It happens to everyone! At some point you will transition from your current position. There are a few things you want to do, to safely transition. First – you have heard it before, never burn a bridge. If you are frustrated, now is not the time to show it. Instead, focus on the transition. The Golden Rule will take care of most concerns, but here a few extra tips – just in case.
Before You Leave Your Old Job
While change is hard, sometimes, it just takes a little managing of details to make it less overwhelming.
1. Get your new ducks in a row.
You’ll want to take a moment to focus on the new position. Do you have a formal written offer? Have you looked at the benefits package for your next position? Are there preparatory things you need to be doing prior to your arrival to make sure you’ll be successful?
2. Make your current employer love you.
First, do everything you can to make sure your departure is pleasant, and you will be remembered well. Have you informed the company of your departure by notice? Do it in writing and make it complementary and appreciatively. Make sure to offer to train your replacement.
3. Tie up loose ends at work.
Do you have some projects you need to finish up, before you depart? Perhaps you need to document your current tasks and how to support your current activities. Have you sorted through your current intellectual property? Do you have a customer database you can bring with you, or does that belong to the organization? How about your LinkedIn profile? Was it set up by the organization? Or, do you need to establish a new one that’s your own – not related to your current company? Have you captured the essential items of information of your current position for your résumé?
Get REjuvenated and REady
Take some time for relaxation and program a few days off in between jobs if you can. In today’s modern world, many of us jump from one fire to the next without unwinding. It’s essential to program some downtime between jobs, not to mention you may have a myriad of personal tasks you need to complete before starting your next endeavor. No doubt, you are going to be working hard for a while in your new position. They will want to see your value and you’re going to want to prove it.
Spend some time thinking about the new position. Where will you be working, who will you be working with, what will your tasks be? Can you perform some general reading or training on the company and job before you arrive? Think about your first day. Program your supervisor’s number into your phone. Talk to anyone you can in the company to gain additional information. Figure out what you’re going to wear on your first day. Look at the work traffic patterns, so you’re not late on your first day.
Hit the Ground Running at your new job
On your first day, leave with extra time, as you cannot afford to be late. Bring any required documents, and then have all the other documents that might be asked for – such as certifications, degrees, diplomas, former addresses, etc. Make sure you have online access and passwords to all the tools that you would normally use at work. Happily engage and meet new people. Ask them questions, about themselves, what they do for the organization. Carry a notepad – it sounds archaic – but it’s expected of a new employee.
Then, put on your Intel hat. Grab organizational charts, look up key personnel bios, join with them on LinkedIn. Look for phone number rosters, figure out who your peers are in other departments and meet them. Remember your informal networks are probably just as critical as your formal network. Learn early how the organization functions and how you’re going to interact – not only in your department, but also with other departments. Look for high profile projects and programs. Volunteer to get involved with these programs.
First impressions are important, so do everything you can to hit the ground running at your new place. Further, if you’ve left your old organization on a high note, you’ll be able to reach back to them. No doubt, you will be a success with your new job and career.
