How to Transition from One Job to Another

Getting a new job often feels exciting, but it can also sometimes be difficult to transition — especially if the role or company culture is completely different. While getting adjusted may seem daunting at first, there are some ways to make it easier. Here we share how to transition from one job to another as smoothly as possible.

How to Leave a Job in Good Standing

The first part of transitioning to a new job involves leaving your current position. Taking a few actions can help you exit in good standing, keeping your professional relationships intact. Here are some tips to consider.

1. Give a Solid Amount of Notice

If you plan to leave your job because you’ve found another one, it's important to give enough notice. This can help your current employer find a suitable replacement for your position without dealing with an unexpected vacancy. Generally, the notice period is at least two weeks, though it can be longer.¹

The more time you give your employer before you leave, the better. This gives you ample time to tie up the projects you're working on so you don't leave a mess for the next person. It also helps you leave the company with a good impression, which may help you secure a positive work recommendation in the future or potentially even return to work with them down the road.

2. Provide a Detailed List of Daily Duties

When a new person comes in to fill your old role, they may not know what to do. Yes, they could have experience, but that's very different than knowing what goes on each day within your role with that specific employer.

To make their job transition smoother, leave a list that walks them through your daily tasks. Give handy tips about possible problems they may run into and ways to resolve them. By providing this information, you can make it easier on your colleagues and old employer during the training process while also giving the new hire a road map for greater success. (Leave this list with your old employer in case the job changes between your leaving and the new employee beginning to work.)

3. Do an Exit Interview

An exit interview is often conducted to help employers learn your thoughts about the job and your experiences with the company. Some employers offer this type of interview while others do not, and they are not mandatory to complete.² Regardless, you may want to ask for one. This way, you can give your opinion and offer any advice you may have on how the employer could solve some of the issues that may have contributed to your leaving.

Even though opening their eyes to these issues after you leave may not benefit you, it may help the employees who remain and be a benefit to new hires if positive changes can be made based on your feedback. Taking part in an exit interview might also help you make peace with and provide closure for the position you're leaving behind.

Starting a New Job on the Right Foot

The second part of a job transition involves starting to work with a new employer. Here are a few tips to help you transition to a new job more successfully after leaving your old one.

1. Familiarize Yourself with All of Your New Job Duties

Employers generally provide required duties in their job posts, but this is usually not an exhaustive list of everything you’ll be required to do. So, once you’ve been hired, ask for a list of all the duties the new job entails or, at a minimum, go over these duties during your first few days of employment. This can help you identify the tasks you have experience with, as well as those that may require additional instruction.

If the new job entails doing something you’ve never done, let the new employer know while also expressing a willingness to learn. This is better than not revealing where you might not have experience (or have limited experience) and trying to do something anyway, only to do it wrong.

2. Speak Up if You Have Questions

It can sometimes feel difficult to ask questions when starting a new job out of fear that you’ll look inexperienced, or you might worry that the employer may question whether you have the skills required. However, every organization works a little differently. Understanding what your new employer wants (and expects) is important to succeeding in your new role.

If you have questions about why they do something or why they do it a certain way, ask them. Eagerness to understand their policies and procedures can show that you’re committed to upholding their standards. It also indicates your willingness to ask for clarification when needed versus doing something incorrectly.

3. Ask for Help When Needed

Some people feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness or an admittance that you don’t know how to do the job. It’s not either. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to let your new employer know that you care enough about your job to want to do it right — even if that means setting your ego or pride aside and asking for help when needed.

If you’re struggling with a certain task or process, let your supervisor know. Making one small adjustment may be all that is needed to ease your stress. If the process is a bit more complex, it also allows the employer to help you learn what you need to know for both your and their success.

Job transitions can feel stressful, but they don’t have to be. Use these tips to help you transition from one job to another with greater ease.