Top Tips for Staying on Good Terms with a former Boss
Staying on good terms with a former boss will make it easier for you to advance in your career, and will be a big advantage when you need an official work reference orletter of recommendationin the future.
It is not difficult to stay on good terms with a boss, if you already have a good relationship with that person. It could be more of a challenge if you have not been getting on with your boss, but you can easily remedy this before you leave your job. All that is necessary to remain on good terms is to build up a good professional relationship with your former boss.
Leaving your job
When you decide to leave, or if you are selected for a more senior position within the company, you do need to talk to your boss, and explain how you feel about the move. Make an appointment with your boss to discuss your career prospects, and take the opportunity to express your appreciation of his or her leadership. Even if you have disagreed on a number of points, you can honestly say it has been valuable work experience.Tell your boss that you want to stay in touch, so you can let him or her know how you are getting on, or just say that you would like to continue to build on yourprofessional relationship. You might also suggest that you should meet occasionally for a meal, or a few drinks, and bring along your partners.
Maintaining contactAfter leaving the department or company, write a letter of appreciation to your boss. You can thank your boss for providing you with the opportunity to advance your career, or if you have made a change in direction, for the chance to start a new career.
Only make contact with your own boss when you feel it would be welcome, or if it is necessary. Be sure to keep your old boss’s contact details up to date, and remember to ask your old boss to let you know of any change of address or telephone number.
Make the most of any opportunity to network through any professional association or business organization that you can join. If you are still in the same profession, you can use these to introduce your old boss to your new boss or senior executives. This will help them to build their business connections, and should keep you on good terms with both your old and your new employer.
Social networking
Make the most ofsocial networks, such as Twitter and Facebook. Follow your old employer to keep up to date with business developments, or any major changes within the organisation. You can stay on good terms with your old boss by sending messages of congratulation whenever these take place, and by sharing your old boss's updates with your own followers.
Using LinkedIn to connect with your old boss is one of the best ways to stay on good terms. You can endorse your old boss at LinkedIn, for his or her skills, and alsoshare professional discussionswhere you have both participated. These actions will help your old boss, and you, to attract attention and gain valuable new connections.
Knowing how to stay on good terms with a former boss is a major factor in career advancement. It would be a big mistake to lose contact with your old boss when you leave a company or move on in your career. Maintaining a professional relationship with your old boss is easy when you know how, and will be of great advantage next time want to be considered for a higher position or apply for a new job.
