Chances are you have changed jobs or will sometime in the future. Changing jobs from time to time is becoming more natural in today’s world than of decades past.  The Department of Labor finds that the average tenure of an employee in the U.S. is now only 1.5 years, reports Forbes Magazine. Although you may leave a company behind, your reputation while working there will follow you for years to come. Here are some tips on how to “end” on a good (even classy!) note from Staffing Talk:

• Give notice. A notice is the first step to leaving with grace, not only does it recognize that your employer still has a business to run with our without you but also shows consideration for your fellow co-workers who may have to pick up the extra work short-term. 2 weeks is typically the standard minimum.

• Finish well. Even though you are leaving, continue to do your best so your leaders and co-workers are left with a good last impression.

• Leave with integrity. Now is not the time to trash talk or undermine the business or leadership.  Also keep in mind, if there are specific tools or knowledge that has helped make your job more productive, make sure you communicate these so they can be evaluated and passed down to any new comers.

• Gain valuable feedback. If you are leaving on a good note, then now would also be a perfect time to gain performance feedback from your leaders.  Often time lessons learned at one job help you better succeed in the next.

• Remember your relationships. It is important to validate any friendships made and keep in touch.  It is also a good time to “mend any fences” with those who you may have had regular differences with. The relationships made at any one past company can surprisingly take many forms as our careers grow and change through the years.

As a manager or as someone who has recently left a job, do you have other tips to share?   [caption id="attachment_533" align="aligncenter" width="207"] Source: inc.com[/caption]