

I wouldn’t write an actual letter no, it comes across as very outdated. I would only apply if advertised again, then write a good covering letter with your experience, what you’ve done since and why you’re keen to join again. The official way through the website or LinkedIn. Otherwise is there no similar jobs you can apply for?

They very rarely advertise now.
Where I live not many similar opportunities plus I was with them for 9 years, so I would definitely love working there again.
The another nearest branch is 2 hrs away.
I thought maybe the letter written would be an old style- yes, but it would show I’m very keen.

Things have changed, PP nailed it more professional. Or email said boss, reached out on Linked in etc

i don’t have the contact on the said manager, when they emailed me about not being successful, it was generic no reply email. I got no names of them to search on LinkedIn.
When I worked for them I had an excellent reputation/ references.
Sadly none of the old bosses or colleagues work for them so no contact left.
Also apparently I was told by an old HR employee years ago if I’m once turned down, I’m gone forever as even if I apply again, my application would be automatically refused.

Hi OP, I would focus energy on getting your cv looking good and ready for any suitable job ads. Businesses change all the time, your skills and experience from years ago might not be how they do things anymore at your old employer.

Focus more on matching your current skills to any roles on the market that take your interest.

As for something a random HR person told you years ago, sounds like nonsense.

What I meant by the HR said was if I was unsuccessful at the interview, the next time when I apply I would be automatically eliminated as already unsuccessfully applied. It’s just a shame as I never even got a chance, especially if I know the company so well.

I don't think automatic rejection of people who have applied before is common practice at all these days so I'd discount what that person said. Can you follow the company on LinkedIn? I wouldn't write a letter - if you think part of the reason you didn't get the job before was age related sending a letter won't help with that.

I’m not sure what was the reason.
It could be at that time I wasn’t very flexible but I offered times I could work.
The other candidates were all very young when we were introducing ourselves ( it was a group interview)

I thought you were considering writing to your old manager, which might not have been a bad idea. But I don't thing a random unsolicited application would do you much good - it probably wouldn't be processable and if a role came up you would still have to apply online or some such.

Could you get in touch with an old colleague who only recently exited and see if they can help?

If it’s true that an unsuccessful candidate is rejected in future (this is true in my company but time limited I think to 2 years) the local branch manager is very unlikely to be able to over rule it anyway.

i can see why you want to go back but with your experience being 15 years ago it may well be pretty irrelevant I’m afraid.

i dont think the letter to the branch will work, but at the same time i sort of think why not? What do you have to lose? Include your number and email so they don’t have to write back though!