You went to school. You took your “Career Development” class. They taught you all of the things you need to know about interviewing and acquiring that first job. But let’s be real for a second: how many people stay with one company for their ENTIRE career? Not many. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average length of time employees stay at one company is 4.6 years. This number remained unchanged between 2012 and 2014.
So what do you do when it comes time to switch companies? Whether good or bad, there is a certain reason why you’re leaving your current job. Maybe you feel you’ve reached your maximum potential. Perhaps you aren’t treated well or there’s poor morale in the office. Or maybe you just want a change: new industry, new schedule, new anything. No matter your situation, it’s important to leave on good terms. Here are some tips for making a smooth transition.
Give at least two weeks’ notice.
You don’t ever want to leave on bad terms. Giving two weeks’ notice (or more) gives the company time to prepare for your departure, and begin working on finding a replacement.
I recently put in my notice at my current employer. I accepted a job with a company who didn’t need me right away, so I was able to give the company a 6-week warning that I was leaving. This gave them time to interview and hire a replacement, and even enough time for me to spend two and a half weeks training her. Though this is a rare circumstance, it worked out in this situation.
Please note that sometimes giving two weeks’ notice is a risk. If you are leaving your company for one of its competitors, or something in the same field, they may not let you stay the two weeks. If this is the case, be prepared to miss two weeks’ worth of a pay check, or wait until your last week to let them know you’re leaving.
Tell your boss first.
Though this seems like an obvious rule, it’s still important. You may be itching to tell your friends/colleagues, or even make a Facebook announcement, but DON’T TELL ANYONE before you put in official notice with your direct supervisor. It would not reflect well on you for your boss to find out about your departure through the grapevine before hearing it from you directly.
Prepare your replacement for success.
It will reflect positively on you, even after you leave your company, if you do all that you can to help the new person succeed. If you have time, write a “manual” on what you do. If there’s no time for that, at least create a document with tips and tricks for the position that will give them a little bit of an edge when they start the role. Your ex-employer will be grateful for your help, which could benefit you at some point in the future (you never know!).
I created a 20+ page document for my successor to ensure she is comfortable and confident in the role after I leave. This has helped both my soon-to-be ex-employer and the new hire breathe a little easier about the transition.
Be professional.
You may be tempted to talk badly about the company you’re leaving, but refrain from doing it. This kind of negativity won’t do any good for your reputation or the company’s.
This includes the exit interview. Be honest, but not rude or unprofessional.
Give yourself some time off.
You want to start your new job fresh and ready to learn. The best way to prepare to hit the ground running is to take some time for a little rest and relaxation! Chances are, you won’t be able to take vacation at your new gig for several months, so you might as well get some time in now.
Depending on the situation, you may not be able to do this (if the new employer wants you to start ASAP, for instance). If you can, give yourself a week of “staycation” time, where you can relax and decompress before your new venture. If a week isn’t possible, even a 3 or 4-day weekend will help! This break will benefit both you and your new employer.
Keeping good relationships with past employers can do nothing but help you down the road. No one knows what the future brings, or if you might need to tap some of the resources of the past. Follows these simple rules and you should do just fine!
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