CHAPTER ONE: CHANGING JOBS

  • The worker's choice
  • Events beyond the worker's control
  • Organizations change their structures
  • Companies are bought and sold, merged with other companies, relocated to other areas
  • Downsized (decreasing the number of workers)
  • Company fail or go out of business
  • Workers are promoted or transferred to different jobs, asked to move another city
  • Laid off temporarily
  • Dismissed

Job termination

  • Remain calm and professional

Dismissal procedures (FAQ)

  • A written notice or letter stating that you are dismissed from the company - letter state reason for dismissal
  • Receive a final paycheck - paid for items such as unused vacation or sick days
  • Return items such as company keys, credit cards, security badges or access cards
  • A manager or a coworker escort you to your desk or work area to collect personal items and out of the building
  • If informal, leave on your own and take time to say good bye to your coworkers

Severance pay (FAQ)

  • Payment made to an employee being dismissed from a job
  • Given to employee whose jobs are terminated through no fault of the employees
  • Workers who lost their jobs because of a serious violation of company policies will not receive it.

Downsizing or a move to a new location - companies use outplacement services (provide counseling and other services to help workers find new job)

Exit Interview (FAQ)

Meeting with company personnel when leaving a job

  • Meeting may be with your supervisor or someone from Human Resources Department
  • The reasons you are leaving the company and the status of any continuing benefits - may be discussed
  • Asked questions about how you think the company could improve operations
  • Show a cooperative attitude - keep the goodwill of the company personnel

References (FAQ)

  • Ask your supervisor to give you a letter of recommendation
  • Allow you to list them as a reference

Changing Jobs (FAQ)

  • Move to a different city
  • Complete training or education
  • Find better pay or more opportunity for advancement
  • Take advantage of good job opportunities

Resignation Letter (FAQ)

  • Give two week's notice
  • Submit a formal resignation letter
  • Use a polite, professional tone
  • Letter is short and simple
  • First paragraph - ask the manager to accept your resignation
  • Second paragraph - Help another worker assume your duties - offer to train or assist another person during your last few days at work
  • Third paragraph - thank the manager - not give a reason for your resignation

Promotions (FAQ)

Advancement in rank, grade or position

  • Your company may post job openings in company bulletins in local newspaper or on the company's website - provide information about higher-level jobs
  • Learn about qualifications required for various jobs and higher-level positions in your company

Job Portfolio

Information related to talents and skills - documents, degrees, awards and work samples

  • Copies of your resume
  • Sample letters of applications
  • Your job search diary
  • Copies of any awards or honors
  • Letters, notes and other items related to your work
  • Programs and newsletters - report your participation in school or community activities
  • School transcript
  • Diplomas and certificates of completion of courses
  • A detailed work history
  • Samples of your work or pictures and descriptions of projects or work completed

Update your job portfolio frequently to reflect new skills, talents and experiences