1. CAREEREALISM TV
Careers Done Write
Leaving a Dead-end
Networking Etiquette Job
April 22, 2011
September 2011
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC
Debra Wheatman, CPRW, CPCC
President
President
Careers Done Write, Inc.
debra@careersdonewrite.com
Careers Done Write, Inc.
877-389-SEEK (7335)
debra@careersdonewrite.com
877-389-SEEK (7335)
Put your career in gear...
Visit www.CareersDoneWrite.com
Unpublished work © 2010 Careers Done Write, Inc. - Confidential and Proprietary.
1 May not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without written authorization of Careers Done Write. www.CareersDoneWrite.com

2. Q: So, what do you do if they make a counteroffer?
Once you have made your decision to leave and
accepted a new position, do not consider a
counter offer. The message you are sending is
that money is your primary motivator and you
will take the offer from the highest bidder. If you
take a counter offer, if there is a downturn in the
market and the company has to conduct a layoff,
rest assured, you will be the first to go.
The acceptance of a counter demonstrates that you are not
committed – only focused on the money. All industries are small; you
are not positioning yourself as a trustworthy or viable resource.
Unpublished work © 2010 Careers Done Write, Inc. - Confidential and Proprietary.
2 May not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without written authorization of Careers Done Write. www.CareersDoneWrite.com

3. Q: What should I say or avoid saying during my exit interview?
Your exit interview is not an opportunity
for you to slam the company, your
coworkers or your boss. All of your
interactions should be professional. If you
have a specific concern, you can provide
constructive feedback regarding your
experience; but under no circumstances
should you take the opportunity to
complain or present your view in a negative way. You want to exit the
company with feelings of goodwill. You never know when you will
encounter these people again.
Unpublished work © 2010 Careers Done Write, Inc. - Confidential and Proprietary.
3 May not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without written authorization of Careers Done Write. www.CareersDoneWrite.com

4. Q: If I am asked, should I divulge any information about my
new employer?
It depends on what information you are asked. You should
only share what you are comfortable revealing. If you are
asked questions about salary, you are in no way obligated to
answer. You can provide information regarding the nature of
the work and in what capacity you will be operating. If you
have accepted a position with a promotion or an
opportunity for you to experience personal and professional
growth, there is no reason not to share that information.
This is a happy experience for you; take the time to provide
your current employer with an understanding of how the work will be
different and why you chose to make a switch.
Unpublished work © 2010 Careers Done Write, Inc. - Confidential and Proprietary.
4 May not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without written authorization of Careers Done Write. www.CareersDoneWrite.com

5. Q: How do you avoid burning a bridge when leaving an
employer?
Continue to perform your duties as you would. Do not use this as an
opportunity to do nothing for your last two weeks with your current
employer. If someone else was hired into your role, do what you can to
train them and ensure they are up to speed on any current projects or
assignments. Create a file with any outstanding deliverables and ensure
that all of the work and / or files are properly organized to make it
easier for the incumbent. You want to leave the company with a
positive impression – they should have positive memories of you both
personally and professionally.
Unpublished work © 2010 Careers Done Write, Inc. - Confidential and Proprietary.
5 May not be reproduced, published or disclosed to others without written authorization of Careers Done Write. www.CareersDoneWrite.com