What to Remember When You Quit Your Job
Posted September 16, 2014 & filed under Hiring Resources, Job Search
Getting a new job is exhilarating. It feels like you’re sprinting up an escalator at full speed after a prolonged stretch in knee-high quicksand. In that moment, it’s tempting to just drop everything and leave.
A two week notice is customary, but that alone won’t leave a lasting impression.
One Big Misconception
Quitting your job is not as tidy as you’d think. On the surface, it’s the end of one passage in your life. You march up to your boss’ office, tender your resignation, and fight the temptation of any counteroffers. Then, it’s just riding out those last two weeks before starting your new job. End of story, right?
Not quite.
Your tenure with former employers follows you further than you’d think. Chances are high that you won’t be in your new job forever. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that most Americans will change jobs every 4.4 years (for Millennials, it’s about half that time). There will be a time when your job search is renewed and old jobs matter again.
Will the way you quit your job come back to haunt you then?
You Never Escape Your Past
A Careerbuilder study found that a large percent of employers are willing to check on your background, especially your employment referrals. About 80% of employers contact references and of those who do, 62% report that they heard negative critiques that deterred them from hiring.
Few people knowingly put bad references on their resume. So why are so many job seekers being maligned by former coworkers? Much of it has to do with their final exit. It goes to show that even an exceptional track record can be soured if a resignation fails to satisfy social expectations.
Keeping Your Reputation Clean
When you quit your job, you need to keep working with respect and tact. There’s no leeway for senioritis. As you transition into the next job, you need to transfer your mantle efficiently and look good while doing it. Here’s how:
- Complete All Pressing Projects – Some projects will be left uncompleted. There’s only so much you can do in a two week period. Ask which projects are most pressing and put in the time and effort to get them as close to completion as humanly possible.
- Help Train the Next Guy – If your company is lucky, they can find a replacement before you leave. If not, they’ll have to find one after the fact. Regardless of the situation, make sure that when you quit, your replacement is given everything needed to succeed. Create a clear document that delineates the day-to-day and big picture responsibilities. It creates a constant reminder that you were dedicated to the last.
- Say Goodbye to Everyone – It’s surprising how far a simple farewell can go. You don’t want anyone to feel neglected. Employees who are overlooked in the well-wishing process, even if it happens by accident, will be less likely to vouch for you in the future. And you want to do everything in your power to prevent yourself from burning any bridges.
On a final note:
There’s no perfect time to quit your job. Some employers might be surly about your departure, but if you’ve done everything in your power to leave on good terms, most of the major players will be satisfied. You can’t please everyone, but you can make sure you leave your job right.
by James Walsh
