How professionally you act during a transition is very telling, and frequently what people will remember most.

Did you handle well having to fire someone or did you delegate it to someone without the proper skills and prep?

When switching jobs or departments, did you attentively attempt to bridge the knowledge gaps and maintain a smooth continuous operation?

Did you fire someone and let them “save face” by saying they quit, only to leak it so everyone in the office knows?

Sometimes, it’s not just first impressions.