Leaving Your Job on the Right Note

Robert Half International

Starting a new position is an exciting moment in your career. But telling your old boss you're leaving can be unnerving. After all, how you end your tenure at the firm may have far-reaching implications for your career. That's because the work world is small: You never know when you'll have to ask a former supervisor for a reference, be paired again with a past colleague or find out that the person you just interviewed with knows an acquaintance from a previous job.

So how can you exit your job on the right note? The first step may seem obvious, but it's worth mentioning: Tell your boss before sharing the news with others. Though the conversation is difficult, it would be far worse if your supervisor heard about your departure through the grapevine. Also remember the following key points when speaking to your manager: