In preparation for my resignation in 31 days... I will highlight here the best DO's and DON'Ts of leaving your job gracefully.
Once you have decided that it IS time for you to go, there are many ways to bow out in a respectful and professional way.
In-person Resignation:
This is by far the best way to begin the process. Standard courtesy is a 2-week notice in writing. This will depend on what kind of job you have as well. For example: if you have a contract that stipulates a particular amount of notice must be given, be sure to adhere to that. Occasionally, depending on your company, tenure and position, you may feel inclined to give a much longer notice, for example 3 or even 10 weeks. Be sure to gauge this wisely, too much notice CAN backfire.
Official letter: Here is an example of an official resignation letter.
Please accept this as my final notice of resignation. My last day of employment will be May 31st.
Thank you so much for (length of employment) with your organization. I have worked alongside some excellent colleagues, and have had so many opportunities to grow and develop as a professional. I appreciate the opportunities I have been given and I wish the company success in the future.
Please please provide me with information about the exit process. I am specifically interested in how my employee accounts will be settled (vacation leave, employee benefits and 401K).
I will never forget my time at (company name here). Please let me know if you need any assistance with the transition. I am available between now and 5/31 to finalize any out-processing procedures.
Email Resignation: Of course the preferred method of resignation is an in-person, written notice, however there may be circumstances that prevent you from doing so. When necessary an email may be used. This is very similar to the actual written letter of resignation, but is often used for a more abrupt closure. Remember to remain professional, direct and concise. This will go into your professional work file and as such it is imperative to proof your language and be as formal as possible in the note.
Over-the-Phone Resignation: Just remember with this one to remain as positive and calm as possible. Be polite and answer their questions clearly. State your concerns and reasons for leaving directly. Avoid rambling and bad mouthing fellow co-workers or managers. *Do not confuse this tip with honest remarks about the reason why you are leaving.* Most companies have an exit process that involves an exit interview. This may simply be a packet that is sent in the mail for you to return if you so choose. As a result, many HR managers will ask a small series of questions during an over-the-phone resignation that are also included in the exit interview. Remember there IS a valid reason for why you are leaving, and though the company may be sad to see you go, they want to prevent any further retention hits. Be honest when telling them why you have decided to move on.
Tips:
1) Do not brag about your new job - Many of your co-workers, colleagues and managers will miss you and be sad to see you go. It is best not to rub it in their face that you are moving on to bigger and more exciting things. They already know.
2) Get a letter of recommendation - I recommend getting this when you give your 2-weeks notice. (Note: You can give your in-person notice to HR directly, or to your immediate manager, but be sure to follow up with a formal written version.) This will ensure that you have your managerial teams support in your new decision, may alleviate some office hostility and will be very useful in your new position.
3) Have a plan - My grandmother always told me it is best to quit your current job, only when you have another already lined up and in the bag. Whether you are moving on to own your own business, make a significant career change, travel the world, or be a stay at home parent, taking the time to make a plan will make all the difference after "the big decision."
4) Try to save up - Another tip from grandma: "Have at least six months expenses in your savings." I recommend much more than that, based off of my standard of living. Take all your expenses into consideration: loans, mortgage, child support, travel, car notes etc. When you scale it all the way down, there's a great chance you can live off much less than you currently make, when you stick closely to your budget and you begin to eliminate extraneous spending.
Good luck!
Once you have decided that it IS time for you to go, there are many ways to bow out in a respectful and professional way.
In-person Resignation:
This is by far the best way to begin the process. Standard courtesy is a 2-week notice in writing. This will depend on what kind of job you have as well. For example: if you have a contract that stipulates a particular amount of notice must be given, be sure to adhere to that. Occasionally, depending on your company, tenure and position, you may feel inclined to give a much longer notice, for example 3 or even 10 weeks. Be sure to gauge this wisely, too much notice CAN backfire.
Official letter: Here is an example of an official resignation letter.
Please accept this as my final notice of resignation. My last day of employment will be May 31st.
Thank you so much for (length of employment) with your organization. I have worked alongside some excellent colleagues, and have had so many opportunities to grow and develop as a professional. I appreciate the opportunities I have been given and I wish the company success in the future.
Please please provide me with information about the exit process. I am specifically interested in how my employee accounts will be settled (vacation leave, employee benefits and 401K).
I will never forget my time at (company name here). Please let me know if you need any assistance with the transition. I am available between now and 5/31 to finalize any out-processing procedures.
Email Resignation: Of course the preferred method of resignation is an in-person, written notice, however there may be circumstances that prevent you from doing so. When necessary an email may be used. This is very similar to the actual written letter of resignation, but is often used for a more abrupt closure. Remember to remain professional, direct and concise. This will go into your professional work file and as such it is imperative to proof your language and be as formal as possible in the note.
Over-the-Phone Resignation: Just remember with this one to remain as positive and calm as possible. Be polite and answer their questions clearly. State your concerns and reasons for leaving directly. Avoid rambling and bad mouthing fellow co-workers or managers. *Do not confuse this tip with honest remarks about the reason why you are leaving.* Most companies have an exit process that involves an exit interview. This may simply be a packet that is sent in the mail for you to return if you so choose. As a result, many HR managers will ask a small series of questions during an over-the-phone resignation that are also included in the exit interview. Remember there IS a valid reason for why you are leaving, and though the company may be sad to see you go, they want to prevent any further retention hits. Be honest when telling them why you have decided to move on.
Tips:
1) Do not brag about your new job - Many of your co-workers, colleagues and managers will miss you and be sad to see you go. It is best not to rub it in their face that you are moving on to bigger and more exciting things. They already know.
2) Get a letter of recommendation - I recommend getting this when you give your 2-weeks notice. (Note: You can give your in-person notice to HR directly, or to your immediate manager, but be sure to follow up with a formal written version.) This will ensure that you have your managerial teams support in your new decision, may alleviate some office hostility and will be very useful in your new position.
3) Have a plan - My grandmother always told me it is best to quit your current job, only when you have another already lined up and in the bag. Whether you are moving on to own your own business, make a significant career change, travel the world, or be a stay at home parent, taking the time to make a plan will make all the difference after "the big decision."
4) Try to save up - Another tip from grandma: "Have at least six months expenses in your savings." I recommend much more than that, based off of my standard of living. Take all your expenses into consideration: loans, mortgage, child support, travel, car notes etc. When you scale it all the way down, there's a great chance you can live off much less than you currently make, when you stick closely to your budget and you begin to eliminate extraneous spending.
Good luck!
