Once you know you’re leaving, make a list of all the projects you need to wrap up before your departure. Let your supervisor and co-workers know where you have saved and filed documents that they will need to access in the future. Written instructions on how to perform certain complicated aspects of your job will be very helpful to your replacement and those who will pick up the slack before the new person is at full speed. You should also anticipate training your replacement, and allow enough time in your last days to complete assignments and answer the new employee’s questions.

According to Workforce Management magazine, 95% of employers conduct exit interviews, but only about 30% take any action based on the information they learn. So, chances are, your employer will want to conduct an exit interview with you to officially log your reasons for leaving. Keep in mind, though that the information you share may not make a big difference in the way the company operates. When answering questions about your reasons for leaving, always use tact and restraint. The exit interview is not the time to air every grievance and injury you feel you’ve suffered at the hands of your employer. Unless sharing the information will benefit you or the company, keep it to yourself.

It should be obvious that taking company property upon departure is wrong but it may be less apparent that any project you worked on while on the clock or using company equipment is the property of your employer. That means you cannot copy reports, files or other proprietary information and use it for your or your future employer’s gain. Another exiting mistake is destroying company property; this includes deleting or shredding files and vandalizing or throwing away equipment. These are criminal offenses that can result in hefty fines or jail time.

Quitting your job doesn’t have to be a terrible experience. Exhibit the same professionalism while departing your current employer that you plan to display at your new job. If you handle the process well, your department may even throw you a going away party or give you a departing gift. Just remember, it’s a small world and having a former employer or co-worker on your side can be a valuable asset in your professional life.

To contact Faris Alami, call 248-688-5353, Ext 2 or email him at faris.alami@myISMinc.com.