Following a Build Your Dream Network book tour event in Moncton, New Brunswick, an attendee came up to share his career story with me. Recently laid off after 15 years with the same company, he was taking a couple of months to consider his next career move. What’s interesting about his story are the only two actions he took (immediately after being told his job was eliminated). While management had said he could take all the time he needed that day to clean out his office, this newly laid-off father of two in his mid-fifties took fifteen minutes to calmly complete the task, as there were only two actions to take:
- Send out an email to his work colleagues thanking them and management for the opportunities during his tenure at the company; and
- Pack up his Rolodex* of contact information.
“If I have my connections, I’ll land that next job” he told me.
Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets. If you’ve got a solid reputation – people will vouch for you and will use their social capital to help you land solidly on your feet. Yes, this is a lesson in “building your reputation AND network” well before you need it.
Three more #BYDN tips before you hit send on your “I’m outta here” email and walk out the door:
- Speak to close contacts 1:1.
- Work closely with the team to transition your work.
- Cast a wide net for good-byes.
Put diligence and career first into your departure efforts. The last few weeks, days or hours in the job will likely be your legacy – and stepping stone to your next opportunity.
