Benefits of Keeping on Good Terms with a former Employer
People leave jobs for many reasons. Sometimes a person wants to resign due to finding a better career opportunity, and other times it is simply due to a need to move on.
If you find yourself in this position, whatever the reason you have for leaving a job, it is always in your best interest to stay on good terms with your former boss.
Aside from being the professional thing to do, the benefits of staying on good terms with a former employer are many. You never know when you might need a reference, or depending upon the industry circle, you might even end upworking for or with your bossin another capacity. Also, keeping in touch with former colleagues is a great way to network.
If you want to stay on good on good terms with your former boss, there are a few methods you could use:
• Provide notice when leaving
It is always helpful to employers when exiting employees provide their bosses with plenty of notice. Two weeks is generally the standard period of time, but if you can give more notice, that will probably be even more appreciated.
Employees that leave with little or no notice aren't likely to remain in the good graces of the former boss. Leaving without notice is likely an act that won't be remembered fondly. Bosses typically appreciate ample notice because it gives them time to hire a replacement and/or train for your position. Additionally, it also gives colleagues time to adjust as they will be affected too.
• Leave tasks up-to-date
It is not uncommon when people leave jobs that they become so immersed in what they need to do coming forward, they sometimes leave a big mess behind. If you have deadlines to be met, try to meet them before you go. If time permits after catching up on unfinished work, perhaps leave behind a checklist or other information for your replacement. Also, an outline of what you do daily and how to do it can help any coworkers who have to cover your job and may not be familiar with it.
• Be graceful
Anytime you leave a job, do it gracefully. Be professional and treat your old boss with the same respect you would if he or she was your new boss. Additionally, if invited to one, be sure to attend the exit interview and answer all questions with tact, yet be honest. This is one aspect of job separation that employers typically value because it helps them obtain information moving forward.
• Send a thank you card on exit
A nice, and memorable, gesture is to send a thank you note or card as you exit the organization. Thank your employer for the experience and perhaps even share something you learned from him or her that you believe will enhance your career going forward. Offering this type of compliment is likely to leave a good impression of you.
• Don't badmouth your job
If you left your job with ill feelings, it's best to keep those to yourself, especially when communicating on social media. Word tends to get around and in today's digital society comments can easily be forwarded. A boss isn't going to hold much respect for anyone badmouthing colleagues or the organization itself if he or she gets wind of any unflattering comments made.
• Keep in touch
As you are getting ready to leave, ask for contact information. Periodically, drop your former boss a note, ask how they are and make general small talk. It's appropriate to provide brief details on how you are doing also. If you see an article online that you think your former boss would enjoy reading, by all means send that along in an email. It's likely to be appreciated.
• Mail holiday cards
To keep up the relationship, you can mail holiday cards either to your boss directly or to the office itself wishing them the best. It lets them know you care enough to be thinking of them. AsForbesrecommends, you probably want to steer clear of humor cards. Choose a simple generic card with a kind sentiment.
Upon exit from an organization, leaving on good terms is a professional way to approach even a bad situation. If the experience has been good, then there is no reason not to stay on good terms. By taking just a few extra steps, you can remain on good terms with your old boss. The primary thing, however, is you don't want to burn your bridges.
