While you serve out your notice period, it can be tempting to take it easy. But remaining gracious and diligent in your final weeks at work, regardless of the circumstances of your departure, can solidify positive perceptions about your professionalism. Everyone talks, so it’s always wise not to burn any bridges or leave on bad terms as it could come back to haunt you. Here are the 5 things you need to do before leaving:
Help with a smooth transition
Have a transition plan in place and offer to assist in any way possible to help fill the void created by your departure. The plan will help you schedule the time needed to gradually handover or train the person who will come to own your projects and tasks moving forward. Don’t dismiss any details, no matter how small it may seem. Discuss with your manager about the priorities leading up to your exit, as there might be specific tasks that need your attention. This will not only ensure that you have enough time to get everything done, but that your professionalism will be remembered when reference checks are made in the future.
Save work samples
Set aside enough time to go through and archive everything that’s important to you, from emails, documents and professional development materials. Save items you think you may need access to or that will be helpful in the future, such as deliverables to show as examples of your work. Some organisations immediately cut off computer or server access once an employee submits their resignation, so you might want to consider gathering what’s important to you before telling them you are leaving.
Say thank you
Thank everyone who helped you on your way up, for the experience and the learnings that you are taking with you. Remember that you’ve earned your new role in part thanks to the opportunities you’ve had at your current one. A personal thank you to your manager, mentors, people you managed, and people you worked with closely with will ensure that your working relationships end on a good note.
Stay connected
Don’t leave your connections behind just because you are leaving the office. Stay in touch with your coworkers. Whether it’s a coffee catch-up or a regular lunch, stay in touch with the people who matter to you.
Don’t slack off
Though you’re excited about what’s next for you, don’t let it trick you into thinking that what you do during your final weeks at your old job doesn’t matter. Show up and continue to deliver quality work until your last day. Finish as much work as you can, and for projects you won’t be able to see through to completion, add pertinent details, project status and action items, as well as descriptions to your transition document for the person who will take over.
