So you’ve got a new position. How do you say good-bye (quit) without burning your bridges behind you?
1) First, tell your supervisor in a private conversation. You may give some details as to the position, the company and why you are leaving. Let’s say you are going for a better opportunity, next challenge, a full-time position, to learn new things, etc.
2) Write a resignation letter – Write a brief resignation letter saying thank you for the opporutnity to work with a great team of colleagues and to learn new things. Say my last day will be and give the date. You appreciate the time you spent with everyone and look forward to staying in touch. You may give your personal email if you wish people to stay in touch with you.
3) Give notice – The usual notice is two weeks, however there are exceptions. If you work in the financial arena no notice is often the norm. The private, secure nature of the business requires no time between announcing your leaving and the actual event. On the other hand, if you have a really great relationship and you know well in advance of the start of your new position, one month or more is okay. That will give you time to write and review with your supervisor the next step.
4) Write an exit memo. The exit memo is essentially a summary of all your duties, responsibilities, current activities and tasks that need to be completed.LIst the responsiblities with the activities under each one. State the progress that has been made and what is yet to be done. The exit memo should include a list of key contacts, a list of where key files may be found, any calendars or project spreadsheets and where to find them on the computer.
5) Exit interview – Usually the HR department will interview you to find out why you are leaving and ask for feedback on the current organization and staff. If you have any criticism, make it constructive. Say how you might change thinges or improve things. Do not badmouth your boss or any of your colleagues. Speak in general terms about organizational issues, and in specific terms about how you might fix things. This is your final impression you will leave on the company and you want it to be positive.
Remember – your former boss and colleagues may be helpful to you in the future so you want to leave with a good impression.
(c) 2019 Amy Geffen All rights reserved
To listen to my webinar on “You Can Negotiate Anything, Including your Salary” GO HERE:https://www.savvyladies.org/webinars/you-can-negotiate-anything