When you’ve decided to quit whether to begin looking for a new position or if you’ve already received a new position, there are some important things to make sure are done before you quit your current job. Remembering these 7 steps will make sure that you leave with all of the necessary information you’ll need for the future, but also will ensure that no bridges are burned in the process of your transition.

Give Notice

If you have an employment contract that states how much notice you should give, abide by it. Otherwise, it’s appropriate to offer two weeks notice for most positions. There are, however, a few positions for which it is recommended that you work out the timeline for your departure. Generally, management positions, and other technical positions generally require some additional time in order to be filled so it’s a good idea to give your current employer a little extra time to fill the position. You can always force a hard 2-week deadline, however, this will generally leave your current employer in a bind and you won’t be leaving on the best of terms.

No Obligation

If your employer asks you stay longer than two weeks (or the time period in your contract) you generally have no obligation to stay. if your new employer will be expecting you to start at the two week period, what you could do, is offer to help your previous employer, if necessary, after hours, via email or on the phone. One of the most important things to remember, however, is that you are not under any obligation to stay with your current employer, unless you’ve signed a contract. So if that new position that you’ve been waiting for comes, take it.

What to Say

Don’t say much more than you are leaving. Emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you, but, mention that it’s time to move on. Offer to help during the transition and afterwards. Don’t be negative. There’s no point – you’re leaving and you want to leave on good terms.

Write a Resignation Letter

Even if you resign verbally, write a resignation letter or an email to your superior. A resignation letter/email can help you maintain positive relationship with your old employer, while paving the way for you to move on. You never know when you might need that old employer to give you a reference, so it makes sense to take the time to write a polished and professional resignation letter.

Ask for a Reference

Before you leave, ask for a letter of recommendation from your manager. As time passes and people move on, it’s easy to lose track of previous employers. With a letter in hand, you’ll have written documentation of your credentials to give to prospective employers.

Don’t Forget the Details

Find out about the benefits and salary you are entitled to receive upon leaving. Inquire about continuing health insurance coverage through COBRA (new insurance normally does not kick in until usually 90 days of employment, sometimes longer), collecting unused vacation and sick pay, and keeping, cashing in, or rolling over your 401K or other pension plan. Also, be sure to get up-to-date contact information for your close co-workers. You never know if a new opportunity may arise and you may need to contact them in the future.

Return Company Property

Return any company property you have – including keys, documents, computers, phones, and anything else that doesn’t belong to you. The company doesn’t want to chase you to get it back, and you don’t to be held responsible if it’s not returned in a timely manner.

Quitting your job is a stressful time in your life. These 7 quick steps discussed will make sure that the process is as smooth as possible in order to decrease the stress you experience during this time of transition in your career.