HR professionals certainly know better than anyone how disruptive the loss of a good employee can be. No matter what is prompting the desire to seek employment elsewhere, the end result should be a professional transition from one job to another. Here are a few tips:

• Ask yourself if there is anything that could be done to retain you. For example, is the reason correctable by a pay increase or change in job duties? Sticking with a current employer may prove more advantageous in the long run when seniority-based benefits and job security are considered.
• Be professional while conducting a job search. For example, conduct online searches at home, don’t use the office printers and copy machines to produce resumes, and schedule vacation time for interviews rather than unexpectedly calling in sick.Plan for a smooth transition by documenting the status of projects, updating files and making notes of issues that will be helpful for a successor. Avoid destroying any files or documents at this point, however.
• Review company policies on notice, final pay and the overall exit process.
• Put the resignation in writing and keep the tone professional and limited to final date of employment and general reason for leaving. Don’t give more notice than is requested and be prepared for the possibility that you will be asked to leave immediately. To review a sample letter of resignation, click here.
• Arrange a well-timed meeting with the boss to “discuss an important matter.” Introduce the subject gradually by letting your boss know what led you to explore options. If the company has a retention program and you are open to negotiation, make sure you explain that the final decision has not yet been made.
• Once the decision is final, take the opportunity to discreetly inform colleagues and staff as appropriate, while maintaining a professional tone during all interactions. On the last day, leave the boss with words of thanks for the opportunities gained on the job and suggest that he or she call you at home if there is any confusion over the documentation you’ve left behind.
• If you intend to maintain contact with former co-workers, be sure to do so during non-work hours and using personal phone numbers and e-mail addresses.
• Through efforts such as these, the job transition should be seamless and less disruptive for both you and your former employer. 

 
Please Note: This material is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Contact the Knowledge Center for more information.

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