If you’ve just received notice of a layoff, it’s tempting to
tell the boss exactly how you feel. But, how you react to this
situation can directly affect your future career. To avoid
burning bridges, follow these tips to gracefully leave after a
company notifies you of a layoff.
- Remain professional. Remember that this position will be
listed on your resume, and even if you don’t provide reference
information, a future employer may contact your former company
directly.
- Continue your work if you’ve been notified in advance. If
an employer provides you with advance notice of your lay-off, this
is no time to stop working. Remain active and engaged, wrap up
projects and create a list of all pending projects with details
such as contact information, history and files.
- Follow company rules until your last day. If you’re
displeased, don’t relax the rules for your final days on the
job. Continue to follow the dress code and to respect work
property.
- Contact your colleagues. If you have the opportunity to
speak with colleagues before your departure, do so. Visit your
supervisor and favorite colleagues and thank them for your support
while working there. This will help to open the door to a
lasting relationship that could possibly lead to opportunities down
the road. Keep in mind that the remaining colleagues often
hesitate to contact the former worker, so it’s best for you to
reach out to them. Provide them with your contact information
in case they have any questions about your work.
- Speak constructively about your experience in the exit
interview. Many companies will request an exit interview with
you before your departure. Although it may be tempting to vent
your frustrations, provide constructive criticism. Many
companies will take your feedback and utilize it to make positive
changes.
- In interviews, do not speak negatively about your formal
employer. You risk the chance that this will get back to the
employer, and your prospective employer may wonder if you were at
fault.
Remember that the business community in your area is
small. There is a good chance that you will cross paths with
your former supervisors and coworkers again, so keep the experience
as positive as you can.
