Prepare for the things to do in an exit interview.
Despite what some headhunters will tell when they are preparing you to leave your current company, there are benefits to attending and even excelling in the way you handle your exit interview.
Before resigning, weigh the pros and cons of leaving your current company.
Once you are committed to leaving, give the company two weeks’ notice. Two weeks’ notice is common courtesy. You owe your company no more.
Also, before you resign, remove your personal property from your workplace and download or delete your personal files from the company computers. You do not want to run into your company holding your property until someone gets around to doing an inventory of what belongs to you and what belong to your employer.
Prepare to return company property.
When you go into an exit interview, bring the company property to the interview: e.g., keys to a company car, company laptop, mobile phone, etc. Since you have already recovered all your property, put the burden on your employer to give you an inventory of any other property they believe that you need to return. You may not have to offer to turn over the property during the exit interview. However, having it on hand will make things simpler if your company decides to walk you out the door.
Prepare for questions that you have about compensation and benefits.
Prepare for a discussion of compensation due you upon leaving the company: unpaid vacation time, unpaid bonuses, and unpaid salary. Your company should explain to you what money you have coming and when they will pay you.
Know the questions you need answering in transitioning or continuing your health benefits after you leave the company.
“COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees in the prior year offer employees and their families the opportunity for a temporary extension of health coverage (called continuation coverage) in certain instances where coverage under the plan would otherwise end. Department of Labor (http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/health-plans/cobra.htm)”
As you will discover from the DOL website, your employer owes you information on the way that your benefits extend beyond your employment.
Be positive but firm in your resignation.
Politely explain that it is time for you to move on. Thank your employers for the support they have given you. Ask for your employers’ direction about how you can transition your material and responsibilities smoothly and promptly.