Making the decision to leave a job can be a significant turning point in your career. Whether you’re leaving to start your own business or embarking on travels that will take you around the world, there are many reasons you may choose to end employment at your current job. But you’ll need to do more than just hand in your notice and say goodbye to colleagues before you depart. It’s crucial to leave on good terms, tie up any loose ends, and ensure a smooth transition for both you and your company. Allow us to guide you through the essential things you should do before leaving your job, helping you end on professional terms so that you can begin preparing for your next career move.
Evaluate Your Financial Situation
Before you leave your job, it’s crucial to take a close look at your financial situation. Consider the implications of a job change on your budget, savings, and any ongoing financial commitments. Calculate your expenses and ensure you have enough savings to cover them during your job transition period. It’s also wise to check on any pending bonuses, retirement funds, or stock options that could be affected by your departure. If you’ve contributed to a retirement fund at any point during your employment at your current job, you may need to move those funds to a different retirement account before departing. Planning ahead can help prevent unnecessary financial stress and ensure a smoother transition.
Prepare for Your Exit Interview
Exit interviews are an opportunity for both you and your employer to gain closure. It’s a chance to provide constructive feedback about your experiences, what you enjoyed, and areas where you think the company could improve. This is not a time to vent or burn bridges. Prepare for the interview ahead of time, taking care to organize your thoughts so that you can discuss them in a helpful manner. Be honest but diplomatic and focus on providing valuable insights. This professionalism can help you leave a lasting positive impression and ensure you maintain a good relationship with your former employer.
Update Your Resume
Perhaps the most important thing you should do before leaving a job is update your resume with the skills and experiences you’ve gained. Reflect on your achievements, responsibilities, and projects you’ve worked on and consider how best to articulate these successes on your resume. Be specific and use quantifiable evidence wherever possible. For example, if you helped increase sales or improve processes, mention the percentage of improvement. Updating your resume not only prepares you for future job applications but also helps you realize your professional growth.
Strengthen Your Network
Networking is a powerful tool in your career progression. Before leaving your job, make an effort to connect and strengthen relationships with colleagues, clients, and other industry professionals. These connections could become valuable references, provide career advice, or yield job opportunities in the future. Consider writing personalized notes to key individuals expressing your appreciation for their support during your employment and your interest in staying in touch. Remember that maintaining strong professional relationships can open doors down the line.
