don't go burning bridges...
The majority of us will move from one job to another during our careers. These changes
can be due to unhappiness at work, a new direction or career path, or a simple desire
to develop. However, a large number of people move jobs simply because it is the
nature of the work they do.
These people are contractors. For contractors no two jobs are the same. An assignment
can last from one day to two years! This means that for some contractors, they can
be moved from one placement to another every week or month.
It’s Friday afternoon and you’ve contacted us in search of your next assignment.
You are told by your consultant that your next assignment is due to start on Monday
morning. Before leaving your current placement in a blaze of glory, by telling your
boss and that annoying colleague exactly what you think of them, it is wise to follow
these important rules of etiquette regarding your last day:
- However much you may dislike your boss, s/he could be a really good contact for
you in your new assignment or permanent job, so don’t take your leaving as an opportunity
to speak your mind
- If you wish to take contacts or examples of work, get permission from your employer.
By not gaining permission you may breech a confidentiality clause
- Be up to date on all administration. Complete your timesheets, invoicing and forecasts.
Not completing day to day requirements will upset your employer, and will make life
harder for your ex-colleagues. If you have been on the assignment for a while, it
is advised to put together hand-over notes and contacts. This is so that the person
who will be replacing you will be able to get on with the job in hand, and pick
up where you left off. How many times have you gone to a new placement only to find
no-one knows (well, except for the last contractor) where that all important document
has been filed
- If, when leaving the assignment, you feel that your time spent with the company
could have been much better you could ask for an ‘exit’ interview. Here you can
explain to your employer what went wrong for you. They can then take your constructive
criticism and apply it
- Say goodbye to your clients and customers only after ensuring that your employer
is happy for you to do so
It is extremely wise to leave all placements on a good note. This is because as
a contractor, there is always a possibility that sometime in the future you maybe
sent there again.