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Polly LaBerre

CNN business correspondent and co-author of Mavericks at Work...

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Chester Elton

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Cathie Black

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The latest news on this change — carefully culled from the world wide web by our change agents. They do the surfing, so you don't have to!

Saying 'I Quit' the Right Way

Before you leave for your new job, you'll have to formally resign your current post (what, you just thought you could stop showing up?) As you do, remember that people will remember how you behaved right up to the last day—so keep being your hardworking, gracious self! A couple tips on parting well:

Give proper notice.

Most places ask for a minimum of two weeks. Certain industries, such as the banking industry, will ask that you leave immediately given the sensitive information you handled. As long as you’ve offered at least two weeks, you’ve done right by your employer.

Don’t mentally check out during those last two weeks.

This also includes not badmouthing the company to employees and customers, as well. Give just as much as you did when you knew you were staying. It makes a great impression, and if you ever need to come back, you would be someone the company wanted to hire.

Don’t burn bridges.

This is a big one. You may feel like your boss is the sleaziest person on the planet, but you never know what’s going to happen, especially in small industries. People move around and you’ll see them again. It’s best to keep unpleasant opinions to yourself.

Do you agree that it’s important to leave a job properly? Why or why not? Have you ever left a position without giving proper notice? What happened? [Monster.com]

Posted: 7/22/08