Mary Jo writes:
I’ve been using your site a lot over the past few months and the
resources you offer helped me tremendously.
Here’s the thing: I’ve been offered a job and accepted the offer,
but can’t seem to locate information about giving notice and negotiating
a smooth transition with my current employer.
The Career Doctor responds:
Kudos to you for understanding the importance of not burning any bridges as you transition from your old employer to your new one. You should always leave an employer on good terms — even if you leave hating the company, job, co-workers, or boss(es). The world is a small place and you just never know when you will run into previous bosses and co-workers.
The key issue with resigning is to do so with class. Give the proper amount of notice, which for most professional jobs, is two weeks. I suggest putting your resignation in writing — just so there is a record of it. Offer to stay longer if you are integrally involved in a major project. In most cases, your boss will take the news graciously, but be prepared for some negative vibes. In some cases, your current employer will make a counter offer to try and get you to stay — and you could consider it, but we’ve found that counter offers simply just prolong your inevitable departure.
Here are some other do’s and don’ts of resigning gracefully:
- Do make the transition as easy and as smooth as possible. And do
offer to help find and/or train your replacement. But don’t make promises you can’t — or won’t — keep.
- Don’t disappear during your last weeks on the job. Do stay a productive member of the team.
- Do make sure you receive all your stored up compensation and benefits, including
bonus checks and unused vacation time, personal days, etc.
- Do make a plan to keep in touch with key coworkers, friends, and mentors. Keep
your network strong.
- Don’t feel guilty about leaving. It may be hard to leave, but focus on the fact that
you are leaving to accept a great career opportunity. And don’t brag about that great opportunity.
- Do your best to wrap up all your major assignments. And do leave a detailed
progress report for your supervisor and/or successor.
Read all my do’s and don’ts of resigning — along with samples of job resignation letters and
memos — in this article on Quintessential Careers:
Resigning with Class:
How to Diplomatically Resign From Your Job.
Jessica writes:
Hi, I just graduated from college and am one of the lucky ones, I guess, because I
have a job offer. I am supposed to start working in the marketing department next
week and I have no clue what to expect — and more importantly, what they expect
of me. How can I make a good first impression? I really want to succeed in this
company.
The Career Doctor responds:
Wanting to make a good first impression with your new employer is very
smart thinking. As with any situation, people often take short-cuts in making
conclusions about people — and first impressions can make or break your
future in any organization. Now, don’t panic. I’m not necessarily talking
about work expertise first impressions as I am attitude first impressions.
Most employers don’t expect new employees to solve all the company’s
problems the first day; however, the way you handle yourself around the
workplace is of vital importance and does indeed start the first day.
So, what are some ways to make a good first impression? I don’t have
room for all my suggestions, so here are the most important:
- Have a positive attitude. Nothing works better — in all
situations — than having and expressing a positive attitude. Don’t be
afraid to show your enthusiasm.
- Dress professionally. Never underestimate the
importance of dressing professionally in your new job, especially in
those early days.
- Show your team spirit. You are now part of a work
team, and teams work together to solve problems and get the job
done — so become a good teammate.
- Learn names quickly. Nothing says disinterest as
quickly as someone who can’t seem bothered to remember anyone’s
name, so if you have trouble learning names you might want to try a
memory aid — and at least show you’re trying.
- Ask questions. You are not expected to know everything,
so don’t be afraid to seek out help and ask questions of your co-workers
and your boss.
Being the newest member of the organization — the rookie — is both a
challenging and exciting time. Just relax and remember to make the best
first impression you can.
You can read all 20 of our tips for making a good first impression by reading the latest
article published on Quintessential Careers,
Your First Days Working at a New Job: 20
Tips to Help You Make a Great Impression.
And check out the new Workplace Resources section of Quintessential Careers.
Sandy writes:
I’m struggling and I need your help. I used to love my job and my employer, but
ever since a few months ago when takeover rumors started to circulate and the
company announced a new round of layoffs my attitude has changed. I used to
love getting up in the morning, but now need like two alarm clocks to get me up.
And I also find myself making more and more excuses for not going to work.
What can I do to go back to how I used to feel? What should I do?
The Career Doctor responds:
Life is certainly changing for the typical U.S. worker. We’re working
longer hours than a generation ago, forced to do more work because
of layoffs and hiring freezes, and sometimes have to deal with rumors
of takeovers and downsizing hanging over us.
These issues - and more - are leading to more workers having increased
levels of job stress, which can lead to job burnout.
Job stress is something we all face as workers — and we all handle it
differently. There is no getting around it. But, not all stress is bad, and
learning how to deal with and manage stress is critical to our maximizing
our job performance, staying safe on the job, and maintaining our physical
and mental health. For most workers, infrequent doses of job stress pose
little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity,
but too much — and too prolonged — can lead to a downward spiral — both
professionally and personally.
What should you do? See if you can make some changes; follow some of
my tips for managing the stress. Whatever you do, make some changes
before you face job burnout, which has serious psychological and physical
consequences.
Some tips for managing job stress:
- Put it in perspective. Jobs are disposable. Your friends, families, and health
are not. If your employer expects too much of you, and it’s starting to take its toll
on you, start looking for a new job/new employer.
- Modify your job situation. If you really like your employer, but the job has
become too stressful (or too boring), ask about tailoring your job to your skills.
And if you got promoted into a more stressful position that you just are not able
to handle, ask about a lateral transfer - or even a transfer back to your old job
(if that’s what you want).
- Get time away. If you feel the stress building, take a break. Walk away from
the situation, perhaps walking around the block, sitting on a park bench, taking
in a little meditative time. Exercise does wonders for the psyche.
For many more tips on managing job stress, read my article,
Managing Job Stress:
10 Strategies for Coping and Thriving at Work, published on Quintessential Careers.
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