No matter which way you slice it, leaving a job is a delicate matter. And while your eyes may be glued to the future, you’d be wise to follow a checklist on how to properly exit a company.
The truth of the matter is: Once you’ve given your notice and pinned down a final day, a number of loose ends remain before your last adios.
And, well, we at Evercontact simply love doing our due diligence.
So – we’ve compiled some essential steps to take to ensure you tackle your next adventure locked, loaded, and fully prepared for all to come.
First thing’s first: Leave on a good note
One day you’re another employee; the next, you’re a lame duck. Indeed, the transition can be stunningly swift.
But while you’re still with your company, keep your reputation intact and alleviate any sour taste your departure may be leaving.
For starters…
- Wrap your projects up. And, ideally, do so proficiently to secure your team’s good graces. When the two-week countdown begins, some people switch to zombie mode. Ending your tenure on a high note, though, can do wonders to keep your bridges intact.
- Delegate the rest. For ongoing tasks, it’s time to pass the baton. Give your manager(s) a helping hand here by facilitating these transitions and getting others up to speed. Nobody wants to find themselves suddenly stuck swimming alone in unfamiliar waters.
- Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Undoubtedly, some will swing the seesaw too far the other way. The sentiment of repaying a loyal team with a few final weeks of top-notch productivity is admirable and understandable. But don’t take on more than you can handle.
- Embrace feedback. Presumably, you’re moving onto bigger and better things – on your way out, see if you can better yourself as well. Exit interviews aren’t always customary, but can benefit both sides of the table… That is, as long as the dial leans closer to “constructive criticism” than “airing dirty laundry.”
- Don’t sever your ties. Whether you’re leaving friends, long-time coworkers, or new acquaintances, there’s no need to close the door on any of the relationships you’ve built. Plus, you never know if a contact will magically prove useful in your future career.
On that note…
Make sure to save your valuable data
When you exit a company, your work email may become deactivated. In which case, you risk losing access to loads of professional assets:
- Crucial documents and folders. It’s easy to share them via Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Past emails. Whether work-related or personal, your emails can always be backed up.
- Passwords and accounts. This is a good time to account for any login information directly tied to your soon-to-be-defunct account.
- Bring Your Contacts With You! This is the big fish. Assuming a change in jobs or emails necessitates starting from networking square one is a common misconception. So stay connected to those valuable contacts of yours! ContactRescue lets you take your contacts with you in an easily transportable CSV file.
With all your important files and data successfully exported, it’s time to move to the last piece of the puzzle.
Before you exit a company, take care of housekeeping
With all the excitement and buzz of a dramatic life change, it can be easy to gloss over the fine print.
That said, don’t ignore your personal checklist:
- When am I getting my final paycheck? And how will I receive it?
- When will your health benefits expire? And how will you and yours stay covered?
- Do I get any employee benefits on my way out? If so, how do you receive them?
- Do I have unused sick or vacation days? Check in with HR to see if you’re owed anything.
- What’s my plan with retirement savings? Do you need to transfer your pension plan?
Like we said: Thoroughly doing your due diligence. As tedious as it may be.
Final word: Stay prepared!
Look, all we’re saying is before you exit a company and leave for greener pastures – wherever they may be – make sure to cover your bases.
And above all else, take advantage of the relationships and resources you’ve built over your tenure. Leaving your job doesn’t mean you can’t reap the crops you’ve sown.
—
Citations & useful links: