If you’re considering leaving your job, it’s important to do so in a way that allows you to maintain your relationships at the company you’re leaving. By leaving on good terms, you may be able to use your current manager for a referral in the future or even return to the company if an opportunity becomes available. Reviewing a list of tips for how to leave on positive terms can help you decide which course of action you want to take for yourself.
In this article, we discuss eight tips for how you can leave a long-term position on good terms with your employer.
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Tips for leaving a long-term job on good terms
Here are eight ideas you can use to leave your long-term job gracefully and professionally:
1. Give abundant notice.
Once you know definitively that you’re leaving a long-term job, it’s best to give official notice to your manager. While two weeks is the standard amount of time you should give, you should consider giving more notice if you can. Most of the time employers appreciate the extra time as it allows them to finalize projects you’re involved in. Some employers may even want your help in hiring your replacement.
2. Write a formal resignation letter.
To communicate all the details of your departure from your long-term job, it’s generally a good idea to write a formal resignation letter. This can help you think through the details of projects you’re working on and recommend a plan for transitioning you out of the company. It also ensures that your employer fully understands when your final day will be.
Your resignation letter should be simple and to the point. It should include the date for your final day of work, details like your future contact information, and an expression of appreciation for the time with the company. You should also include suggestions for turning over your responsibilities to others or discussing specific projects you’re working on. You may want to include an offer to help hire and train your replacement or to sit down to discuss the transition period in detail.
3. Connect with co-workers.
Once you’ve told your employer that you’ll be leaving the company, it’s appropriate to let your owner’s colleagues know. Prepare for the transition by connecting with them in other ways. You may want to get their personal email addresses or connect with them on work-related social media sites.
4. Ask for a recommendation.
Whether you’re leaving your long-term job for a new position, taking time off or retiring from the workforce altogether, it’s generally always a good idea to get a recommendation from your manager. You may need a job-related recommendation for a future employer or to qualify for a leadership position in a volunteer organization. It’s easier to ask for a recommendation when your workplace contributions are fresh in the mind of your employer.
5. Offer to train your replacement.
One way to part ways with your employer on good terms is to offer to train your replacement. You could also offer to help throughout the entire hiring and training process, from helping your manager screen resumes to working with the new hire directly. You could also consider offering to create a training manual or process documents to help the new hire more rapidly acclimate to your role.
6. Work harder.
Another way to leave a long-term job on good terms is to put in your best effort in the final weeks of your employment. Deliver exceptional work and exceed your employer’s expectations. Making yourself essential in the workplace is the best way to ensure your job security, make it easy for your manager to write you a powerful recommendation and increase the likelihood that the employer would take you back if a future opportunity becomes available.
It’s common for companies to hire employees back at an increased salary, with additional perks and increased respect from the company. However, that only will happen if you show them that you take your job seriously during the final weeks of employment.
7. Offer value to team members.
If you have team members who work alongside you or you have a leadership position and a team of individuals work for you, then one of the best gifts you can give them is by offering value. You can do this in one of several ways. You can offer genuine feedback on their performance, making recommendations for areas they could improve and the insight you’ve gained through your own experience.
If you have a team working for you, you may want to schedule a time to discuss each team member’s career goals. You could also schedule time with your own supervisor to share your experience with the company. Because you’ve been with the company for a long period of time, you may be able to offer unique insight. These small gestures can deliver substantial benefits for a company and your team long-term. It also helps you to build lasting relationships with your team and others you work closely with.
8. Ask for an exit interview.
Even if your company doesn’t typically do exit interviews, you may want to consider asking for one anyway. By completing an exit interview, you can express your gratitude for the opportunities you had during your time with the organization. You can also share specific information about what you learned and offer feedback for the person who is going to hold your position next. Going through this formal process shows the employer that you are grateful for your time with the company and that you took your job seriously.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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