There are many reasons one chooses to change jobs. Making the decision to leave and considering the unknown of a new career path can be daunting. Changing jobs can also be exciting and give you a fresh outlook on your career. Before you start an exciting new role, you have to end your relationship with your current company. It can be easy to part ways when you are leaving a job you don’t like, but what if you are leaving a great culture?

I recently received one of the best resignation letters I’ve seen in my professional life. While I hated the circumstances surrounding the letter – losing a valued employee – I appreciated the remarkable sincerity in which it was written. It was a great example of a best practice when exiting PFSbrands or any other company that has an envious culture. No doubt there will be a smooth transition for this exit and this employee will be highly thought of for years to come. When exiting a company you care about it’s hard to take the step to leave, but easy to show class and grace through the transition.

Tips for Leaving your Job on Good Terms

1. Resign in ample time, with plenty of notice

Even if an exit is the best move for you and for the company, it is never a good idea to leave one day and never come back. Most companies (especially those with cultures that truly care about people) want to see their employees succeed and have invested time and energy into you as a team member. There will need to be planning and strategy involved to determine the next steps for the future of the position you are leaving. Giving ample time will allow you to assist the company with the transition. Make every effort to complete, organize, and clean up any of your outstanding tasks, projects, or duties. It’s easy to work with your new employer for some flexibility on your start date based upon you providing a graceful exit at your current employer. If your new employer won’t allow that, you should question your decision to go to work there.

Most importantly, don’t be reckless in your timeline to resigning. Discuss your plans with your direct manager before discussing with coworkers. It would be better for your manager to hear from you before hearing rumors that may not be true. Honesty and sincerity will compliment your character and reputation for the days to come after your departure.

2. Make the Transition Seamless

By offering to help with the transition of your resignation you will ensure that you are leaving on a positive note. You will likely be remembered as a proactive, contributing part of the team. Document your daily job activities and outline best practices for a replacement to your position. When the transition is seamless, your credibility is complemented and it shows that you have taken into account the impact that your departure will have on the company.

3. Be Prepared for Your Exit Interview

The last impression you leave with your company will be your exit interview. If the company does not do exit interviews, ask them to do one – it can give both you and your manager a sense of closure.

An exit interview is your chance to share your thoughts and your feedback. Focus on the positive and give criticism in a way that helps the company and helps the next person that serves in your role. Good preparation for this interview will ensure that you will give thorough, well thought-out responses. If there were no issues, reiterate your personal reasons for moving on.