What Not to Do When You Leave Your Job
Posted in Job Loss & Resignation
Leaving a job, whether you are fired or finally decided to quit, tend to be upsetting most of the time. And since you are no longer part of the organization, you gain this false notion that you are completely free to do what you want and end up doing things you might regret career-wise. Here are some of the things you need to avoid as you leave the office on your last day at work.
Do not say bad things about your boss and co-workers
If you leave your job in bad terms, you are tempted to blow your head off and say what is on your mind. You consider talking to your boss or co-worker what you really think of them.
However, even if they truly deserve it, do not even dare talk badly towards them. You never know who you get to work with down the road and who you may have to work for one day.
Do not damage or steal company properly
Vandalism and theft are criminal offenses. Even if you do not get caught, the mere speculation that you may have something to do with the broken water dispenser can damage your reputation.
Do not forget to ask for a reference
This may appear awkward if you are leaving your job on unfavorable terms, but you still need to ask your former employer for a reference, especially when looking for a new job.
However, you need to make sure you either have a good or a neutral reference. If you have been fired because of some horrible offense, you may ignore this rule.
Do not badmouth your former employer or co-workers to your replacement
You would only appear as sourgraping, so there is nothing to gain there. Besides, they probably wonder what you would say about them if you switched to another company.
Do not badmouth your former employer to a prospective employer
When you are asked during a job interview what made you leave your former job, do not even get tempted to say bad things about your former boss or previous co-workers. The recruiter might wonder that it could be your fault after all.
