Your past work behavior can come back to haunt you. While your prospective employers may not contact your former employer in a professional sense, people in the same industry often talk. Behave professionally and follow a company’s recommended resignation procedures when you’re changing jobs to avoid costing yourself an opportunity. If you leave on decent terms, your professional reputation will benefit and you won’t have to worry when using your former boss as a reference. Before you quit, plan ahead so you don’t miss any necessary steps.

Review the Work Environment

Whether you can tell your current employer before or after you have a solid job offer in writing depends on your workplace environment. If you don’t have a good relationship with your boss or upper management, wait until you have a concrete offer. If your relationship with your boss is good, however, you can tell them you’re looking for a new position before you accept an offer from another company. You won’t have to hide interview trips and may be able to use your current boss as a reference in your job search.

Give Proper Notice

Your company may have a resignation policy that includes a preferred notice length. For example, your company may ask employees to give at least two weeks’ notice before leaving. Failing to give the preferred notice may forfeit a positive reference from an employer. If you have a position that requires substantial training, give a longer notice so you can train a replacement properly. You can make training guides and aids before you give notice so you’re ready to train the person taking your job immediately upon telling your employer you’re leaving.

Given Written Notice

Place your notice in writing, even if you’ve already told your employer when you’re leaving. Your notice should include a clear statement indicating that you’re leaving your job and the date of your last official day at work. The notice becomes part of your employee file, prevents miscommunication and serves as proof that you’ve given the required notice. You may add a few sentences thanking your employer for the experience and positive opportunities you received while at the company. Your boss should decide when and how to announce your departure after you given written notice, so follow their plan.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Stay the length of your notice and behave professionally no matter your work environment. Finish all of your current projects. If you can’t, tell your employer exactly what else needs to be done. You may be tempted to do a poor job or criticize your coworkers or your boss before you leave if your work environment is unpleasant, but doing so may backfire on you later. You may end up working with some of your former coworkers again or may have to return to your old company at some point due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have true concerns about things going on in the business, ask for an exit interview before you leave. An exit interview is an opportunity for employees to give feedback when they leave a company. Use the interview to offer constructive criticism about other employees or the workplace in a positive way that may encourage change.

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” – Paulo Coelho

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