One weak notice.

Q A

What are the downfalls of resigning without giving a full two weeks' notice?

--W. Hunte, Brooklyn, New York

"People rarely benefit from the decision to leave a company without giving at least two weeks' notice," says Julius E. Rhodes, senior professional of human resources, founder and principal of the mpr group, a full-service, broad-based human resources consulting firm in Chicago. Here are two reasons why:

1. It's not practical for the company. By quitting "on the fly," you place your employer in the difficult position of having to scramble to find a replacement to fill your spot. In the absence of an emergency--say, a serious family crisis--leaving without giving full notice is simply an unacceptable business practice.

2. It damages your professional credibility. When it comes to networking, leaving a company on a moment's notice negatively impacts your credibility as a job source. And, should you want to, you won't be able to return easily to the company you left so abruptly.

Simply put, if you're going to leave, do it with your best foot forward--and leave the bridges firmly intact behind you.

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