How to Leave your Current Job

This may seem like a strange topic for an article, as on the face of it, leaving a job appears a very straightforward task – you simply prepare a resignation letter and hand it in to your boss and ‘Hey presto’ you can leave your job. But, it is more complicated than that; the way that you leave your current job can determine how ‘easy’ or ‘hard’  it is to get your next job and can therefore have a long lasting impact on your career.

It easier to get a job when you have a job so don’t leave to you have secured an alternative job

For example, the old saying goes, ‘that it is easier to get a job when you have a job’. Admittedly, there is little evidence to back this up, but there are definite advantages of applying for a new job while in  your current job.

For example, applying for a job while still in employment means that you still have a steady income which also means that you can afford to wait for the right opportunity to come along – rather than apply for many unsuitable roles in desperation. This will mean that your job application process is more targeted and ultimately more effective.

Alternately, if you apply for a job while unemployed you could be facing cash-flow shortages which means that you cannot wait for the most suitable role and you could end up accepting a role/company that you are not really suited to. This could lead to career dissatisfaction and potential motivational and performance issues that could lead to a premature exit.

Therefore, in an ideal world, if you do not like your current role and wish to find alternative employment try to avoid leaving in haste and ensure that you interview for and secure a position with a new company before you hand in your resignation. This will be the most beneficial course of  action for your future career.

Build don’t Burn Bridges for the future

As the well known expression goes, ‘do not burn any bridges’ and you should follow this rule when leaving your current job. This is because you may encounter these work colleagues again during your career, and you want them to be a help not a hindrance.

On a more positive note, your current colleagues can become an important part of your future professional network – and the more powerful your network the more successful you can be. Therefore, try and settle any outstanding grievances or issues that you have with employees, especially senior managers. Write personal goodbye e-mails to important contacts and a more general one to the wider group.  Invite as many employees as possible to be a connection with you on Linked-in to ensure you build and cultivate your network, and if there is an alumni group on L Linked-in, then you should join that too.

Secure Your References

Before leaving your job, arrange your referee(s) will be, because you will need two strong references from your current employer to help you get your next job. Therefore, prior to actually leaving, you should carefully consult the reference policy. You can then establish if  references go directly to HR or whether you can choose your referees. If you can choose, you should politely ask your intended ‘referees’ if they would be prepared to act as a referee for you on future job applications. This is good housekeeping.

Honour Your Notice Period

You will be required to honour the notice period in your contract. Do not be tempted to leave prematurely to take up a new post unless you can negotiate an early exit with your employer. Once again, build bridges, don’t burn them..

So in summary, the ideal way to leave your employer is to leave on your own terms, ideally with a job offer in hand. Your current employees will become part of your future professional network and it is vital your build strong connections with them prior to departure.