Etiquette Excursion with Mona Johnson

Claremont, CA--Yes, there is a way to leave your employment. The most important rule to leaving a job is to make certain you have another job. Many, way too many individuals have left their job without securing what they thought was their future job. Make certain you have completed your physical, if required. Not just taken the physical but make sure all the results and laboratory work have been reviewed and accepted. Have a firm and documented start date. There is nothing more embarrassing or challenging than trying to get your job back.

Try to resign is person. This is the best way to leave a job. Be prepared to give a reason for leaving the job.

More money and better hours are the best reasons. If there is an exit interview be careful what you say about your boss and co-workers. Remember, work environments are like small communities and you are likely to run into some of these people sometime in the future. Don’t feel obligated to share gossip. It will be twice as spiteful after you leave and may sound nothing like what you stated. Keep all gossip to yourself. Don’t be a snitch, it never pays good interest.

Try to give at least a two-week notice. This is the shortest and the most acceptable time to give notice that you are leaving a job. If you are unable to give a two-week notice you should be able to explain why. Not that you must give a reason.

It may not be required for your position but it is classy to have a termination letter. If you are leaving for respectable reasons thank the company for their training and learning opportunities.

If there were some exceptional supervisors or bosses mention them and thank them. It never hurts to leave with a positive word for those you are leaving behind. This is important especially if you are staying within the same company and only changing positions.

Try to be prepared to go to new job or position. Have your work up to date and have your work as organized as possible. Don’t leave a mess out of frustration or anger.

Take all or your private property. You don’t want someone to go through your personal information and find something you may have forgotten by mistake.

If you must resign over the phone or via email have a reason for doing so. There are no effective ways to resign via email or the phone. If you do resign via email or over the phone at least have a reason.

Follow the termination rules of your company. Make sure you have all of the paper work you need from human resources. Return any and all of the property belonging to the company. Don’t be accused of stealing. Always be prepared to leave on good terms and make sure your leaving is going to permanent ad final. Make arrangements, in writing to get your final pay check.

Remember, there is nothing more embarrassing or challenging than trying to get your job back.

Join me weekly as I answer your questions and share ideas as we explore the journey to good manners! Send your questions or comments to the Inland Valley News, 2009 Porterfield Way, Suite C, Upland, CA 91786, e-mail to editor@inlandvalleynews.com or e-mail, msparksj@verizon.net.

Mona Johnson is the CEO of Personnel Best a consulting firm specializing in how to conduct effective meetings, teaching public speaking, team building, leadership development, microphone use, networking, organizational and self-awareness.