Your Money_ The Missing Manual - J. D. Roth [55]
On eWeek.com (http://tinyurl.com/jobquit), Deb Perelman offers some excellent advice for leaving a job:
Be sure you're making the right choice. Sometimes that dream job isn't. If possible, "test-drive" the new job first—by working at it part-time during weekends or evenings—so you don't give up what you already have for something that isn't a good fit for you.
Give written notice. Be sure to submit a written letter of resignation to your boss (or HR department); it makes you look professional and makes everything official. In your letter, stick to the facts, don't let your emotions get the better of you, and don't lie about why you're leaving. Whether your letter is simple or complex, keep it positive. You can read sample letters at Emurse: http://tinyurl.com/rletters.
Note
If you're thinking about switching jobs, pick up a copy of Alexandra Levit's New Job, New You (Ballantine, 2009). Levit profiles 35 people who've managed to reinvent themselves with new careers.
Tell your boss first. Respect the chain of command: Talk to your manager before telling your buddies you're leaving.
Be ready for a counter-offer. If you're a valuable part of the company's plans, they may try to get you to stay. Be prepared for this, and know what you're going to say. (This is one reason it's important not to lie when resigning: If the company offers to fix the things you claimed were wrong but they aren't your real reasons for leaving, you could end up in an awkward position.)
Leave in good standing. As tempting as it is to mentally check out before you're done working for your old company, resist that urge. If you said you'd stay 2 more weeks, work during those 2 weeks. If you don't, you put the company in a tough spot and make yourself look bad. You never know when you'll need a reference from a former boss or find yourself working with former coworkers again.
On The Money: Informational Interviews
Finding a job can be tough. Competition is fierce, and even if you've got the right skills, it's challenging to make yourself known to the right people. Informational interviews are a way to get an edge on your competition. These aren't the same as job interviews—they're an opportunity to learn more about a career or company.
The first step in setting up one of these interviews is to find people with jobs that interest you. Prepare a simple list of questions to make sure you get the info you need when you contact these folks. It may help calm your nerves to approach the interview as if you were a reporter: Pretend you're gathering facts for a news story.
The cardinal rule of informational interviews is don't ask for a job. If you tell somebody you're just gathering info but then turn the meeting into a job interview, you're just going to make her angry. (If she thinks you're a promising candidate and she has a position available, she'll contact you.)
Here are some more guidelines:
Ask politely. If the subject agrees to an interview, set a time and a date. If she's not up for such an interview, respect her boundaries.
Be prepared. Dress appropriately, be punctual, do your homework about the company or field, and be ready to ask intelligent, relevant questions.
Listen. Ask open-ended questions, and then let the subject talk about herself and the company. Good questions include "What's your typical workday like?" and "How is your company different from its competitors?"
Take notes. You're conducting this interview to learn more about a possible career, so write things down and ask follow-up questions.
Be brief. Keep track of time. Don't rush, but don't overstay your welcome.
Afterward, remember to send an email or hand-written note to thank the person for taking time to meet with you.
For more about informational interviews, check out http://tinyurl.com/NYTinfoview.