If you’ve just received notice of a layoff, it’s tempting to tell the boss exactly how you feel.  But, how you react to this situation can directly affect your future career.  To avoid burning bridges, follow these tips to gracefully leave after a company notifies you of a layoff.

• Remain professional.  Remember that this position will be listed on your resume, and even if you don’t provide reference information, a future employer may contact your former company directly.

• Continue your work if you’ve been notified in advance.  If an employer provides you with advance notice of your lay-off, this is no time to stop working.  Remain active and engaged, wrap up projects and create a list of all pending projects with details such as contact information, history and files. 

• Follow company rules until your last day.  If you’re displeased, don’t relax the rules for your final days on the job.  Continue to follow the dress code and to respect work property.

• Contact your colleagues.  If you have the opportunity to speak with colleagues before your departure, do so.  Visit your supervisor and favorite colleagues and thank them for your support while working there.  This will help to open the door to a lasting relationship that could possibly lead to opportunities down the road.  Keep in mind that the remaining colleagues often hesitate to contact the former worker, so it’s best for you to reach out to them.  Provide them with your contact information in case they have any questions about your work.

• Speak constructively about your experience in the exit interview.  Many companies will request an exit interview with you before your departure.  Although it may be tempting to vent your frustrations, provide constructive criticism.  Many companies will take your feedback and utilize it to make positive changes.

• In interviews, do not speak negatively about your formal employer.  You risk the chance that this will get back to the employer, and your prospective employer may wonder if you were at fault.

Remember that the business community in your area is small.  There is a good chance that you will cross paths with your former supervisors and coworkers again, so keep the experience as positive as you can.