Leaving a company for a new opportunity can be exciting for many reasons. In your new role you may be moving up the career ladder, increasing your pay or developing your skills. 

Even though you are looking to the future there is still plenty to do at your current role. It’s important to make sure you leave on a positive note by preserving the good working relationships you have.  

Take a look at our top etiquette tips for leaving for a new role. In our blog we offer advice on everything from giving your notice to sending a goodbye email to colleagues. 

Why is it a good idea to leave your company in a professional way?  

Whether your experience with your current employer is positive or negative, it pays to be gracious for many reasons: 

Upsetting your boss or colleagues may damage your chances of getting a positive reference. Any negative comments  on social media about your current employer may make it back to your new employer. Be careful what you post online. Leaving on good terms allows for networking opportunities and future recommendations.  Working your full notice and being professional until your last day will emphasise your positive work ethic.  

How and when should you give your notice? 

Once you have a firm offer in place from your new employer and have chosen to accept, set up a meeting with your manager. Have a letter of resignation ready to formally give notice after discussing it in person. 

Find out more about how to write a resignation letter here.

Can I resign by sending a farewell email and resignation letter? 

Handing in your notice can be one of the most stressful parts of leaving a job. However, it is courteous to inform your manager that you are leaving face-to-face. If you work remotely, arrange a virtual meeting instead.

A busy manager may miss an email or misinterpret any well-meaning messages. Try to keep these initial discussions in-person.

Leaving a job isn’t an opportunity to air grievances 

If being unhappy in your current role is your reason for leaving, remember that this isn’t the time to vent. 

You may have an exit interview with senior management or HR. This presents a chance for you to suggest any improvements the company can make in a professional capacity. In this instance, try to keep your suggestions solution-based rather than anything personal.  

Similarly, writing a farewell email to coworkers that is insulting won’t help your career in the long term. Make sure you exercise restraint when writing your farewell messages.  

How to approach a goodbye message for your boss

It’s always polite to let your current manager know the positive impact that the role has had on you. This is true regardless of whether you have a good relationship or not.

This doesn’t have to be a lengthy appreciation letter to your boss. All you need to do is choose some specific reasons why the opportunity to work with them has been beneficial. For example: 

Did you develop any skills that will help in your future career? Have you formed good relationships with your colleagues? Were you given any valuable opportunities during your employment? Did you receive support at a crucial time in your career?  

Offer to stay connected in your farewell letter to colleagues  

Your relationship with your colleagues doesn’t have to end with a final goodbye message to your workmates. In fact, if you are staying within the same industry your paths might continue to cross in the future.  

It is worth taking a few extra steps to let everyone know you are open to staying friends. Or if not friends at the very least remaining part of the same network.  

Prepare a goodbye email to coworkers 

Writing a farewell letter to colleagues is the ideal way to say how much you have enjoyed working with them. , Taking the opportunity to wish them good luck in their future endeavours demonstrates that you still value your team members even though you’re leaving.  

Consider exchanging personal contact information 

It’s never been easier to keep in touch with former colleagues and continue your professional relationships.  

You can provide your personal email address in your leaving message, or a link to your LinkedIn profile. Sharing professional profiles or email addresses is a great way to stay connected with your former colleagues.  

Offer to assist during the transition period to make it as smooth as possible  

You may be able to craft the best farewell email to your colleagues that the company has ever seen. However, what your company might appreciate more is your help.  

Be proactive and try to help as much as possible to ensure the continued success of your team. Providing support is one of the most important things to do before you finally bid farewell.  

Make sure to provide a thorough handover 

Your current employer may ask you to work on a handover for your replacement. Even though you won’t necessarily be working with this person, it’s in your best interests to help. 

Hosting handover meetings or documenting your duties will help maintain a good relationship with your current employer.  

Remember that your notice period isn’t the time to switch off 

While you’re working your notice, make sure you stay alert and continue to make an effort. It can be easy to switch off and begin the countdown until your last day. However, this period is not the time to relax – ensure your reputation as a reliable and conscientious employee stays intact.  

Don’t feel guilty about leaving a company 

Resigning can make you feel guilty for leaving a previous employer and supportive colleagues behind. Remember: this is a perfectly normal and very common occurrence. Your colleagues are probably excited on your behalf.  

Take time to reflect on the success of securing a new position. Now is the time to regroup and focus on the opportunities that your new role may bring.  

Want to put your best foot forward in your new role? Let Hays show you how:

How not to be nervous for your first day of workWhy it’s always a good idea to take a break before starting a new job

The post How to write a farewell note for your boss appeared first on Viewpoint – careers advice blog.

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