How to Leave a Job With Your Head Held High

By: Heather Hendrick, JobResourceCenter.com

In this economy, changing jobs is somewhat rare, but when you find yourself in this situation, be sure to handle yourself as professionally as possibly. A delicate state of affairs, changing jobs, whether it's inside your current company or at a new organization altogether, can leave feelings hurt and bridges burned if not handled correctly. There are measures you can take to ensure your transition will be a smooth one – it's always best to leave on a positive note. You never know when you might need to call on a reference or even seek employment again at your current place of work.

Give your supervisor(s) as much notice as possible.

While most people do not let their boss in on the secret when they're sending out resumes and interviewing for a new position, be sure to own up to the new job as soon as your offer is finalized and accepted. In a corporate environment, it's standard to give around 4 weeks notice when leaving. Non-corporate and easier to fill roles require less time, but remember that two weeks is the absolute minimum notice you should give. This will ensure that your company has plenty of time to find someone to replace you, and also that you are given the opportunity to train others to handle your position. This should not be thought of as a professional courtesy, rather, a non-optional response to a new position.

Train others to handle your duties.

This is important as it not only helps give you practice training and in a leadership role, but guarantees that your company won't be left in the lurch while you're off to pursue greener pastures. If you haven't already, now is a great time to organize. Compile relevant documents, instructions, and contacts, and maintain a clean and orderly work space so others can find things easily. If parts of your job require completing complicated tasks, make an easy-to-read outline that anyone can follow to get the job done. You don't want former colleagues calling constantly to ask you questions, but you shouldn't leave everything for your employer to figure out – they shouldn't have to start from scratch after you leave.

Clean your area and return employee property.

It's important and obvious to remove personal photos, food, and plants from your workspace when you vacate your office, but don't forget to leave the space as clean as you found it. This means removing any stickers or magnets, cleaning out cluttered drawers, and clearing your computer. Email yourself any personal files you might want, and leave the rest of your computer information well organized and easy to navigate. Computers are the most lingering legacy of your employment, so make sure they reflect your professionalism. If you were given any employee property such as a laptop bag or a security clearance card, return it to the proper authority. Tangible objects are not usually a transferrable perk of the job.

Say your goodbyes in a meaningful way.

Just because you have a new job doesn't mean you won't want a reference from your current employer, or never speak to your coworkers again. Ask your immediate supervisor if you may use them as a reference in the future to alleviate an awkward phone call months down the road. If your colleagues offer to give you a sendoff – a lunch or work party – welcome it with open arms, even if you're ready to leave and not look back. It never hurts to further solidify the bonds you develop with people you've worked with, and it's entirely possibly you may need someone's help again at some point. Regardless of how you feel about your current job, be sure to focus on the positives and what you've gained throughout your last few days there.

Say thank you.

In the most sincere way possible, than your employer for what they've given you: an opportunity, a learning experience, and a paycheck. Gratitude never goes unnoticed, and it's a good way to show you're not solely focused on the work you're about to delve into. No matter what type of relationship you have with your employer saying thank you, whether in the form of a short note, a professional email, or even a few beers after work – the effort won't fall on deaf ears.

Starting a new job is exciting and ego-boosting, but don't forget how hard you've worked to make a place for yourself in your current position. Even if you've worked at your job for years, people are likely to remember how you leave, particularly if it's in a less than professional manner. Cross your I's and dot your T's to avoid any hard feelings or hassles. You'll be glad you took the necessary steps to close the door on your current position before you start your new one.

Tags: career change, career development, career tips

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