How to leave your current role

How to leave your current role

Landing a new job is an exciting time and it’s all too easy to focus on the future and your new desk, new colleagues and new challenges.

But first, you must break the news to your current employer and work your notice, ensuring you leave on good terms and that your reputation for being hardworking, highly professional and an asset to the team remains intact.   

After all, you might not currently have plans to work for the company again but who knows what opportunities may present themselves further down the line. Equally, former colleagues might go on to join your new firm. Industry networks are powerful tools so remaining on ‘friendly terms’ with all previous employers and colleagues is a valuable asset in terms of your future career path.  

And whilst there’s a plethora of advice out there on how to land your dream job, there is a dearth of information on how to quit a job when you do, so here are our top tips:

Sign the contract
Ensure that all the details of your new role are finalised, the rewards package agreed and the contract signed before advising your current employer of your intention to leave. Don’t be the person who quits their role only to find that the new one has fallen through!

Let your line manager know first
Show courtesy by telling your line manager first; request a meeting to say that you're leaving and, prior to this, work out how you can ensure a smooth transition with your replacement and minimise disruption to the team. Going into the meeting with a solution to the problem that you are about to create will be greatly appreciated and will ensure that you leave on a good note.

Write a resignation letter
Keep your letter short and to the point; you do not have to go into a lot of detail or have to explain the reasons for your departure.

Ensure that you include the length of your notice period according to your contract and the date of your final working day. Finalise the letter by thanking the employer for being given the opportunity to work for them and reassure them that you will do your utmost in the handover period to ensure your replacement starts with their best foot forward.

How to handle your notice period
One month’s notice is the business norm and common courtesy to your employer. Ensure that throughout this period you tie up all loose ends with your contacts, clients and suppliers, introducing your replacement to all key contacts.

Confirm with your replacement all systems and processes and what a ‘standard’ working week in your role looks like. Give them the opportunity to ask lots of questions and, if you feel inclined to do so, provide them with your contact number in case something ‘comes up’ that they want to pick your brain on in the first few weeks after your departure.

How to manage an exit interview
Treat the exit interview as you would an interview for a new job. Prepare what you want to say, giving examples where relevant, and ensure that you work through your emotions in advance to prevent any outbursts of pent-up frustration. Aim to frame your feedback constructively to demonstrate that you’re thinking about what’s best for the company and its employees – you’ll have a greater chance of having a real influence and of being remembered well.

Here at Elevation Recruitment Group we will be with you every step of the way in your search for a new role. This also includes offering advice on how to exit gracefully, whilst ensuring that no doors are closed on longstanding professional relationships.

If you are currently looking to appoint, or are looking for the perfect role and wish to discuss how Elevation Recruitment Group can assist your search, please contact us today.