Whether you are moving on to a new position, or are simply leaving a particular job behind, making a proper exit is important. Even though announcing your resignation will be awkward under the best of terms, it can be even more challenging when the job wasn’t that great in the first place. Even if the position was the textbook definition of a horrible place to work, you should still try to leave on good terms. If you aren’t sure how to make that happen, consider the following approach.
Tell Your Manager First
No matter the circumstances, it will always be better to make sure your supervisor gets the news from you and not through the grapevine. Before you let word of your pending exit be known to anyone else connected with the company, tell your manager. That way, they get the precise information you want them to have, and you can work with them to coordinate your leaving at the earliest opportunity.
Don’t Tell Anyone Off
While the idea of expressing your true feelings may seem cathartic, it isn’t a smart move. You can’t guarantee you will never cross paths again, so letting them “have it” today may make for a harder tomorrow. Additionally, if anyone you don’t have issues with overhears the tirade, they may change their opinion of you. This can happen even if you only speak positively to them.
Along the same lines, don’t badmouth your boss or co-workers to anyone at your current or new company. Regardless of what happened, it will leave a bad impression. It may even lead your new supervisor to wonder if you were possibly at fault.
Whenever Possible, Give Notice
Leaving your boss and co-workers in the lurch will not win you any friends. While you may not be able to stay until a replacement is hired, try to make an effort to give the customary two weeks. This allows your transition out to be smoother as you can work with others to cover any job duties that were not shared. You can also keep everyone apprised of what is in the works, and introduce business contacts to those who will be working with them in the future.
Maintain Quality Standards
Don’t let the quality of your work slide simply because your soon-to-be former employer does not have any power over you. While being fired may no longer worry you, that doesn’t mean you will never interact with your current managers or co-workers again. Doing subpar work now can harm your reputation in the industry, so don’t give them anything less than your best before you go.
No Damage, No Sabotage
Just as you should continue to produce quality work, you should treat all business property with respect, too. Don’t harm anything on your way out, whether it be physical items or digital property. You also don’t want to steal anything. Theft and vandalism are crimes, and you can be punished accordingly. Even if you aren’t arrested, your reputation may be irreparably damaged.
Update Your Resume
As soon as you move on, update your resume to reflect the change. Then you will be prepared to pursue new opportunities if you are not immediately moving into a new position. If you are going to be joining the ranks of the job seekers, you’ll want to get your information out there. Make sure the information in your career profiles are updated and consider working with a staffing firm like CPS Recruitment®. Not only can CPS Recruitment® help you get a jumpstart on your job search, but they can also make sure you are prepared to apply for the jobs of today. Contact CPS Recruitment® and see what the future holds.
