I recently posted a story on LinkedIn of a candidate who did everything right when resigning from their role. You can check the post out here.  This story has inspired me to expand on the idea of how to leave your job the right way.

When someone gives notice, it’s easy to think of the exit as a finish line. You’ve wrapped up your time, you're heading to something new, and all that’s left is to hand in your badge and walk away. But how you leave a job can say just as much about you as how you performed in it.

I was reminded of this recently while meeting with a $25M company that's looking to hire an Accounting Manager. The CFO walked me through the scope of the role, highlighting solid growth potential, good leadership exposure, and a company that values process improvement. However, what really stuck with me was our conversation about the person who previously held the role.

This former employee had been with the company for five years. Over that time, they’d streamlined workflows, led critical initiatives, and embedded themselves into the heart of the business. That’s an excellent track record on its own. But what really impressed me was what they did after they gave notice.

They didn’t just tie up loose ends. They went above and beyond.

• They created training videos.
• They documented key processes.
• They built a full handoff manual for their replacement.

That kind of effort doesn’t just help the company;  it creates a legacy. It’s a reminder to leadership of the kind of person you are, even as you're leaving the door.

In my role as a recruiter, I frequently interact with hiring managers and executives. One thing I hear over and over again? “How someone exits tells us everything.” It’s about character, respect, and professionalism. It’s about whether you care enough to leave the team set up for success, even if you're no longer going to be part of it.

So, how do you leave your job the right way? Here are a few key takeaways from that conversation, and others I’ve had over the years:

1. Give Proper Notice

Two weeks is the standard, but more senior roles often require more. Be upfront and respectful about your timeline.

2. Document Everything

Don’t make your manager or successor chase you down later. Organize your files. Write out your processes. If possible, create easy-to-follow videos or guides.

3. Wrap Up or Transition Key Projects

If you can’t finish everything, outline the next steps clearly. Set your team up so they can pick up where you left off.

4. Leave with Gratitude

No matter why you’re leaving, take a moment to thank your manager, team, and company for the opportunities you've had. Exit conversations and farewell emails go a long way.

5. Be Helpful Until the End

Stay engaged. Be responsive. Offer to help with the transition. You may be excited about your next chapter—but your final impression matters just as much.

6. Don’t Burn Bridges

The business world is smaller than it seems. That person you worked under? They might be a client, peer, or hiring manager one day. Leave them with a positive story to tell.

That Accounting Manager I mentioned? The company still speaks about them with admiration. They didn't just leave;  they left well. And that’s something every employer remembers.

Your next opportunity may be right around the corner. But how you exit your current one could shape your reputation for years to come.

Leave with care. Leave with pride. And leave in a way that opens more doors than it closes.