Beware of These Issues When Changing Jobs

Posted by leahB on Jun 10, 2010 in Candidate, Career Transition | Comments Off

Job Transitions in the Solar Industry

Transitioning to a new job and career is comparable to moving into a new home. Items need to be packed, a time line needs to be followed, and then everything needs to be unpacked and re-established at the new location. While most people have a general idea of what this consists of, there is actually quite a bit of loose ends that need to be taken care of. Jacqueline Crowe, HR Manager at BBC Worldwide in New York City, confirmed that the following items should be resolved during a job transition:

• Benefits. Be aware of when they end and when new employers’ benefits will kick in. Also, be aware of the differences in coverage and costs.
• Cobra. Be sure to ask when the old company will send the necessary paperwork.
• 401 K. Usually the old 401 K can roll over into the new 401 K account, but a comparison should be conducted between both plans. Also be aware of whether or not the plan is a Roth IRA or not.
• Non-compete Agreement. A recent requirement is that companies require that new hires sign a non-compete agreement. This limits the individual’s right to work at a competing company for a period of time, protecting the company’s rights and ownership of any products or ideas that are generated by the new employee. This also gives them the right to sue the employee should this agreement be violated in any way.
• Vacation and Bonus Payouts. Ask about vacation payout from the old company. If the departing employee is due any bonus payments or prorated bonus payments, the employee should take it upon themselves to seek these out.
• Record of Employment. If the departing employee does to have a job lined up, ask for record of employment to show when applying for unemployment.
• Termination Policy. Confirm whether or not the employer discloses the reason for termination as a policy.
• Back up sensitive files. Be sure that any personal e-mails or sensitive documents have been backed up and saved before resigning from the old employer.
• Biz critical roles. Be aware of the fact that anyone in a biz critical role (sales, for example) will typically be escorted out immediately upon resignation.

Good luck with the job hunt!

Leah Ben-Ami

Contributing Editor – Solar Careers

No related posts.