Whether you have a new job lined up, or you’re at the beginning of your job search, leaving a current role can be quite a daunting task. You may have been there for a short time or have been there for years, but there is a certain etiquette to the leaving process that should be followed. I’ve put together a list of key points of what not to do when saying farewell to a role.

- Don’t hand your notice in without an offer letter

This is, what I would argue, is the number one thing to remember when leaving. When caught up in the excitement of being offered a new role, it can be quite easy to want to get the ball rolling and hand in your notice immediately to your current employer. Without an official offer letter, nothing is set in stone.

I would always advise waiting to give your notice until you have the letter, have completed it, and returned it to your new employer. It can feel hard to wait to share your news when you know you are leaving, and in most cases, your new opportunity is a sure thing. However, you always need to protect yourself and sometimes the unexpected can happen and you wouldn’t want to be out of your current job if your new one falls through.

- Don’t agree to a counter offer

A counter offer can be difficult to ignore. Some people find it hard to leave a familiar situation for a new one but you need to remember the reasons you chose to look for a new job in the first place. Perhaps you were undervalued or felt that the room for progression just was not there, or even that there wasn’t the right fit culturally.

It can be a common occurrence for a counter offer to be made when an employer finds you have been offered elsewhere, but why has it taken them until now to realise your value? Are they also just offering you things in a panic (beyond an increase in salary) and promising progression that won’t come about a few months down the line?

- Don’t be overly negative

Make sure you're not negative to or about your current employer. Whether it's to current colleagues or potential new work colleagues, it’s never advisable to speak poorly of them no matter what terms you're leaving on. You don’t want to give a poor impression of being negative or a moaner to your new company. Always look at the positives of your role and the things you've achieved.

This applies to your notice period too. Most roles have a few weeks to a few months working notice period so while you may be elated to be leaving the company, you still need to work with them for a little while longer. Make the process as enjoyable as possible for both sides and still be positive and work hard, this is not the time to switch off when a recommendation request could be looming.

- Don't burn bridges

This is something I couldn't recommend more. Whether this is your first job or your fifth, your favourite or your least, it has been a stepping stone in your career life and some support and training has been provided to you. You should always look back on a role positively, as it has got you to where you are now, and it is always best to leave things on good terms. You never know when you may need your old employer, especially as your new employer may get in contact for references!

- Don't be hard on yourself

It can feel like you are letting someone down when you let them know you are leaving but developing your career and skills is something you are free to do. Jobs come and go but if you learn from the experience and embrace the new challenges along the way you’ll only improve for the better.

As you start your new role it can be intimidating, but always make sure to give yourself credit, the company picked you for a reason so have faith in your skills and ability, and enjoy the new journey!

For help securing your next role get in touch with me today.