Upon release from state duty, the employee shall make written application to his previous employer for reemployment within five days of his release from duty or from hospitalization continuing after release. If the employee is still qualified for his previous employment, he shall be restored to his previous position or to a position of like seniority, status and salary, unless the employer’s circumstances now make the restoration unreasonable. If the employee is no longer qualified for his previous employment, he shall be placed in another position, for which he is qualified, and which will give him appropriate seniority, status and salary, unless the employer’s circumstances now make the placement unreasonable.