When Quitting Your Job, Never Say These Ten Things

Giving notice when you quit your job is a delicate operation. Do you tell your boss ahead of time you're looking for work elsewhere? Do you tell your supervisor after you earned another position? Do you do the right thing and give two weeks, or just announce that today is your last day?

If you wait to tell your boss after you get another job, your manager probably already knows that someone called for a reference. If you preemptively tell your manager you're looking for a new position, that person might not give you a good reference. Whatever the case, never say these 10 things as you quit your job and move on to better things.

1. Bash-o-Rama

Never bash your previous employer, because leaving a job is already a delicate situation. When someone asks why you're leaving, reply with, "I just need to make a change. Thank you for my time here."

2. Your New Digs

You don't have to tell your old boss about your new employer. This person probably already figured out your new company when HR called about a reference.

3. Apologies

You need not apologize for earning a new position as you quit your job. You owe your previous employer an honest day's work and nothing more at this point, so just keep your current schedule and work ethic until your last day.

4. Promises, Promises

Do not make promises you may not be able to keep after giving notice. Some of your co-workers may want to call you at your new job to ask advice about how to run things now that you're gone. If you gave two weeks, that means your old employer had plenty of time to figure out how to replace you prior to your last day.

5. Outing Your Colleagues

If HR asks which of your colleagues knew you were looking for a job, you shouldn't have to out them. Just say you kept your plans to yourself.

6. Noncompete Clauses

You may find HR has a noncompete clause to sign, which is something that should have been done before you decided to quit your job. Consider having an employment attorney look over any paperwork your previous employer wants you to sign before you leave.

7. Long-Time Coming

When you supervisor asks you how long you looked for a job, just say an opportunity came along and you took it. Your manager doesn't need to know you searched for six months.

8. Exit Interview

You can think about an exit interview later. Once you tell your employer that you are quitting your job, prepare for the next immediate step, which is to get your team ready for your departure.

9. Accepting More Pay

Hopefully, your new employer offered you a substantial raise from your current salary. That makes turning down a last-ditch offer from your old employer easier.

10. Hiring More People?

Your manager may ask if the new employer is still hiring, in case someone else wants a job there. Simply say, "We'll keep in touch," without offering any details, because you need to focus on your new job first.

When you quit your job, it may not be easy, even if it's a good thing. Maintain your poise and a positive attitude, and you should do just fine.

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