Career Progression: How to make a smooth exit after resigning
You are counting down until you start your new role.
Yet, how you leave can leave a lasting impression, often more so than how you started.
Here are some things to do and consider before you say your goodbyes.
- Handover like you are the one coming into the role
Another way to leave a great last impression is through a great handover.Along with handover notes, write down processes that will help the new person navigate the new workplace. This can be things like procedures, phone numbers and contacts for any troubleshooting you’ve experienced in the role. This will ensure that you are remembered fondly long after your departure.
- Connect on LinkedIn
Take the time to connect with colleagues in your organisation. It’s also a good time to review your LinkedIn profile and make revisions where necessary.This is a good time also to save any email addresses and contacts you’ll soon lose when you are deleted from the company’s email server.
- Ask for recommendations
LinkedIn recommendations are one of the best endorsements you can receive on your profile. It also costs nothing to give, which means that it’s easy for your colleagues to forget about once you’ve left. While you are still around, ask people face-to-face if they’d mind giving you a recommendation on LinkedIn. Chase up on them if they are taking a while and you can also offer to write one for them in return
- A little thank-you goes a long way
You don’t have to write a 10-page essay, you only need to let your colleagues know that you enjoyed working with them. You may have loved every moment or not, either way it pays to leave on a positive note. A little thank-you email to the whole team or business (depending on the size of your business) will be an appreciated gesture.Likewise, send an email to external stakeholders you’ve worked with, so that they know you won’t be contactable at your work and let them know of your contact details for when you’ve left.