Congrats! You got the job! Now is the time to celebrate. If you have accepted a new position while still employed at your current job, there are some steps to take in order to ensure you leave on a good note. Be sure that you follow proper protocols so you transition smoothly without burning any bridges. In order to keep your professional contacts intact, the way you leave a job is just as important as the way you start a new one. Below are the top 3 things to do after accepting a job offer.

Have Important Conversations

After you have done your celebratory new job dance, the next thing to do is be sure you have all the important conversations necessary to transition on a good note, starting with your current manager. The best way to handle leaving your position is to schedule a meeting with your current manager to let them know you have accepted a new position. If you are able to, it would be helpful to give a generous notice along with a plan on how you want to transition your current role. Offer up some suggestions on who you think might be suitable to take over your day to day responsibilities while they are looking for a replacement and offer any training if necessary. In order to leave on the best terms, being proactive and taking the stress of covering your daily tasks off of your managers shoulders will help with the transition.

Complete All The Paperwork

Most positions need a written acceptance letter in order to start your onboarding process. It is also a good idea to write a formal resignation letter to your current manager for their records. You will also have a lot of initial paperwork with your new position (W-4, health insurance paperwork, 401(k), etc.). Make sure you connect with the HR manager to ensure you have finished and understand all of the appropriate paperwork needed to successfully start your new job.

Maximize Transition Time

If you have any downtime between ending your current position and starting your new one, it would be beneficial to maximize this time as best as possible. This can be different for everyone, but try your best to set yourself up so you go into your new job ready to go. Take your kids to do something fun, go grocery shopping, get your house in order… whatever you need to do in order to feel recharged and able to focus on your new tasks. Remember, you are likely going to be spending your time learning new things, working out a new schedule, etc. So getting things out of the way that you don’t usually have extra time for will help you start you new position on the right foot.

Starting a new job can be an exciting change of pace. Just remember that there is a way to go about leaving your current job in a professional manner. Making sure everyone is on the same page, finalizing paperwork and getting your personal life in order before starting your new job will allow your transition to be an easier process that everyone can be excited about.