You always have to remember to be nice to everybody on your way up the career ladder because chances are you will run into all of them on your way down. I have dealt with numerous youth that do not have appropriate references from previous employers because they let their emotions or lack of emotional intelligence take over when walking out the door. It is very common in this day and age for people to have multiple jobs before they find their career (if in fact they ever do) and with changing jobs sometimes annually, it is in your best interest to walk out the door with your head held high. It does not matter what type of employment that you are seeking or what type of career that you choose, if you cannot obtain a positive reference, then all your hard work is down the drain. People say that “a first impression is a lasting one” well the same case can be made for your “lasting” impression.  Depending on what sector of employment that you are working in there is always a sense of community and leaving on bad terms or “saying what you have always wanted to say” this  will be counter-productive because not only do you not have a reference from your previous employer, but now all of the employers in the small community will know what happened when you left. These  people are pragmatic to a fault and that is why many youth approach job interviews with trepidation because they want to avoid that ominous question: “So why did you leave your last employer” ?

Here are some tips on how to conduct yourself when leaving your employer, no matter what the terms and no matter what the circumstances:

DO- thank the company, the last impression is every bit as crucial as the initial impression that got you hired in the first place.

DO- send a thank you letter or card as soon as you leave (email will work too) It documents your appreciation and clarifies any key points you discussed.

Do Not- trash the company in any way shape or form. Although what you have to say may in fact be true, this is a perfect way to burn a bridge that you may need to cross in the future.

Do Not- blast your boss or fellow employees when leaving. This negativity will follow you to your next job and may hinder your chances of getting the job.

Do Not- forget that the company still has a piece of your financial future. So it is in your best interest to leave in a proactive and productive manner.

At the end of the day throwing dirt on your employer when you leave the door makes you look bad, not them. This simple yet effective way of thinking will allow for a healthy and productive career no matter where you end up!

Posted by: Tyler McAuley