Making the Most of Your Two-Week Notice

Just because you handed your boss a resignation letter giving him a two-week notice doesn't mean you should treat the next 10 days at the office as a lame-duck period for your old employer. You can still give 110 percent to your workplace while transitioning to a new setting. Here are some strategies to make your final days worthwhile.

Attitude of Gratitude

Moving on doesn't have to be a sad or angry time after your two-week notice. Go around to everyone who inspired you at the office and personally thank them for their time, effort and collaboration while you worked there. Reach out to any supervisors who might have been promoted since you started, the people who worked with the most and any mentors you talked to along the way.

Connections for Later

As you talk to everyone who helped you, make connections for your network. These connections can help boost your professional life later on as you seek references for better jobs. You don't have to explicitly say that's why you want to maintain contact, but keeping in touch has benefits that pay off years down the road. This is where social media and LinkedIn come in handy.

Talk about future plans and what you want to do next. Is your next job a springboard for another career move? Are you going to another city? Discuss the implications of where you're headed, as well as why and how it affects both your old and new employer during the two-week notice period.

Personal Contacts

Note your personal friends you want to keep talking to outside of a working environment. Make sure you don't step on any toes while getting someone's email address or phone number. Depending on the company's culture or the attitudes of management, personal relationships can be a tricky situation at the office.

Written Happiness

Your resignation letter serves as the formal recognition of your two-week notice. This correspondence goes in your permanent employee file, and it reflects your final thoughts on your employment. In addition to listing your final day of work and the fact that you're moving on, leave a good last impression in your letter. Mention how much you enjoyed your time working with the company, and say nothing negative. You don't have to give a reason for leaving in writing.

Work Ethic

Maintain your work ethic after giving a two-week notice, as you still owe your employer at least 80 more hours of work if you're full time. Bring a new energy to the office now that you're excited to go into another phase of your professional life. Encourage those around you, and seek out the company of the people who mean the most to you at the office.

The two-week notice time is anything but a free pass period of employment. If anything, this transition time should bring out the best in your abilities when you elevate your career.

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