Q: I’ve performed very well in my job and have gotten along great with everyone at work. Unfortunately, my position is slated for elimination due to a business reorganization. Before I’m let go, I’m being asked to work with a fellow employee whose current duties will be expanded to include those I have now. When I go to interview for a new job, I know it will be important for me to make a good first impression, but what about the job I’m leaving behind? Is there any reason I should want to make a good ‘last’ impression?
—Keeping a Stiff Upper Lip
A: If you’re on good terms with your present employer and colleagues, you’ve succeeded in generating a very valuable commodity going forward: a good reputation. It goes hand-in-hand with a good work record and, together, they can be your passport to finding even better employment opportunities in the
future. Your reputation will usually follow or precede you when applying for a new job—as many prospective employers check professional references to determine if an applicant is a competent, hard-working and honest person, rather than a slacker or troublemaker. Understand that your professional reputation can be as important as your skill set. With all this in mind, I believe it behooves you to do your level best to work with your replacement with as much care and courtesy as possible, until you either secure another job or are discharged from your present position. By working diligently until then, you can burnish your reputation as a dependable employee who perseveres to complete his/her assigned tasks in a manner that reflects a superior work ethic. Being a ‘class act’ should earn favorable, if not glowing, recommendations. Such kudos can be worth their weight in gold and quite possibly make all the difference when vying for a new job. Incidentally, if you’ve already received recognition for a job well done, you might consider asking your current employer to directly refer you (when the time comes) to another firm. If they could do that for you, it might put you on the inside track with that other company. All things considered, the latter part of one’s employment may well be the most important, as an employee is generally remembered more for his/her most recent work performance. I suggest you play the hand you have been dealt with a good sportsmanship-like attitude, and take care in performing your final duties. Keep in mind that a career opportunity might open up for you at any time; therefore, try to maintain high marks and your professional standing, so you can bring to bear every advantage when an opportunity presents itself.
By Joan Berkman
If you have a question for Joan, send it to business@townandstyle.com. Joan Lee Berkman is a marketing and public relations consultant.
