Everett, Wash.
Published: Wednesday, June 3, 2009

How to leave a job gracefully

By Eve Nicholas

 The days of throwing your arms in the air, shouting "I quit!" and stomping out of the workplace are long gone. Considering our unstable economic climate (which happens to coincide with a highly competitive job market), it's probably best to take a careful and calculated approach to leaving an existing job.

I'm not suggesting that you stay in an unhealthy or stagnant position. No way. I recommend that you take your time. Gather all of the facts. Explore new companies and job offers thoroughly so you can make sound decisions about the future.

Here are a few other tips to help you protect yourself while making a graceful exit:

Keep up a rapport with your boss. Trusting relationships are essential. Not only do they enhance your job on a daily basis, but they have the potential to advance your career. Establish open lines of communication with your current boss, coworkers, vendors and clients. Try to build lasting contacts that will serve as references down the road.

Never burn bridges. If you had a downbeat experience with a particular company, it may be tempting to insult your boss or co-workers, sabotage some aspect of the business, or make a dramatic scene when you walk out the door. Don't do it. This could make it impossible to return to the company for any reason (even if all you need is a simple insurance form). Choose your words and actions wisely.

Watch out for resignation letters and exit interviews. Many companies will insist that you prepare a resignation letter that indicates your last date of employment, and reason for leaving. They also hold formal interviews, during which they ask for your feedback about company practices, problems and challenges. Remember this: Anything that you write down or say to your employer at this time will become part of your permanent file.

In your letter, be courteous and brief. Mention your position title and your exit date. If the experience was particularly positive, add a tactful and precisely written sentence about it. If the experience was negative, don't say anything. Just sign off.

Requests for an exit interview should be politely turned down. However, if you get cornered into a meeting, avoid offering comments or suggestions of any kind. Your feedback will not be considered seriously by the senior management team, and your ideas won't be integrated into the business model. Be courteous yet tight-lipped. If your boss really wanted to know your opinion about something, he or she would have asked long ago.

Prepare for the unexpected. Here's the kicker. Sometimes job offers don't materialize. For whatever reason (hiring errors, unforeseen business changes), your new employer delays your start date, alters the terms of your agreement, or retracts the offer of employment. It's up to you to shield yourself from this situation.

Changing jobs can be exhilarating, but it always involves some degree of risk. Protect yourself by holding on to your existing job until you're ready to start a new, stable position. Request written copies of all job offers and agreements. And don't give too much information to your current employer. Be courteous. Sustain your relationships. But never gossip, complain or offer suggestions about the business. Your leaving says it all: It's time to move on.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA