Job Tuition

Tips for Passing the Torch

July 1st, 2007 by Andrew

When it comes time to quit a job you can’t just leave. You have to pass the torch to your replacement. Ensure that business will carry on as usual, and help ensure a positive recommendation from your employer.

Ask your supervisor

After giving your supervisor timely notice of your departure, ask what she needs from you. Show your willingness to help out and make the transition go smoothly.

Find out if your supervisor has specific needs or requests. Are there certain projects or tasks she needs finished? Is there a specific duty she is worried about your replacement handling?

The answers you get here are crucial for your final days at the company. They will help you properly focus your efforts and be truly effective.

Tie up loose ends

Wrapping up projects will be a huge help for your employer. This makes everyone’s job easier, since the new guy won’t have a pile of half-done things to finish.

Think of unfinished projects like a half-eaten sandwich. Would you like to start a new job, only to find a half-eaten sandwich on your desk? Probably not. That’s why should wrap up those projects, if possible.

Use bookmarks

You probably won’t finish every open project before you leave. This is inevitable, but you can still help your employer.

Leave a bookmark in your open projects. Make it clear where you left off and what should be done next. This helps the company keep moving forward. And it ensures that projects won’t fall in the gap.

Create documentation

You know how to do your job. But are there clear instructions for the next guy? This is the reason for documentation.

Think about the instructions you would need to do your job, if you were just starting. Write out basic steps for your different tasks. And also create an overview document that lists the things for which you are responsible.

Remain available

If possible, give your employer a method of contacting you after your departure. Depending upon the circumstances, this might not be needed or appropriate. But it’s something to consider.

This enables your employer to ask a quick question, if something comes up shortly after you leave. An email address would be sufficient. And it will help to make a smooth transition if a problem arises.