10 essential dos & don'ts during your notice period
As an extension of our previous infographic on the dos and don'ts when leaving your job, we've curated10 essential dos & don'ts for those of you serving your notice period. As your last day draws closer (after you tendered your resignation), you might start letting your guard down (albeit subconsciously), which will affect the way your boss, colleagues and clients perceive your professionalism. Bad impressions are often much harder to shake, as such it's better not to leave one.
Here are the 10 essential dos & don'ts you should pay attention to while serving your notice period.
DOS:
- Focus on tying up loose ends
Your priority should be on wrapping up active projects and doing a proper handover of ongoing projects or tasks. Don't leave things until the last day (or minute). Leaving with a clean desk, with outstanding matters in good hands shows your concern for the company despite not working there anymore.
- Inform those in your professional network
It's important that you inform clients, business associates and colleagues whom you work with on a regular basis so they're not caught off-guard when you leave. It's common courtesy to keep your contacts informed so there's continuity and minimal disruption during the transition period when your replacement takes over.
- Remain professional throughout your notice period
It doesn't happen all the time, but occasionally when one resigns, he or she might find the immediate superior and/or colleagues behaving distant or sidelining them from discussions or social activities. If that does happen, it's important for you to remain professional, difficult as that might be.
- Be grateful
It's tempting to harp on all the aspects of the company you're not thrilled about, but don't. When you're asked about why you're leaving, don't give in to the temptation to moan about the cons of your employment there. Focus on the good and leave the bad. You'll be out of there before you realise it!
- Leave the door open
Unless you absolutely have to, don't burn your bridges (and even then, think long and hard before you do). You never know when you'll cross paths with your boss or colleagues again. Much better to leave the door open for future possibilities to work together again.
DON'TS:
- Make a big deal out of it
Yes, you should definitely inform those in your professional network that you're leaving (as mentioned above), but you don't have to make a big deal out of it. Your boss and colleagues will respect and appreciate you more for keeping a low profile during this time.
- Think you're on a holiday
You might find yourself with a lighter workload during your final weeks, but it doesn't mean you should spend your work day watching cat videos on YouTube or posting selfies on social media. Make yourself useful. Ask your boss and team members what you can do to help out. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and team spirit.
- Brag about your new job
You might be bursting to talk about all the generous perks and cool benefits of your new job, but resist you must. It's important for you to keep the office energy positive and warm to minimise the disruption during this transition period.
- Leave on bad terms
It's a small world; word gets around way too quickly in the industry. As highlighted above, it's important to look at the big picture and stay focused on future possibilities. Let bygones be bygones. Shake hands, make amends and leave as friends.
- Forget the goodbyes
To leave on a positive note, make sure you have time for a round of proper goodbyes to all those you've worked with during your tenure there. Express your appreciation of their support and guidance, apologize for all the times you were difficult, and exchange contact details. In short, observe the niceties. You'll feel better for it.
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