People leave jobs for all sorts of reasons. Some resign on their own accord to pursue other opportunities, others are asked to leave. Despite what happened to cause your exit, how you leave MATTERS in regards to your future employment. Even if you think the job is outside of your expertise or maybe you are switching fields, keep in mind others rotate to other positions too. Recognizing how important bridges are in your search for a new job will help you in the future. Burning any bridge can come back to hurt you. The last thing you want to do is burn a bridge that you may need to utilize again years down the line. You never know who is connected. Here are a few ways to keep from burning bridges when you leave a job.

Be Respectful

When I was starting off in HR, I worked in a clinic with a full staff of doctors, nurses, front office administration, secretaries, medical billing, etc. I was the only HR person in the building, which gave me the opportunity to learn A LOT about corrective actions, handling complaints and terminations. Often if an employee was being terminated, it was at the request of a doctor or manager. Being new to the space, I always entered each meeting feeling nervous about how they would react. Some left peacefully, while others were aggressive and insulting.

HERE IS WHAT MATTERS: How you treat people at the worst of times, is directly reflected in your character as a person and as a worker. Keep in mind that even if you are (understandably) angry or upset, you will eventually need another job. If you are hoping for a good reference or any help in the future, do not let your last memory be a disrespectful one.

Keep Your Cool

I have heard it be said that it takes 20 compliments to overcome 1 insult. I find this to be very true. It is human nature to focus on the negative aspects of life over the positive. It is important to keep this in mind when leaving a job. Whether you are leaving on your own accord due to a disagreement or you are terminated, if you react with aggression, foul language or insults it will be remembered.

I once had a boss that ended up getting terminated. I don’t remember much about our interactions when working together. What I do remember is that this person threw a chair across the room and said horrible things to everyone they came in contact with as they walked out the door. 5 years later that same person called me asking if I could help them find a job. If you don’t think that was the first thing I thought of when we spoke, you would be wrong.

Think Long-Term

A long-term view of your professional life starts when we are choosing a career path and aligning the steps that need to be taken. Along with tasks, classes, certifications, experience, etc., it is beneficial to think of your attitude toward others with the same long-term view.The best way to get to your dream job is by being kind to those you work with even when you are at the bottom.

It is very easy to respond in the moment when we are caught off guard or simply provoked. Having the ability to think ahead at the overall outcome of your actions BEFORE responding will help you tremendously long-term. Showing respect and maturity will ensure you keep your professional connection intact as well as speaking volumes toward your character.