Just Resigned Finish Like a Winner

Just Resigned Finish Like a Winner Securing a new role is no mean feat; new research by  Lever  suggests an average of  every 1 in 100 candidates is hired.  Needless to say, if youve managed to bag the new role, youve fought the good fight and beaten the odds. This is  cause for great celebration! Once youve let the great news sink in, your attention will no doubt quickly turn to the resignation process, which can be a difficult, especially if you really respect your current company and dont like letting people down (which you arent, but it can sometimes feel that way). Stay professional You know how important it is to end on a high; to work your notice well and finish like a winner, so you must tread carefully and make educated decisions. Your notice period  will be  your last chance to solidify a lasting legacy, and not the time to burn any bridges. After all, you never know who youll end up crossing paths with in future. An enjoyable, successful notice period  begins with you making sure you do the right thing by your boss and organisation, regardless of  whether the role thats won you over is the  opportunity of a lifetime (but you still like your current position), or simply  a Get Out of Jail Free card (and youre just hoping the grass is greener on the other side). In short, always be professional, thankful and clear about your resignation. Prepare  an official letter and speak to your boss in private (and make sure theyre the first person in your company you speak to about your plans to exit). If your new employer has asked you to start earlier than your contracted notice period, you can  discuss with your current boss having some  flexibility on this, but do know that  its your current employers right to have you honour your contract, so dont kick up a fuss if your attempt to negotiate gets knocked back. Always re-read your current employment contract before you resign, in case there are further clauses in there that govern how your departure has to be played out. Seek professional advice if you come up against bits youre unsure of. Be gracious  understanding Everyone moves jobs from time to time its a natural part of most peoples careers. That doesnt mean everyone will be immediately happy for you, especially if you leaving will impact them in a big way and they currently rely heavily upon you. When the news is broken to various teams within the business, be sure to keep a smile on your face and dont expect everyone to respond in the way you might. Respect your colleagues and their right to react how they feel fit, and respect  yourself too, staying proud of your accomplishment and decision. Dont be alarmed when relationships with various individuals begin to change; its only natural to notice a shift in demeanour while they plan for  your impending departure. Start your handover early Dont leave your colleagues or your boss to clean up your unfinished business after youve left.  Start getting your ducks in a row as early as possible, sort out  your files, records and administration, and  put together an easy-to-follow handover document that explains the status of your current affairs and  what  you expect might arise when you leave, together with next steps advice. Gradually let necessary stakeholders  know you are leaving dont let them learn of your exit from an undeliverable email message. Identify who their best point of contact will be when you leave, and facilitate that introduction. It will make everyones life a lot easier, and  will show your current employer you genuinely care about the company and its future. Once youve wrapped up your loose ends, try to find additional ways you can help. Write how to lists if you want to, but just try to look for ways to share some of your skills with existing teams. Be the change you want to see in the office Positivity. Positivity. Positivity. Make this your mantra. Staying upbeat and positive is your best bet  at making your notice period as smooth as possible.  Avoid gossiping, slacking off and reducing the quality of your output at all costs even if youre absolutely itching to get out of your current role and into your new one! Lowering your standards before you leave will completely undo all of your hard work to date. Dont do it to yourself. Stay strong! Clean up for a clean conscience Youd think this was fairly just common sense, but youd be surprised Empty your drawers. Wipe your keyboard (then look at the cloth, gross). Clean your screen. Take your notepads home or get rid of them dont leave them for your replacement to find on their first day, its just sloppy. Leave the slate clean for the next person. Do all these things and  youll truly be able to enjoy your notice period, and reap the rewards of fond memories, great connections and a new sense of fulfilment and freedom!