Leaving a job can feel spectacularly awkward at the best of times. However, it’s really important to be graceful when you do it. We’re in an increasingly connected, small world, and both companies and candidates move quickly.
Today’s employer could be tomorrow’s client, big new sale, or even the key contact you need to land the great new career of your choice.
Many people leave their employers with a bad taste in their mouth, however, impacting their ability to turn old employers into long lasting assets. These tips will help ensure you don’t do the same.
Make sure you finish major projects before you go Don’t just coast after giving notice.
Hustle instead. Take the time to finish every major project on your plate, and attend to the details and quality of what you do.
Don’t have major projects to deal with? You should launch at least one: creating a resource to make life easier on your replacement. Outline processes and procedures. Let your boss know you’re doing this so he or she knows the resource exists. This will show you care about the future of the company, and it will show you’re doing everything you can to keep your leave taking from causing chaos.
Do it in writing!
Your notice should never only be given verbally. Put it all in a letter, then hand that letter to your supervisor in a face-to-face meeting. This is the most professional way to handle a resignation, and your professionalism will be remembered.
Besides, a resignation letter is an opportunity. In it, you can:
• Thank the company for the opportunity to be a part of their team.
• Reiterate your accomplishments at the company to remind your boss that your time there was both fruitful and productive.
• Mention which projects you’ll be wrapping up during the notice period, which can discourage your boss from letting you go early (or explain how you only need half your notice to get everything done that you need to do).
• Request positive references in the event you require them in the future.
In fact, a resignation letter is the only place you can gracefully accomplish these goals. Do not miss the opportunity!
Keep your mouth shut!
Angry at your current company? Go home, write it all down on a piece of paper, then burn the paper you wrote it on. Then? Don’t ever speak of the problems you encountered ever again.
Seriously!
Don’t tell your old employer (not even during an exit interview). Don’t tell your new employer. Don’t mention your problems at networking events. This behaviour will come back to bite you, if only by making the people who hear this talk wonder what you’re saying about them.
If you have to tell someone, restrict your gripes to your Mom, Dad, or spouse. Nobody else wants to hear it. Besides, talking constantly about what went wrong keeps you stuck in that place instead of giving you the power to move on and hit the ground running somewhere else.
Want to leave like a superstar?
Offer to stay on as long as your team needs, then offer to help find and train your replacement. This means you’re absolutely not leaving your employer in the lurch and is one of the most smooth and professional ways you can exit a company.
By making this offer you’re setting clear objectives and ensuring you get a good reference.
You’ll also ensure the ongoing respect of your peers.
Acknowledgement to Ben Hutt
Warren Myers
Your Recruitment Consultant
Phone: 9228 3300
www.cmprecruitmentspecialist.com.au
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