The right way to leave a job

Whether you resign or are let go, leaving a job can be an emotional experience. You may be bitter about leaving, or maybe you are thrilled. Regardless of your emotional state, it’s important to leave with dignity and grace. You don’t want to make enemies on your way out the door or risk tarnishing the reputation you’ve worked so long to build. Here are some guidelines for leaving with your best foot forward.

•When giving notice, submit a letter with a simple explanation. State why you are leaving and when your last day of work will be, giving as much notice as possible. (The standard is two weeks.) Your boss or human resources department may ask you to participate in an exit interview, where you verbally express your reasons for leaving. Be honest and forthright. The information you offer could be used in a beneficial way to the company.

•Don’t leak the information that you’re leaving to colleagues before you’ve notified your boss – as much as you may be itching to do so. It is in poor taste, and could be detrimental should the news spread. Also, don’t bad-mouth the company, even though you’re leaving. What you say now can hurt your career down the road. It could haunt you in other business ventures or hurt your chances of ever being employed by that company again. Plus, if you ever want your boss or colleagues to serve as references for you in the future, they will likely be less than willing to do you that favor.

•As tempted as you may be to sabotage office property, don’t. Deleting company files or vandalizing company property will not only damage your reputation, you could wind up in a possible lawsuit or land yourself in jail.

There are also a few chores that you should do before giving your notice:

•Read the employee handbook and find out what benefits you are entitled to when exiting. You might be able to get paid for any unused vacation days, or qualify for Cobra so you have continued medical insurance coverage until your new insurance plan begins.

•Discretely “clean house” before you give notice. Take home any personal property and delete any personal e-mails or other files from your computer.

•Gather important information. Compile a portfolio of your work. Get contact information for colleagues, clients, bosses, etc. This way, if you are escorted out the door immediately upon giving notice, you won’t be without any significant information.