5 tips on how to navigate your notice period and leave on great terms

So you have landed the role of your dreams and have handed in your notice. But you still have four weeks to navigate before you walk out the exit door! This can often be an awkward time where you are mentally halfway out the door and starting to disengage, but you still need to do your job.

Here are five tips to ensure you leave your employment on the best terms and why it is important to do so.

1. You will be remembered for your last impression

Warren Buffet said in one of his many quotes “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.". This is also true for your work reputation - this is created and builds from the moment you walk in the door to your last day in the office. If you have strived to do a good job during your time with your current company and have developed a great reputation internally, don’t ruin it by mentally ‘checking out’ once you have handed in your notice. This could be people's lasting impression of you.

2. Go the extra mile

Leave on the best terms possible by going above and beyond what your manager might expect. Make sure everything is in order, things are filed where they are meant to be, and your work is up to date. Generally, think a couple of steps ahead to exceed expectations and leave on a high.

3. Prepare handover notes

Even if you’re not asked to, make the life of your replacement as easy as possible especially if you won't be able to transition the new employee in person. It will be appreciated by the person stepping into your role and will be viewed favourably by your manager. Think about your first day in your new job. Wouldn’t you like to arrive on day one and have a well-thought-out, easy-to-follow handover document to ease yourself into your new role? If you believe in karma, it could be a smart thing to do.

4. Remember, Sydney is a small place

If you dislike your job and can’t wait to leave, take a breath and remember Sydney is a small place. You never know who knows who, or where you might encounter individuals again. The last thing you want to do is ‘burn your bridges’ by leaving on bad terms, telling someone who has been a thorn in your side for the last 2 years what you really think of them, or leaving work incomplete. Our general advice is to rise above it, avoid negativity, do a great job until the end with a smile and make sure you’re missed when you’re gone. Conversely, if you work with great people and love your job, you want to be remembered as a valued team member. Who knows when you’ll get a tap on the shoulder in future as a result of the way people remember you? This could even be back at the company you’re departing in a more senior role.

5. LinkedIn post or email to your team

A nicely written LinkedIn post thanking your managers and team whilst expressing gratitude for your time at the company is generally viewed as a pleasant touch. Similarly, a tastefully written goodbye email to your colleagues reinforcing why you will miss them can also be a nice way to exit.

By following these 5 tips, you’ll be busy, your notice period will fly by and you’ll be at your new desk at your new job before you know it, whilst leaving a reputable legacy at your old one.

For more information on navigating your career, give one of our accounting recruitment specialists on 02 8324 5640.