There are many reasons that you may want to resign from a job. You may be feeling unfulfilled in your current position. Maybe your family is moving too far away to keep your job at a particular company. Perhaps you have received a better offer at a more reputable company. It is always important that you resign from your current job in a professional and courteous way. Remaining professional throughout the resignation process can only help you in all of your future business endeavors. Following are a few tips to help get you ready to resign from your job.
First, Have a Plan in Place For When You Resign From Your Job
Do yourself a huge favor and have a good plan in place before you resign from your job. If you do have another job offer at another company, that is great. Your offer letter should detail your salary, benefits, a start date, and make sure that you understand what is required of you. Do not leave one job for another if you are unsure of the new position.
On the other hand, if you do not have another offer, but cannot stay at your current position any longer, be prepared financially. Have at least three months worth of your current salary in savings to get yourself by until you do find another opportunity. Finding a new job may take a little more time than you have anticipated, but sometimes you just cannot wait to resign from a job.
Second, Research and Follow Your Company’s Protocol When Resigning From Your Job
Refer back to your offer letter or your original contract from when you first started your employment. Some companies are different in regards to what they require when you resign from a job. First, find out how much notice you need to provide your employer, and make sure you give at least that much time. Many companies require two weeks notice, but other companies may require a month or more.
Second, find out if you have a non-compete clause or non-compete agreement in your contract, and make sure you are not violating it should you take a position at another company in the same industry.
And finally, get a professional letter of resignation together. Think about what you want to say in your resignation letter before you write. You definitely want to leave on good terms, so avoid any negativity about the company, your superiors, or any of your coworkers. Thank your boss for the opportunity of working with them and the company. Lastly, be sure to include your final work day with the company.
Third, Give Your Written Notice of Resignation to Your Boss in Person
It is still considered professional and appropriate to give at least two weeks written notice of resignation to your boss whenever possible. You want to do this in person in order to keep the terms of your leaving positive. Be very specific about your last day of work so your boss can prepare for your replacement. You may want to offer to help recruit, interview, and/or train your replacement, if at all possible. If you are involved in any major projects or reports, discuss with your boss how you will be wrapping them up or transitioning them to your replacement. Be prepared for any questions your boss may have for you. Remember that you do not have to provide all of the details of why you are leaving, but you do want to be as open as possible.
And Finally, Remain Positive and Productive Through the End of Your Employment
There are several reasons you want to remain positive and productive until your very last day on the job. First, it is the most professional approach to keeping your professional reputation intact. Do not want to be the employee who gives notice and then is not productive for the next two weeks. Your employment contract is still a contract through your very last day, and you want to abide by it.
Second, your boss and coworkers are relying on you to follow through with your commitments. You may have a specialized position within your company that no one else knows how to do yet, or you may write reports that no one else knows the first thing about writing. You owe it to your coworkers and boss to continue to do these tasks until your replacement is adequately trained to take over all of your duties.
Finally, you may need professional references in the future. Even if you have secured your next position, you may need references later on. Many people make lasting relationships with their coworkers and superiors that can benefit them for years to come, both professionally and personally. It is to your benefit to maintain your professionalism at all times.
Wrapping Up How to Resign
Resigning from your job can seem like a difficult move. However, it may be one of the best things you ever did for yourself and your career. If you resign gracefully and professionally, it will be well received by your boss and your coworkers. Keep in mind your professional reputation is at stake, so you want to remain as courteous and positive as possible. Maintaining professionalism at all times during your employment and throughout the resignation process will ensure a long and healthy career. We wish you the best of luck with all of your endeavors. Finally, don’t /feel obligated to let everyone know your leaving. Your boss would need to know. But, be careful with whom you share the news.