How to use your notice period to set up your next role well

Your last month at a company is as important as the first. Here's how I've used it strategically.

Relationships:
Schedule goodbye coffees with people who matter, not just your immediate team. These relationships are your network for the next decade. Exchange personal contact details before you lose access to the company directory.

Knowledge:
Document things you've built or managed that you'll want to reference later. Save anonymised examples of your work (check your contract on IP, but personal learning documentation is usually fine). Write down institutional knowledge you've accumulated.

Reference setup:
Explicitly ask 2—3 people to be references before you leave. Brief them on what your next role is and what skills will be most relevant. Don't let them be caught cold by an unexpected call.

The exit interview:
Be honest but professional. Feedback about systems and processes is useful. Detailed criticism of individuals rarely is. The purpose is to leave constructively, not to resolve every grievance.

Counter-offers:
If one comes: evaluate it honestly. The problems that made you want to leave usually don't change.