“Cindy has left the
company to pursue other opportunities”
Sound familiar? This
is the typical message the organization sends out when we leave a company (for
oh so many reasons). I think there is a better way.
I am a firm believer
that we need to manage the message of why we left a company and more
importantly what we intend to do next. Over the years I have developed what I
call the Announcement Letter.
It is our way of
telling our story. It shares with our networks that we have left, what we want
to do next, (whether we are seeking one path or multiple paths), gives them 3
accomplishments we are proud of (if you read my previous article you know they
will be the 3 that supports what we want to do in the future), if we intend to
take some time off before starting our job search, and inform them that we will
be reaching out to them for advice and counsel.
What will an
announcement do for you?
·
It will get everyone
on the same page with one clear message
·
It will eliminate
having to tell the exit story over and over
·
It will focus your
network on the future
·
And finally, it will
eliminate what I call the “pregnant pause” while they search for something to
say after you tell them you have left your organization
How do you use it?
·
Copy it onto the body
of your personal email.
·
If you are intending
to set up meetings with people in your network, send it out in small waves (12
to 20 people at a time) so you can comfortably manage the logistics of getting
the meetings set up.
·
If you want it to be
simply informational then you can send in out in a mass mailing but change the
last paragraph.
OR
·
Combine the approaches
with some sent for the purpose of setting meetings and then a mass mailing for
the masses.
What does an
Announcement Letter look like?
I have taken several
different letters from clients (with their permission and scrubbed to protect
the innocent) and combined them to address the multiple career path option, the
taking time off option, and the different level of roles you may be seeking
depending on the size of organizations you are looking at vs. the size you have
just left. The announcement letter is not reserved only for executives, rather
it has proven successful at all levels.
Announcement Letter
Example:
Hello,
I’m writing today to
let you know that I have now left ABC Corp. where I was serving as President
and COO. It has been a wild ride with much success, many challenges, and plenty
of memorable victories.
Here is a summary of
what I was able to accomplish:
·
Hired as the first
employee of the newly formed public company, I personally built the
cross-functional leadership team that led execution of fast growth first year
from $42K revenue in first quarter to $8M annual run rate over a 15 month
period.
·
Led development of
services division performing application engineering and global turnkey
installation services to support a new direct sales model that was a key driver
to the top line growth, representing 60% of total sales.
·
Assumed direct
leadership of manufacturing and supply chain operation replacing
under-performing supplier and managing fast-track ramp of new supplier through
bi-lateral program management and daily meetings to successfully meet the
quarterly revenue growth goal of 58% from prior quarter.
So what is next for
me? First off I am taking the summer off and will be spending time traveling
and catching up with family and friends. During that time I will be zeroing in
on my next role. I have already decided to look at two different kinds of
opportunities:
1.
Enterprise IT Focused
Start-up Companies (Systems, Software, Cloud, or Services) – I will be looking
for a Senior Leadership role. I would like to be the person that helps take
them to next level revenue- wise and expand into new markets.
OR
1.
Larger Enterprise IT
Focused Companies (Salesforce, Google, Oracle, HP, Dell, SAP, Microsoft, etc…)
- I believe there are many jobs/roles where I could help them. Cloud,
Enterprise Software and services are areas that are of interest to me. I
recognize in a larger organization I will be looking at VP or Director level
roles.
I may be reaching out
to you as someone that I respect to help me to expand my network and get my
message out. I’ll be meeting lots of interesting people along the way so I’ll
be very interested in learning what you’re up to and how I can help as I
proceed. I will sincerely appreciate any assist you can offer.
ANOTHER CLOSING
Because I value your
thoughts and opinions I hope you will allow me to contact you to discuss career
choices and to seek your advice and guidance.
CLOSING FOR A MASS
MAILING
Since you are a valued
member of my network, I wanted to update you on my professional changes
personally.
Whether leaving was
your decision or their decision or a mutual agreement (I love that term) I hope
I have encouraged you to take control, manage your message, and get your
network working.
By the way, contrary
to the opening sentence, I have not left the company to pursue other
opportunities. I love what I do and I love sharing these tips with you!
