Some people still tend to feel like fish out of water when it comes to discussing a resignation from a job. No wonder, as it’s bound to end up with an awkward conversation with your boss or HR manager about what has stirred such ideas up in your head. The reasons might differ – from catching a better job opportunity, moving to another city or just on personal grounds. Whatever the reason is, it’s not the time to bother over it. You must figure out how to resign, so your ex-employer has no chance to hold a grudge after you’re gone.
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Despite the reason, be honest with your management. Why would you feel uncomfortable with the choice that will serve your good? If your current company were that suitable, you’d be unlikely to quit. Since you’ve decided to change your workplace, just put it on the table. However, you do have to demonstrate respect and gratitude (if there are grounds for that) until the very end – smuggling about a better job opportunity you’ve managed won’t paint you in the best light. Your previous company has given you experience, no matter if it’s positive or negative, you should appreciate it and let your supervisor know about it too, at least out of work ethic.
And, as for the possible reasons for your resignation, besides getting a new job, some others are pretty common:
As a rule, an employee who has made up their mind to quit their job has to get their management informed at least in a fortnight. During this time, the employer is supposed to find a substitute to hand over all the affairs. Remember, the first person you have to share about your resignation is your boss, not colleagues. Of course, if it’s your close friend, only one person, it’s acceptable to share with them. Talking to a wide public may give rise to gossip, destabilization inside the team and low morale. This is also about work ethics. After you have discussed and clarified everything, the boss presents this news to the team. This is how it should work.
Secondly, check on the right moment to hand in your notice. Should you see your company is going through a disaster of epic proportions, the key client has rejected your service,щ r the competitor has won the lifetime deal, don’t throw oil onto the bonfire and wait with your notice a bit. Being patient and sympathetic is welcome in such cases. However, it doesn’t apply to the situation when you’re chasing deadlines and can’t wait any more due to your circumstances.
Rule number one – try to be as respectful, grateful and sincere as possible. No need to say that most people are intuitively capable of detecting deception. Even if you think a while lie will work out better, give this idea up. Nothing will work out better than sincerity. Furthermore, avoid criticizing, giving remarks if not requested or teaching them how to manage the business more effectively. The world is small, and the earth is round – who knows if you’re meant to meet someday again – leaving a pleasant impression of yourself may lead to exciting job opportunities in the future.
Your boss may try to talk you into staying, promising better working conditions, solving your issues, etc. If you’re leaving the company for some reasons that could be potentially addressed and resolved, this is your big break. Be as straightforward as possible and let your boss know the exact conditions which could work for you. If your decision to leave has nothing to do with work conditions, be as firm as possible and let your superior know your answer is a hard no anyway.
Another good option to inform the boss about quitting is to write a resignation letter. It’s easier to structure the information on paper than to keep it in mind and say. However, you should be aware of the principles a professional resignation letter should base on:
It’s also helpful to know what your letter should not include – as with the conversation, steer clear from providing complaints, critics or advice to your boss or soon-to-be ex-colleagues. Keep it neutrally and respectfully, and don’t forget to include some words of gratitude. You might want to receive references from your almost ex-boss, so it’s not the best time to complicate your relationship even if you’re sure you’ll never see each other again. Furthermore, you may find many examples of how to make up a resignation letter on the web. Just allow some time to prepare and quit your job gracefully, it doesn’t cost you anything, but you may benefit from it.
Besides everything mentioned above, there are more ideas to take to heart.
Ensure that you’re leaving only after having obtained all the documents from the HR department:
Before termination, resolve everything that hasn’t been completed for some reason. Furthermore, be so kind as to get your successor familiarised with their new duties, show them around, and introduce them to the co-workers. You should also inform your clients about your decision and provide them with contacts of a person who will be able to help them instead of you if required. If you haven’t been introduced to your successor yet, you could prepare a detailed handover document so they can familiarise themselves.
It’s a matter of your decency, but we highly recommend following these rules:
We hope it’s obvious that all corporate devices (laptops, mobile phones, memory cards, tablets or vehicles) must be returned. Moreover, they should be in the condition you received them, so if your devices require sprucing up, be so kind as to do it. Please don’t wait until they tell you to return them or ask you to clean them up. Being proactive and respectful regarding the company’s property demonstrates you as a conscious person and will benefit you when receiving your reference.
Even if you’re not going into the unknown, a letter of recommendation is always welcome. It may be as a digital document or even feedback on your LinkedIn profile. Just ensure your manager provides you with it before you leave the company. Otherwise, they may forget or not do it for whatever reason – your task is to avoid such a situation. Furthermore, don’t limit yourself to getting references only from your boss – contact your clients, colleagues and anyone who has ever worked with you. All opinions matter.
