Leaving a Job Gracefully
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Sylvia Ho
There are a couple of basic rules about how to conduct yourself and what to say or not say at your exit interview.
Don't burn your bridges with the company. You might need them for references, or you might want to come back later on. Or the people that you leave here might end up at your next job or a job down the road. If you're leaving because you are being treated unfairly and might want to sue, don't let on. Quietly gather your evidence and look for a solicitor. Keep smiling, or the element of surprise will be lost.
Study the employee handbook and all of your benefits literature to make sure that you know exactly what you are entitled to be paid after resigning -- unused vacation time, etc. Get yourself an agreement from someone in the company to be your reference later on. Most company HR offices will just give out your name and dates of employment.
MOST IMPORTANT: Keep in touch with your business contacts and mentors, not just your friends. Start a little black book of contacts who might like you and will help you later on in your career. Most people usually overlook this, but it's something top executives always do.
Good luck at your new job.
