By MedHunters Staff
There are many reasons for leaving a job, and these reasons are usually positive: new opportunities, advancement, or desire to travel. Sometimes reasons are neutral: you enjoy the job, but your spouse has been transferred. And, sometimes the reasons are not happy ones, such as a personality conflict or a poor work environment. In all cases, you will want to leave on good terms.
Even when you are leaving a bad situation and you would gain tremendous satisfaction from telling a certain someone exactly what you think, remember: an outburst will not help you obtain a favorable reference, nor will it help your reputation. (Save those revenge moments for times that really matter – for example when that !#!$ of a boss is applying for a position with your new employer and they ask you what she/he was like!)
Rules to Follow
Reasonable notice: In most jurisdictions, you are legally required to give two weeks notice, but check your employer’s HR manual to be sure. Whether you are leaving on good or bad terms, sometimes more notice is appreciated. For example, if your job is highly technical or they are having difficulty hiring a replacement, offer to stay longer to provide some training for your replacement.
Reasons for leaving at the exit interview: When you are leaving, focus on the positive. Obviously, if the interviewer is the source of your problems, be circumspect in discussing reasons for leaving. But if the problem is someone else, and if the exit interviewer requests it, you may want to provide more critical feedback. HR staff are usually genuinely concerned, when they have high staff turnover. In your feedback, make sure your criticisms can be substantiated with real examples.
Get the paperwork done properly the first time: Ask HR for a checklist of everything you need to do – and be aware of – before leaving your employment. Paperwork may involve benefits’ schedules, pension plan documentation, and health plan information. The key issues will probably be related to the disposition of your benefits. For example, many employers will extend health insurance coverage until the end of the month in which you quit or are terminated. Based on the US Federal COBRA regulations, you will be able to continue your health insurance for 18 months, if you pay the required premiums. In Canada, you will continue to have basic health coverage, however, you will no longer be covered by the employer’s extended health plan. For your pension or tax deferred annuity account, you may be subject to certain taxes and penalties, so it is important to obtain the full details and consult with your financial advisor.
You will need to return your staff ID card and all keys. Your username and password for computer and telephone use will be terminated once you leave, and you will probably be asked to complete a Username Termination Form. Once you leave, you should not have to call HR for things that should have been dealt with while you were an employee!
Keep in contact with key people: Keep in contact with the your former colleagues and manager, and maintain a list of their names, email addresses, and telephone numbers. Sometimes employers can only provide a limited amount of information on professional references (such as dates and position held). However, if your future employers require more information, and you have good personal relationships with your former colleagues, they are likely to vouch for you. Finally, don’t forget to leave a forwarding address and email so your former employer can reach you if needed.
