Job Exit Strategy – A Poor Exit can Cost Sales Professionals
There is a time when every working relationship comes to an end but the question remains - can you ever make a clean break? The simple answer is that you won’t know until the situation arises. Breaking up can be a testing time but it is intensified in the case of sales professionals.
Sales roles by their nature have the complication of commissions and bonuses and it is essential to have an effective exit strategy in place. Preparation is critical to ensure you manage your departure in the best way possible with the relationship intact and commissions and bonuses paid in full. Some important tips:
No games – Never play games with your current employer with the threat of leaving to get what you want. This is a dangerous situation and can go horribly wrong. If you have issues with your current work situation address them with your employer. If your employer can’t provide solutions then you can stay and accept the situation or leave. If you decide to leave then leave!! Never use another job offer to force your employer’s hand to get what you want.
Put it in writing – Put your notice in writing and hand it to your boss and relevant parties in person (don’t just leave it on your boss’s desk and then slip off into the night). When you put your notice in writing it is formal and this is stronger than a verbal resignation.
Break it gently – It is important to keep it simple. Even if there are valid reasons I am inclined to advise jobseekers to give a basic line such as - you are seeking a new challenge. The problem with outlining your real reasons for leaving is that it gives your employer important information to try and make you stay.
No need to put the boot in – No matter how nasty the situation gets remain calm and refrain from biting back. Employers can use every emotion to try to get to you. Equally don’t use the fact that you are leaving as an opportunity to stick the boot in – you are leaving and you will not gain anything by sticking the boot in (but you could loose financially).
Ignore counter-offers – Employers may use counter-offers to try to tempt you to stay. Expect them but ignore them. Although the counter-offer may be tempting research has shown that 80% of employees who stay for counter-offer have left within the year.
If you want expert CV & Interview skills advice book a place on our workshop - 20th October. For more information contact paul@measurability.ie
Paul Mullan is Director of Measurability. Measurability offers career coaching (Career Direction, CV Design & Interview Coaching) and also offers assessment solutions to organisations to enhance and improve recruitment process and decisions.
Contact details:
087 1223308
