Just because you’re leaving your job doesn’t mean you have to end on a sour note. With a little planning and courtesy you can end your employment and still keep valuable connections.
Let’s cover a few ways you can leave a job and still maintain a positive relationship with your former employer.
Give notice
It is customary to provide two-weeks notice when departing a position. However, be sensitive to crucial deadlines, activities and projects that need to be completed. If your role warrants more notice, work with your current and next employer to make sure both are treated with fairness and respect.
Have a resignation letter prepared
If you haven’t written one, your employer will most likely request one. The letter doesn’t need to cover too many details, but you should include your targeted last date of employment and any details you want to convey about the transition of your role to another person. Keep it short and sweet. This letter and the conversation you have when you leave the company will set the tone for your relationship after you are gone.
Complete projects
If at all possible, complete as many of your projects as you can before you leave. Work with your supervisor to prioritize which work they want you to complete before you leave.
Document your work
Be sure to document your daily, weekly, and monthly tasks if they are not already written out somewhere. Also make note of any relevant vendors, clients or resources the next person will need to have available to complete their work.
Transition your role
Offer to be involved in recommendations for handing off your responsibilities to other team members. You may have critical insights that will help management ensure that your successor or fellow team members have the information they need to be successful.
Be available for questions
Make the offer to be as available as possible to answer any follow-up questions the employer has for the person or people who are replacing you. It’s possible that you may need to train your replacement. It will ease the mind of the person performing your former role if they know they have a lifeline after you leave.
Exit interviews
Some companies will use exit interviews as a chance to learn more about why you are leaving and uncover any issues that might impact remaining employees. Be open and honest, but keep your comments focused on what will be most helpful and actionable. This isn’t the time to air personal grievances. Be professional and alert management to any critical issues that exist.