How you leave a job makes a lasting impression with those you worked for and with. Since you will likely need a reference from that job at some point in the future, you want to leave on as positive a note as possible.
It’s also an amazingly small world these days, and you could easily cross paths with those former colleagues in the future. Sometimes you find former colleagues at the new company you hope to join.
The best policy is never to burn any bridges. (Tweet this thought.) Here’s how to ensure that you leave your job on good terms:
Telling Your Manager and Colleagues You’re Leaving
- Be sure to tell your manager before telling anyone else. Give your manager the courtesy of letting them know first.
- Be honest without being overly negative or critical. Tell them a bit about the exciting new opportunity and what you will be doing. Give them (polite) highlights of what caused you to consider other alternatives.
- Once you’ve notified your manager, submit an official resignation letter for HR. State that you’re leaving and share the date, not the reasons. If required, schedule a formal exit interview with HR.
- Thank your manager for the opportunity you have had there and what you have learned. Ask if they would be a reference in the future.
- Ask how you can best spend your last two weeks — suggest documenting processes and procedures, documenting outstanding projects and training others on the team.
- Always give at least two weeks’ notice.
- Ask your manager if it’s okay to tell your colleagues.
- When telling your colleagues, stay as positive as possible. There is little to be gained by bashing the manager or the company, and it could seriously hurt you in the future.
Maximizing Your Last Two Weeks
- If your current responsibilities are not already well documented, prepare as much documentation as possible.
- Compile a list of any outstanding projects or issues.
- Provide a list of where to find critical files on the computer.
- Organize and label your files so others can find what they need easily.
- Work with your manager to identify any training you need to do with colleagues to provide coverage.
- Coordinate with your manager how you should notify customers or vendors you work with to ensure they know who to contact once you leave.
- Don’t leave any personal items in your desk or your office. Leave your workspace clean and well organized.
- Participate in an HR exit interview if requested.
- Clarify how you want to be contacted if there are questions once you leave — home email? Phone?
On Your Last Day
- Ensure that everything above has been completed.
- Turn in any keys, ID tags, passwords, etc.
- Update your voicemail and email with appropriate contact information for the individual who will be covering.
- Address any outstanding questions with your manager and colleagues.
- Graciously say goodbye and thank you for the experience.
Other Things to Do as You Wrap Up Your Final Days in Your Old Position
- Thank your references who helped you land this exciting new opportunity.
- Update your LinkedIn profile with your new position and employer once you officially finish your former position.
- Update your networking contacts on your new position.
- Review your research and interview notes to ensure that you hit the ground running in your new role.
Always maintain a professional demeanor and behavior so you leave the company with the best impression and your reputation intact.
What else would you recommend for leaving your job well? Share in the comments!
This post originally appeared at the Get To Work blog.
Image: Flickr
