Quick Answer
Posting on LinkedIn about leaving a job is a personal choice that depends on your goals and the type of connections you want to maintain. Some pros of announcing a job change on LinkedIn include staying top of mind with your network, positioning yourself as an expert if starting a new venture, and controlling the narrative. Cons can be burning bridges with your past employer or looking unprofessional.
Should you post about leaving a job?
Whether or not to post on LinkedIn about leaving a job is an individual decision based on your circumstances and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
Pros of posting:
– Staying top of mind and maintaining connections. Posting keeps you active in your network’s feed and notified about new opportunities.
– Positioning yourself as an expert. If starting a new business or independent consultancy, announcing this on LinkedIn establishes your expertise.
– Controlling the narrative. You can share the news on your terms versus through the office grapevine.
– Celebrating career growth. Posting can showcase your development and new responsibilities.
Cons of posting:
– Burning bridges. Vagueposting complaints about a past employer can damage relationships.
– Oversharing. Some details about a job transition are better left private.
– Looking unprofessional. Frequent job changes shown on your profile can raise questions.
– Stepping on toes. Not giving your old employer a heads up can catch them off guard.
Alternatives to posting:
– Update your profile and contacts. Refreshing your LinkedIn profile and reaching out to close connections gets the news out quietly.
– Share with recruiters and hiring managers. They will spread the word to relevant contacts.
– Announce once settled. Waiting until you start your new role means all the details are worked out.
Best practices for announcing a job change on LinkedIn
If you do decide to share a job update on LinkedIn, here are some best practices:
Be strategic with timing
Give your manager and team notice before posting so they hear it from you first. And consider waiting until details like start date and title are settled with the new employer.
Frame the update positively
Focus on your excitement and gratefulness for new opportunities versus venting about your old job. Sugarcoat any challenges you faced.
Mind the details
Proofread for typos, inaccuracies about job tenure or title, and unintended confidential information. No disparaging comments about specific people or employers.
Engage your network
Prompt connections to reach out by asking questions like “What advice do you have for someone starting a new role in X industry?”
Example job change announcement posts
Here are some example scripts for announcing a job change on LinkedIn:
Starting a new job:
I’m thrilled to share that I’ve joined [Company X] as a [new job title]. I’m excited to take on this new challenge and learn from some of the best minds in the industry. Thank you to my colleagues at [old company] for an amazing [number] years! Looking forward to this next chapter.
Leaving a job for a new venture:
After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave [Company X] and pursue [new venture] full-time. As scared as I am to take this leap, I’m following my passion. Feel free to reach out if you or someone you know needs [services or products]. While one chapter closes, another begins!
Job elimination:
I recently found out my role has been eliminated at [Company X]. While this news came as a surprise, I’m keeping an open mind about what new opportunities this transition will bring. Please let me know if you have any job leads in [industry]! I’m excited to connect.
Retiring:
After [number] wonderful years, I’ve decided to retire from [Company X]. I’m so grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and experiences that have shaped my career journey. While I’ll miss seeing everyone daily, I can’t wait to spend more time with family and explore new hobbies. Let the next adventure begin!
Key takeaways
– Consider if announcing your job change on LinkedIn aligns with your goals before posting. Weigh the pros and cons.
– Time the announcement strategically once details are settled and key stakeholders know.
– Craft the post carefully focusing on the positive and being mindful of confidentiality.
– Engage your network by prompting comments and conversations.
– Tailor the message based on where you are headed next – new job, new venture, retirement, etc.
Conclusion
Posting about leaving a job on LinkedIn is a personal choice. It allows you to control the narrative and maintain connections, but can risk burning bridges if not done tactfully. Assess your motivations and career stage to decide if and when to announce a job change. With a thoughtful approach, you can share career updates on LinkedIn while maintaining your professional reputation.