Why are you leaving your job?
When writing a leaving job post, one of the most important things is to be clear about why you are leaving your current position. Here are some common reasons for leaving a job:
- You are relocating – If you are moving to a new city or state, it makes sense that you would be leaving your current job. Be sure to mention your relocation in your post.
- You are starting a new career – Sometimes people decide to change careers entirely. If this is the case, explain your reasons for seeking a career change.
- You were laid off – Downsizing and restructuring can lead to layoffs. This is often out of your control. Note that you are leaving due to a layoff.
- You are burnt out – Many jobs can lead to burnout over time. If you are seeking a new job to gain renewed passion in your work, you can share this reason.
- You want new challenges – If you feel like you have plateaued in your role and want to continue growing, it’s reasonable to seek new challenges.
- You have a toxic workplace – From difficult managers to gossiping coworkers, toxic workplace culture will drive many people away. You can be honest about this.
- You need better work/life balance – Seeking a position with a better work/life balance because your current job expects too much is also understandable.
Knowing why you are leaving will help craft your message. Be honest but professional about your reasons for moving on. Never speak negatively about your current employer. Instead, focus on positive reasons for seeking new opportunities.
What are you looking for in a new position?
In addition to why you are leaving, also include what you are looking for in your next position. A few things to call out:
- Desired job title and responsibilities
- Industry you want to work in
- Qualities of your ideal work culture/environment
- Salary expectations
- Geographic preferences if you wish to relocate
- Opportunities for advancement and growth
- Benefits that are important to you
- Work schedule needs and preferences
By sharing what you hope to find in your next role, you guide recruiters toward opportunities that are a good fit for you. This helps attract positions that align with your career goals. Focus on the positive qualities you hope to gain in new opportunities.
How do you share your announcement?
Where and how you share your leaving job post matters. Consider these tips:
- Update your LinkedIn profile – Your LinkedIn connections are a great starting point to share your job search. Update your profile with your announcement post.
- Post on other social networks – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can also get the word out. Just be mindful of privacy settings.
- Email close contacts – Email your post to friends, colleagues, and networking contacts who can help connect you to opportunities.
- Use job search sites – In addition to LinkedIn, sites like Indeed, Monster, etc. enable you to post about your search.
- Send to recruiters – Find recruiters in your industry on LinkedIn or job sites and send them your announcement directly.
Cast a wide net by sharing your post on multiple platforms and with your network. Make it easy for others to find and connect you to your next position.
What is the right tone and length?
Your leaving job post should have:
- A polite, positive tone. Don’t disparage your current employer.
- Enthusiasm about the future. Convey excitement for your next chapter.
- A short, scannable format. Bullet points are great for online posts.
- A clear call to action. Say how you want connections to contact you.
Keep your language upbeat and sincere. You never know where your next opportunity will come from, so avoid burning bridges.
Aim for a succinct post that gets straight to the point. Long blocks of text are unlikely to get read.
Finally, make it obvious how interested parties can reach out. Share your contact info, links to your portfolio, or links to apply directly to open roles.
Sample Leaving Job Post
After [X Years/Months] in my role as [Current Job Title] at [Current Company], I’ve decided to seek new career opportunities.
My reason for leaving is [short reason why you are moving on].
I’m looking for [qualities you want in next role] to further develop my skills in [your field].
If you know of any [job titles] roles in [locations] please reach out! I would love to connect and can be contacted at [Email] or [LinkedIn/Website/Phone].
I’m excited to take this next step in my professional journey. Thank you for your support!
[Name]
What should you avoid?
When announcing your job search, there are a few things to avoid:
- Negativity about your current job or coworkers. Take the high road.
- Overly personal details. Keep the focus on your skills and goals.
- Passive or indifferent language. Convey excitement for the future.
- Spelling and grammar errors. Proofread! This is many people’s first impression.
- Unprofessional tone. Use proper language as if announcing to colleagues.
- Forgetting a call to action. Explicitly say how people can help or connect with you.
You always want to come across mature, polished, appreciative, and enthusiastic. Avoid anything that could be construed as complaining, dramatic, or unprofessional.
What to Do Before Announcing
– Update your resume and portfolio/website
– Research job openings to know viable options
– Prepare your ideal elevator pitch
– Clean up your social media profiles
Conclusion
Announcing your job search is an art. With care and strategy, your leaving job post can capture exciting new opportunities. Be clear on your reasons for leaving, goals for your next role, preferred contact methods, and convey gratefulness and optimism. Avoid negativity, errors, overly personal details, and remember to specifically say how you want people to help or apply. With a polished, positive announcement, you can move onward and upward in your career.