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ToggleOn your last day of work, it’s important to leave a positive impression. Here are ten meaningful things to do to make sure a smooth transition and a lasting impact. From saying heartfelt goodbyes to tying up loose ends, each step is designed to help you depart with grace and professionalism.
What Should You Always Do On Your Last Day At Work?
Enjoy Your Last Day At Work
Take a moment to savour the experience and reflect on your time with the company. It’s a milestone worth acknowledging.
Complete Any Remaining Tasks Or Loose Ends
Wrap up any pending work or projects and ensure a smooth transition for the company and your team.
Collect All Employee Contacts
Exchange contact information with coworkers you’d like to stay in touch with professionally.
Trash Your Personal Documents From Your Computer And Phone
Ensure you remove any personal data or files from company devices to maintain security and privacy. You may also clear your browsing history.
Go To HR To Hand Over All Company Possessions
Return all company properties and office supplies on the last working day. Such as keys, laptops, badges, or other equipment, to the HR department as per company policy.
Ask Reference Letter From Your Manager
It is best to request a letter of recommendation from your supervisor to support your future career endeavours.
Say Thank-You To Colleagues
Take the time to express your appreciation to colleagues who have supported you during your tenure. This could be through personal conversations, handwritten notes, or small tokens of appreciation. Showing gratitude fosters positive relationships and leaves a lasting impression.
Did you know it is illegal to quit a job without notice period in UK? Leaving without notice not only leaves the company and coworkers in a bind, but it also means finding someone to fill your shoes and delegate your responsibilities, which can take time and cause unnecessary stress. To know more about such reasons, read the blog!
Save Important Information
On your last day at work, it is important to ensure that you save any important information before saying goodbye. Whether you are leaving on good terms or simply moving on to a new position, you’ll want to make sure that you have all your work documents, including any work projects and contacts, saved for the future.
Clean Your Desk On Your last day.
As it’s your last day of job, make sure to clean your desk and leave it tidy for the next person who will occupy your space. It’s a simple gesture that shows respect for the workplace and helps you leave on a positive note.
Share Documents Coworkers Might Need
On your final day at work, it’s important to remember to share any work documents that would be useful to your coworkers after you’ve said goodbye on your last day at work. Whether it’s a handover document, a professional network contact list, or career advice, make sure you leave behind everything they’ll need.
How To Prepare For Your Last Day At Work?
Write A Resignation Letter
Draft a formal resignation letter addressed to your supervisor or HR department. Be concise, professional, and grateful for the opportunities provided by the company. Without fail, include your intended last day of work. Also, offer to assist with the transition process.
Prepare For The Exit Interview
Anticipate questions about your reasons for leaving, your overall experience with the company, and any feedback or suggestions for improvement. Reflect on your time at the company to provide constructive feedback during the exit interview.
What To Include In A Farewell Email On Your Last Day Of Work?
Some last day at work email example:
Express Gratitude For The Opportunity:


Provide Contact Information For Staying In Touch:


Wish Everyone Well In Their Future Endeavours:


How To Handle The Transition To A New Job After Leaving?
Organise Personal Data And Contact Details
It’s important to ensure a smooth transition by organising your personal data and contact details.
- Update your resume with your most recent job experience, skills, and accomplishments.
- Keep a record of essential contacts from your previous job, such as colleagues, clients, and mentors.
- Save any relevant work samples, certifications, or performance evaluations that may be beneficial in your new role.
Leave A Positive Impression For Future Opportunities
Leaving a positive impression when transitioning to a new job can open doors for future opportunities and professional relationships.
- Maintain professionalism and gratitude throughout your transition process, whether it’s through your resignation letter, exit interview, or farewell email.
- Offer to assist with the transition process by providing thorough documentation or training to your successor.
- Keep in touch with former colleagues and maintain positive relationships, as they may serve as valuable references or connections in the future.
10 Things Not To Say When Leaving A Job

1. Don’t Bash Your Employer: Criticising your employer or speaking negatively about your experience with the company can reflect poorly on you and burn bridges. Even if you had challenges or disagreements during your time there, it’s best to maintain professionalism and focus on positive aspects or constructive feedback.
2. Don’t Apologise: Unless you’ve made a significant mistake that warrants an apology, there’s no need to apologize for leaving a job. Leaving for personal or professional growth reasons is a normal part of career progression, and it’s okay to prioritize your own goals as well as interests.
3. Don’t Give Away Too Much: While it’s good to be open and honest with colleagues, be mindful of sharing too much personal information or details about your new job. Confidentiality and discretion are essential, especially if you’re moving to a competitor or sensitive industry.
4. Don’t Make Any Promises: Avoid making promises you can’t keep, such as committing to stay in touch with everyone or offering to help with projects after you’ve left. It’s better to under-promise and over-deliver than to over-promise and disappoint.
5. Don’t Sign Anything: Be cautious about signing any documents or agreements presented to you on your last day without thoroughly reviewing them. If in doubt, get legal advice before signing anything that could have long-term implications.
6. Don’t Tell Them Who Knew: Refrain from disclosing information about colleagues who may have known about your plans to leave. It’s not your place to reveal their involvement, and doing so could strain relationships or create tension within the team.
7. Don’t Say That You’ll Do An Exit Interview: If you’re not comfortable or willing to participate in an exit interview, it’s okay to decline. However, if you do choose to participate, be constructive and honest in your feedback, focusing on ways the company can improve rather than airing grievances.
8. Don’t Tell Them How Long You’ve Been Looking: Avoid sharing details about how long you’ve been searching for a new job or how many interviews you’ve had. This information could be perceived negatively and may create unnecessary speculation or gossip.
9. Don’t Say You’ll Get Them A New Job: While it’s natural to want to help your colleagues, making promises to secure them a job at your new workplace can be unrealistic and potentially damaging to your own reputation. Instead, offer support and encouragement in their job search without making guarantees.
10. Don’t Agree To A Counter Offer: If your employer presents a counteroffer in an attempt to persuade you to stay in the last week at work, think carefully before accepting. Consider the reasons you decided to leave in the first place and whether the counteroffer addresses those concerns. Accepting a counteroffer without addressing underlying issues may lead to dissatisfaction in the long run.
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