Quitting a job is often fraught with emotion. There’s excitement in moving on, and dread, and sometimes terror, at the thought of informing your boss. It’s the bane of most outgoing employees’ existence. Announcing that you’re moving out is never fun or easy—but it builds character when you do it right.
Here are 6 tips to get your prepared to leave a good impression as you leave your job.
Though most people send emails and call the deed done, never go digital. It looks flippant and like you’re avoiding. Instead, write a letter, and keep it formal. Even if you typically joke with the boss in the lunchroom, a serious, formal letter is still looked well upon, showing respect and gratitude. But never just assume that your letter made it to the boss, or that he read it. As hard as it may be, be sure to follow up on your letter and meet with the boss one-on-one. Again, this conveys respect—and if you want to leave well, this will take you far.
As you prep for your big meeting, you can breathe easy. Create your pitch in advance. Never walk prepared to go with the wind on this one. Poise in the face of difficult questions matters. You want to be honest, but you are not beholden to over-share—or to say why you’re quitting either. Don’t sweat. Simply express gratitude for all the learning opportunities you’ve been given. But having a few answers prepared for questions or counteroffers is helpful so you’re not caught of guard and stumbling for a response. What will you do if they give a counteroffer to the job you’ve accepted? Whatever you respond to any question, your goal should be to make your exit professionally, respectfully and graciously—assured of positive recommendations in the future.
Many people slide through their last two weeks as though on a mini vacation, like the fact that they’re nearly out means they can slack. If you want to exit on good terms, create, share and head up a transition plan for your last two weeks. By focusing on training any new hires to do your job right, or creating training manuals for specialized skills, you can avoid leaving your company in a tough spot when you leave. Make introductions as needed so your replacement knows who their contacts will be. Forward emails that they’ll need for background information or to do their job right. By ensuring a seamless transition, you’ll make your walk honorably, and leave only positive reviews.
As you prepare to leave, focus on the details. Ask your employer about cashing in unused vacation and sick days. Start the process of rolling over your 401k. See if you can continue your health insurance in the interim of being insured by a new employer, or get insured through COBRA. Be in the know so you can have every advantage as you head out.
It’s critical to have money in the bank should you not be hired in a timely fashion, or if you get let go from your next job. A few months worth of savings is essential to peace of mind and to continuing life in the face of the unexpected.
After their big announcement, people often go to gloat their victory on social media. But you, of course, as a savvy post-employee, will not be doing that. Things posted online have a way of getting out, even if you have privacies set. If it gets into sight of the wrong people, like your future employers, it will raise questions and just look bad—especially if you beat up on your job or disrespect your boss. It’s just not worth it.
As much as you might (or might not) hate your job, avoid giving in to your desire to make a splash when you quit. Remember, a good reference can mean everything for your dream job, and burning your bridges is the fastest way to not get hired down the road.
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