6. GO THROUGH THE EXIT INTERVIEW
The exit interview is more common than it used to be. With the economy chugging along so well and people able to jump from one great opportunity to the next, companies are trying harder to keep good employees. If there's a problem that's driving good employees away, they want to be able to identify it and fix it.In most companies, the Human Resources Manager conducts the exit interview. This may seem like the perfect opportunity to vent your spleen about all the things you feel the company is doing wrong, but let's consider a few things. First, you would have already met with Human Resources when you were exploring your Health, Vacation, and 401K options (that is, if you've been paying attention). Second, HR can only suggest solutions to management - it's up to management to implement them. So even if you're giving fair and well thought-out constructive criticism, management will often not take too kindly to anything they perceive as negative. You've made it this far without causing any problems for yourself. Don't lose your cool now.
Besides, the most common reason people leave their jobs is to better themselves. Think of it this way: while your leaving is a bad thing for the company, it's a really big, wonderful thing for you. This is what you should tell the company in your exit interview, in the hallways, and at your farewell lunch. You just have to remember to remain a professional throughout these last days so that you leave behind as good an impression as the one that got you hired there in the first place.
So goodbye and good luck. It's been a pleasure working with you. And don't let the door hit your butt on the way out.
