So, you’ve got a new finance role lined up, negotiated an excellent salary and bonus package and you’re ready to go. Congratulations are in order!
But it’s crucial at this point that you don’t forget about your old job.
When you’re job hunting, all the focus is on finding a new role and how to secure it. But it’s also important to consider the role you’re planning to leave too. 
Whatever the reasons for your imminent departure, it’s wise to leave your job on a positive and professional note.
So, how do you resign gracefully and stay on good terms with your old colleagues?
In this article, I’ll look at the ways to do this professionally, so you can leave on good terms, ready to start your new challenge.
But first, a quick note about why it’s crucial to leave on good terms.
Why You Need to Leave Gracefully
The world of finance may seem like a big place, but you’ll be amazed how often the same faces keep popping up.
There’s a high chance you could bump into a former colleague at a conference, workshop or even in a future company, so remaining professional is critical so that if and when you meet up again it’s a positive experience.
With this in mind, here are my six steps to resigning gracefully and leaving on good terms.
1. Provide Ample Notice
First things first. Once you have agreed on terms and signed your new contract, its time to tell your current manager you are leaving.
And it‘s critical to tell them before you tell anyone else.
Giving as much notice as possible will be seen as professional behaviour and will be appreciated as it will give your current manager more time to fill the gap your departure will create.
It also means you will have plenty of time to wrap up any existing projects and make sure your handover notes are done.
2. Let Your Co-workers Know
Once you have formally handed in your notice, you can tell colleagues and friends in the workplace. This enables them to prepare for the transition period as well.
You can supply personal contact details to close friends at work, but a LinkedIn profile where you can be reached is a good way to stay connected with colleagues you want to remain in touch with even though you are leaving.
3. Stay Professional
Again, whatever your reason for leaving, remaining professional right up to the moment you leave the office on your final day is crucial in maintaining your own credibility.
That means turning up on time and putting 100 per cent into the work you do, and not disrespecting your current manager or colleagues, or neglecting your duties.
Staying professional will mean you are remembered for the right reasons.
4. Tie Up Loose Ends
Staying professional also means tying up any loose ends wherever you can.
Finishing off projects not only means a better start for the person who will replace you, but it‘s essential to your professional reputation to leave the job on a positive note.
Accountably and a job well done – and completed – will show you in a good light and embed your professional reputation.
5. Offer Training
Offering training is an excellent way to show your professionalism. And after all, no-one knows your job as well as you do.
So, if it’s possible to help your old company by offering training to your replacement, do so. If they are unlikely to be in place before you go (which is most often the case unless someone is being promoted internally), it could be that you help screen applicants, sit on the interview panel or create a set of training notes for the new employee.
Whatever you do, it will leave a lasting positive impression.
6. Take Up an Exit Interview Offer
I hear from many candidates that they didn’t take up exit interview offers at their former workplace.
And while I recognise that sometimes individuals just want to move on, an exit interview is an important way for you to help the company understand your reasons for leaving and to unearth any problems of which senior management or HR may be unaware.
As a recruiter, I often hear candidates say that the lack of training and development or the ability to grow in the role are the main reasons people leave. If this applies to you, it’s worth mentioning at an exit interview to enable the company to make adjustments going forward.
But it‘s not all negative – your exit interview is also a great place to share what you’ve learned at the company, to thank individuals for their support and to offer advice for the next inhabitant of the role.
So always accept an exit interview offer – or ask for one if it isn’t offered.
What Next?
Gratitude, manners and professionalism never go out of fashion.
By remaining professional, your former workplace will remember you positively, and you can settle into your new finance role knowing you left on good terms and can maintain useful connections with your former colleagues.
Thanks,
Rachel
P.S. If you’re looking for your ideal finance role, contact Rebus Financial Recruitment or call us on 01282 930930 and let’s have a conversation to explore your options. With our help, you can achieve great things.
About Rebus Financial Recruitment
Rebus Financial Recruitment provides a specialist and focused recruitment service to its customers, which historically range from a wide variety of organisations including SME’s to large PLCs.
We strive to offer both the client and candidate a seamless recruitment experience. Using our expertise, we get to the heart of employer and employee needs; and, in doing so, we match the two perfectly. To find out more, get in contact with one of our team today, or you can call us on 01282 930930.
