5 tips to help you get through your notice period smoothly
The notice period is an awkward, yet important, time for both the management and you. Everyone knows that you’re going to leave soon and, although you’re happy for the new opportunity, leaving the comfort zone of your old job is saddening. There will be colleagues who support your decision and some who’ll raise eyebrows. There will also be those inquisitive few who want to know everything about your new job. Don’t let these mixed reactions and emotions overwhelm you. You can make your notice period a win-win situation and leave a positive impression by following these tips:
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Exceed performance expectations
Slacking after handing over your resignation might come as a natural instinct as you’ll soon be checking out of your duties. Do your best to continue maintaining your professional routine. It is frustrating when someone who has offered their resignation turns up late for work or takes unscheduled leaves. It affects the overall team performance. Discuss your work expectations with your supervisor and then exceed those in terms of scope and deadlines. Adhere to office procedures, too.
Offer to help with knowledge transfer
To leave a lasting impression, go out of your way to lend a helping hand. You can assist your supervisor with knowledge transfer to your team or the person who will be taking up your role or responsibilities. Offering to train a replacement and being thorough with your handover will ensure that you don’t leave loose ends. It’s a small world, and word gets around faster than you expect. The efficient work you do before leaving will only do you good.
Show your appreciation
Reach out to people who have helped you and express your gratitude to them. Make a note of the key people you’ve worked with and thank them, personally or through email. This will demonstrate that you are thoughtful and considerate of others. Even if you’re elated about leaving your job, be grateful for everything that went well while you were there.
Squash rumours and be transparent
When people don’t know why you’ve resigned, it is easy for them to speculate and assume things. If your personal brand matters to you, you have to squash such rumours about your resignation to manage your reputation. Talk to your team and colleagues about your choice to leave and make it known that you’re leaving on good terms. Although you’re not obliged to tell them about your next job, being transparent helps preserve relationships and build new ones.
Be constructive at the exit interview
No matter how much you want to crib and complain about the bad times you had at this job, restrain yourself from being brutally honest during your exit interview. It is not the time or place to give your feedback about what you wish should have been done before you resigned. Your review will not change the organisation. So don’t vent out your frustration or indulge in an emotional conversation during your exit interview.
You can ensure that your notice period becomes a positive experience for you, your manager and your peers with your approach. Set the right tone from the moment you hand in your resignation to the last day at work and you’ll make it a win-win situation for everyone.
