Perfecting your job transition: How to leave your old job and start a new one
There are two parts of a job transition: leaving your current job on good terms and successfully navigating the first 90 days of your new job. Let's look at strategies and tips for both to help you maintain a strong professional reputation and make a first impression that sets you up for success.
Skip to: Tips for the first 90 days of a new job.
Published January 2026
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Leaving your old job on the right note
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A good reputation is valuable, and your old role can follow you for a long time. Many jobs require references from recent employers, and you may find yourself working with (or reporting to) former colleagues as you progress in your career. Here are some things you can do to gracefully resign from your job and maintain your professional reputation and relationships.
confirm the new role before announcing it
It’s crucial to have your new job offer letter in your possession before notifying your current employer that you’re leaving. Even if the person interviewing you says you got the job, it’s not official without the contract.
A job offer can fall through for several reasons before the job contract arrives. If that happens, you can find yourself unemployed or asking your old employer to take you back.
Ready for your next opportuntiy?
CREATE A TRANSITION PLAN
A transition plan is a document explaining your work responsibilities and how your departure will impact workflow. Your team will appreciate this extra effort. The transition plan should answer:
Inform your manager first
Your immediate supervisor should be the first person you notify about your resignation. They won’t appreciate it if they find out after everyone else. Especially if they learn through office gossip or an HR notice.
Break the news privately
Not everything requires an audience. Make it a priority to speak in private with your supervisor about your resignation. This is a chance for both of you to be open and honest about why you’re leaving and making a successful path forward.
Know what you will say
Prepare for this conversation by planning out your talking points ahead of time. Keep the conversation positive and professional, even when discussing the reasons behind your departure. A face-to-face meeting is best, but a video or phone call is also appropriate in the remote world.
advanced notice is best
Historically, giving two weeks’ notice is standard practice, but you’re not bound to that number. Some employers consider it a green flag if you ask for more time so you don’t leave your current job in a tough spot or if you have a specialized role in your organization. Alternatively, there may be cases where factors require you to start your new role in less than two weeks.
Whatever the case, finding the right answer begins with talking with your current supervisor and your future employer.
Be civil and professional
Leaving on a positive note can help your career. If you get along well with your current team, this shouldn’t be hard. But there may be circumstances where there will be hard feelings around your resignation regardless of what you do. Even then, take the high road and avoid burning bridges. You’ve already won by finding a new job: stay professional and polite in your final days.
Tips for the first 90 days of a new job
Transitioning into a new role means learning a whole new cast of people, projects and procedures. There’s much to take in and first impressions to make during your first 90 days. Here are some things to anticipate and methods to handle them.
Challenges
Information overload It can be difficult to start a new job, especially when there’s so much information to retain. While you might feel overwhelmed after orientations and training sessions, you’ll soon learn your tasks and the inner workings of your new company.
Try this: To keep things manageable, focus on learning one task or topic at time before moving to the next. You’re not going to memorize everything either, so write or dictate notes for future reference. If you are still overwhelmed, tell your manager so they can help you sort through the noise. Asking questions is essential to learning.
First impressions and connections You’ll encounter many new names, titles and faces. And for each, you’ll be making a different first impression.
Try this: You don’t have to be an extrovert to make a good first impression. Little things like dressing appropriately, punctuality and active listening are good starting points. Think up some icebreakers or prompt ChatGPT and Copilot for some ideas. Ask colleagues what they like about the job or what they do for fun, then take notes to help you remember for future conversations. Tell them about what excites you about the role or something interesting that’s happened to you recently. It doesn’t have to be exotic, just honest.
Combating nerves You made an important move in your life, which can be nerve-wracking. Whether you are out of practice with working in a corporate setting or nervous about making a new friend group, you can put these worries to rest.
Try this: Everyone gets butterflies. The key to overcoming these nerves is having an optimistic outlook, taking time for yourself and surrounding yourself with a support system you feel comfortable confiding in.
The first week, month and 90 days
These practical steps can help you navigate the first week, month and 90-day span.
First week
Write it all down When you start at a new company, there is a lot of information you need to take in. Whatever way you prefer to write notes, be it digital or paper, do not be afraid to use it. Even if you think you'll remember, write it down to be sure.
Absorb as much as you can Pay attention to how tasks are accomplished, the organization’s culture and other elements of the work environment. Try to learn the reasons behind company processes. Ask questions that will help you understand your responsibilities, measure success and progress quicker.
Be yourself Don’t let your desire to make an impression take away from your identity. Your coworkers can tell if you're not genuine. Remember why you were chosen out of all the other applicants, allow your team members to connect with you on a personal level and give yourself the opportunity to thrive.
First month
Share your input After learning as much as you can about your new position, try sharing your thoughts and ideas when you have them. You can start small, but as long as you’re respectful towards others, they’re usually willing to listen.
Be organized Organization is key to staying on track and meeting deadlines. It can ease pressure and anxiety while ensuring you are productive and successful. Plan out your schedule ahead of time to stay on target for your tasks.
Outline objectives Talk about your objectives with your supervisor and determine reasonable goals and timelines. Consider SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-sensitive) goals you want to achieve in your professional career that add value to your company.
First 90 days
Find a mentor Find individuals at your company who can help you learn and grow. Identify a qualified mentor who will offer advice on navigating the company and the job. The right person will help keep you motivated and establish objectives to help you advance in your career.
Don’t overcommit Establish healthy boundaries and a healthy work-life balance when starting a new job. Performance in the first 90 days is critical to show you’re worth the investment, but it’s equally important to set realistic expectations. Instead of overcommitting yourself, focus on doing your job effectively and building relationships with your team.
Build rapport with your team Having a good connection with your supervisor is vital to your tenure at your company. Set up one-on-one meetings with them to go over project status updates, obstacles you’ve encountered and your long-term career aspirations. And don’t neglect your connections with your colleagues. Odds are you all will have to work together to be successful.
Skip to: Tips for the first 90 days of a new job.
· What are your regular tasks and responsibilities? Who can take over them while the company looks for your replacement?
· Are there any outstanding work or projects that you’ll commit to finishing before you leave? Is there anything you won’t finish before you leave?
· What are the relevant passwords, accounts, instructions and contacts your team needs?
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Our vision is To Have a Meaningful Impact on All the Lives We Serve®, and that starts with you. If you’re ready to partner with Kforce, we have nearly 1,800 of the industry's best technology, finance and accounting staffing specialists who are eager to help you on your career journey. Landing your perfect job may be just a click away!
Ready for your next opportuntiy?
Contact us
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