Quitting your job deserves some serious thought and intention. We've all been in that place when we'd like to turn on our heels and walk out the door, but for this article, let's put that aside and look at how to resign from a job in the most stress-free and amicable way possible.
This article can be read in full at Monster. Here we've provided a brief summary.
1. Know Your Value
Understanding your market value is crucial. It will help you decide if your job, or new job offer, pays fairly. Finding out where your skills are in demand will help you negotiate a great deal with a potential employer. It can add reassurance you are doing the right thing. Knowing your value can even give you a good idea of how the resignation process will go once you decide to quit.
2. Draft the Letter
A good resignation letter will be short, professional and demonstrate good faith. Once it's submitted and accepted you can't take it back without the agreement of your employer. The purpose is to tell your employer in writing that you will be leaving the company, and when your leave date will be. If they have verbally offered something, such as gardening leave, mention this in the letter. This can protect you from any disputes down the line.
3. Notice Your Obligations
- In theory, all you have to do is formally tell your boss, then work any notice period.
- In practice, it's important to do so in a considerate, smooth and even productive manner.
Get it right and you’ll find there are lots of long-term benefits. You might find your boss is ready to make changes to keep you. This could mean you get a better deal without leaving - or even offered a different role within the company. In the long term getting a better deal now also puts you in a stronger position for future negotiations.
4. Pick Your Moment
Book in a specific appointment to speak with your manager in private. Don’t tell everyone in the office you’re thinking about or planning to resign. It’s disruptive, it’s rude and it won’t endear you to your manager. Remember, you’ve still got to stick around for at least your notice period. You have a reputation to maintain even after you've left.
5. Plan for Transition
Even if you are leaving on good terms, working your notice can feel awkward. Having a transition plan in place will make it easier for everyone. You may not be given new projects to work on, and you could have responsibilities taken away. In some cases, you may be required to train up a replacement in person. If you work with sensitive information or have close client relationships, your employer may choose to remove your access. This is a precautionary measure to prevent you from taking valuable clients or information to rivals. This is standard practice, so don't take it personally. Colleagues may be curious or feel awkward around you. The key things to remember are to remain professional and understanding. It’s the best way to maintain a good reputation.
6. Time to Say Goodbye
If you have followed the advice here, there is no reason that saying goodbye needs to be painful. Breaking up doesn't have to be hard. Good companies know that people develop, situations change and sometimes we are presented with irresistible opportunities. If you are going to have a 'leaving do' resist the temptation to share any thoughts you have been bottling up - you don't want to undo the work you have put in protecting your reputation.
Click through to the full article.
I would like to add another piece of advice... when it comes to receiving a counteroffer from your current employer, remember the reason why you resigned in the first place and try not to be swayed by more money, if it is offered.
I hope you find this helpful and as ever I'm here to support my candidates; if you need any help or advice with your job hunting, please do get in contact with me.