How to Responsibly Leave a Product Manager Job

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There may come a time when you decide to leave your current product manager job for a new opportunity. Should you find yourself in this position, you must make a responsible transition so that you don’t burn any bridges. After all, you never know when you’ll need someone down the road. 

As a product manager, you’re often considered “the glue that keeps your team together.” So, when you announce that you’re leaving the company, it’s natural for remaining team members to have some anxiety. Fortunately, when you take the right approach, you can reduce the stress associated with the transition.

Here’s a simple five-step process to help you responsibly leave your current product management job.

1. Have a strong transition plan

In your mind, you have a good idea of where things stand with your projects and what needs to be done in the future. However, your team can’t read your mind. You need to provide them with a strong transition plan so they don’t miss a beat. 

Create a kanban board to provide a status overview of your projects. Additionally, assign a new person to the project — with their permission, of course — so it’s clear to your boss who will be in charge of what moving forward. 

2. Communicate with your boss first

As much as you want to discuss your career plans with your colleagues — who may also be your friends — it’s always best to first communicate the news to your boss. 

Put yourself in their shoes. Would you rather hear that a team member is leaving directly from that person or “through the grapevine?” Telling your boss first gives them the chance to digest your decision — and the overall impact on the organization — before hearing it from others. 

3. Give the company time to adjust

Two weeks is the standard amount of notice to give a company before making a final departure. At the very least, you should adhere to this standard. It gives your company enough time to make the necessary adjustments, such as transitioning another product manager into your role.

If possible, providing three weeks’ notice is preferable. This gives your employer even more time to adjust while showing that you truly care about the future of the organization.

Depending on when you start your new position and your plans leading up to your start date, you may be able to give four weeks of notice or more. 

4. Meet with your team 

This is all about making sure your team is in the “right place” as you make your transition out of the company. Do the following:

• Address concerns: For instance, if you’re currently dealing with any roadblocks, address these with the appropriate individual(s). Don’t leave these challenges behind for them to figure out without your guidance. 
• Answer questions: This goes hand in hand with addressing concerns. Make it clear that you’re available to answer any and every question. And if you don’t know the answer, find the person who does. 
• Provide and review your transition plan: The first thing you’ll do (see above) is create a transition plan. But that’s not always enough. You must also review your transition plan with your entire team. Doing so is sure to result in a handful of questions. 

This step is geared toward making the transition as seamless as possible for your team and/or the company as a whole. If there’s anything you can do to make life easier for others, do it. That’s the type of attitude that people remember. 

5. Make an official announcement

If possible, make a formal announcement to your team/company in an in-person or video meeting. If that’s not an option, turn your attention to crafting the perfect email or group Slack (or similar communication tool) message.  

Your official announcement should address details such as:

• Your final day at the company. This allows others to make the necessary adjustments during the allotted time. 
• Your highlights from your time at the company. Think about one or two things that you’re proud of, such as a specific product release or simply building a great team. 
• Contact information — including your email and phone number — so that others can stay in touch. You may also suggest that others connect with you on LinkedIn if they’ve yet to do so. 

You don’t have to go overboard with this announcement. Short, sweet, and to the point is fine. 

Final Tip

Make yourself available to your former team after you’re gone. This is another reason to provide your contact details. 

People may realize that there’s a problem and need your help. They may have questions about how you’ve done things in the past and would like your advice on moving forward. 

This is an example of going above and beyond. It shows everyone at the company that you have their back, even if you’re no longer an employer. 

Summary

Your primary goal is to make sure everything is in a good place when you make your final departure. This allows for a smooth transition to the next phase, both for you and your former employer. 

The last thing you want is for people to think you abandoned them. Do whatever it takes to help others and maintain sound relationships on your way out the door. You’ll never regret taking this approach.

Read the following blog posts for more information on leaving a product manager job:

• Should You Change Your Company as a Product Manager?
• How Long Should You Stay at Your Product Manager Job?
• How to Go From Product Manager to Senior Product Manager
• How to Choose Your Next Company as a Product Manager
• The First Step in Becoming a Product Manager

If you’re leaving your company without a clear path forward, we have all the resources you need to find your dream PM job — and it all starts with acing your interview. 
Start by browsing our list of 2500+ product manager interview questions. From there, complete our interview prep course and find a mock interview partner.