If you have ever left a job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, you might wonder how to refer to your previous employment status. Are you a former employee, an ex-employee, a past employee, or something else? And what are the implications of using these terms?
In this blog post, we will explore the meaning and usage of the term “former employee”, as well as some alternatives and best practices for communicating your work history.
What is a former employee?
A former employee is someone who used to work for an organization, but no longer does. This term is neutral and factual, and does not imply any reason or manner for leaving the job. It can be used for any type of employment, such as full-time, part-time, contract, temporary, or freelance.
A former employee can also be called a past employee, a previous employee, or an alumni (if the organization uses this term for its former staff). These terms are also neutral and factual, and can be used interchangeably with “former employee”.
What is not a former employee?
A former employee is not the same as an ex-employee, a terminated employee, a laid-off employee, or a resigned employee. These terms are more specific and indicate the reason or manner for leaving the job. They can also have negative connotations or implications, depending on the context and tone.
An ex-employee is someone who no longer works for an organization, usually because of a conflict or disagreement. This term can suggest bitterness or resentment, and is often used in a derogatory way. It can also imply that the person was fired or quit abruptly.
A terminated employee is someone who was fired from their job, usually for cause or performance issues. This term can suggest failure or misconduct, and is often used in a formal or legal context. It can also imply that the person was not eligible for rehire or severance.
A laid-off employee is someone who lost their job due to economic reasons, such as budget cuts, downsizing, or restructuring. This term can suggest misfortune or hardship, and is often used in a sympathetic or compassionate way. It can also imply that the person was eligible for rehire or severance.
A resigned employee is someone who voluntarily quit their job, usually for personal or professional reasons. This term can suggest choice or agency, and is often used in a respectful or positive way. It can also imply that the person gave notice and left on good terms.
How to use the term “former employee”
The term “former employee” can be used in various contexts and situations, such as:
- On your resume or CV: You can use “former employee” to describe your previous employment status on your resume or CV. For example, you can write “Former Employee of ABC Company” under your name and contact information. This can show that you are proud of your work history and have nothing to hide.
- On your LinkedIn profile: You can use “former employee” to indicate your previous employment status on your LinkedIn profile. For example, you can write “Former Employee at ABC Company” in your headline or summary. This can help you network with other former employees and potential employers.
- On your social media accounts: You can use “former employee” to share your previous employment status on your social media accounts. For example, you can write “Former Employee of ABC Company” in your bio or profile description. This can help you express your identity and interests.
- In your email signature: You can use “former employee” to sign off your emails with your previous employment status. For example, you can write “Jane Doe, Former Employee of ABC Company” at the end of your email. This can help you establish credibility and professionalism.
- In your cover letter: You can use “former employee” to mention your previous employment status in your cover letter. For example, you can write “As a former employee of ABC Company, I have gained valuable skills and experience that make me a suitable candidate for this position.” This can help you highlight your qualifications and achievements.
Best practices for using the term “former employee”
When using the term “former employee”, there are some best practices to follow to ensure that you communicate effectively and respectfully. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be consistent: Use the same term throughout your documents and communications to avoid confusion or inconsistency. For example, if you use “former employee” on your resume, use it on your LinkedIn profile as well.
- Be accurate: Use the term that best reflects your actual employment status and reason for leaving. For example, if you were fired from your job, do not use “former employee” to imply that you left voluntarily.
- Be honest: Do not lie or exaggerate about your previous employment status or reason for leaving. For example, if you were laid off from your job due to budget cuts, do not use “former employee” to imply that you quit for a better opportunity.
- Be positive: Use the term that best showcases your skills and achievements, and avoid using terms that might cast a negative light on your work history. For example, if you resigned from your job to pursue a career change, use “former employee” to imply that you left on good terms and are ready for new challenges.
Conclusion
The term “former employee” is a neutral and factual way to refer to your previous employment status. It can be used for any type of employment, and does not imply any reason or manner for leaving the job. It can also be used in various contexts and situations, such as on your resume, LinkedIn profile, social media accounts, email signature, or cover letter. However, when using the term “former employee”, it is important to be consistent, accurate, honest, and positive, to ensure that you communicate effectively and respectfully.
