How to resign effectively

How to resign

When all the hard work of finding that next chapter of your career, now comes the bit that most people dread - resigning. Some people resign without losing a second of sleep, while others let the process go over and over in their mind before they can muster the courage to do the deed. Well if you just carry out some simple steps you can resign in a professional way with your head held high and business relationships in tact.

Here are simple steps to follow:

Resign face-to-face

Always give face-to-face notice, then follow that up with a letter. Never quit a job over email, and it can be seen as incredibly disrespectful.

Be gracious

During your resignation meeting, make sure to take the opportunity to thank your boss for the experience and the opportunity you’ve had at your current job.

Keep it positive

Never gripe to co-workers about your dissatisfaction at work. Never bash your current job or bosses during an interview with a potential new employer. And never, ever, ever denigrate your current job on social media. Even after you’ve given your notice and moved on, refrain from public zealousness about how excited you are to get out of there.

Maintain the status quo until your very last day

While you’re contemplating giving notice, and even perhaps actively hunting for another job, maintain the status quo at work. Do your very best to leave your colleagues, your replacement, and your clients as prepared as possible for your departure. It’s easy to have a “last day of school” attitude, but wrapping up loose ends and setting your colleagues up for success is a sign of a consummate professional.

Secure good recommendations

Ask for recommendations before you go. If you already have a job lined up, this might not seem imperative, but it’s a good idea to always have a few people from every past job who you can turn to for recommendations if and when you need them. Asking in person while you are still fresh in their mind will mean they are more likely to respond favourably to reference requests later on.

Put it in writing

Once you’ve let your boss know verbally, the next step is to put your resignation in writing. At the very least, your letter should include the position you’re resigning from and the date you intend to leave. Although not essential, you might want to thank your employer for the opportunities you’ve been given and offer your willingness to ensure a smooth handover etc. Whilst constructive criticism is acceptable, don’t get personal or you’ll risk your reference and your reputation

Your notice period

Whatever the length of your notice period, you’re legally obliged to work it, unless your employer’s willing to waive it. You should find details of your notice period in your contract, otherwise, you should normally allow between two weeks and a month. When seeing out your notice, make sure you stay alert. Whilst it’s easy to imagine your last few weeks as a time to relax and stop making an effort, this is seldom the case. What’s more, being seen to make the effort right up until your last day will ensure your reputation as a professional and reliable employee remains intact.

Finally, make sure you allow time to say goodbye to everyone and swap contact details with as many colleagues as you can - moving jobs is a great way to extend your network and you may find you see some of your colleagues again sooner than you think.

Feel good - Last of all, don’t feel guilty about resigning. Feel good.

Working is a business arrangement and moving jobs is part and parcel of that. Whilst others may think you’re resigning from a perfectly good job, you’re the one in control of your career and only you can decide which direction it should take. If resigning from your job will bring you closer to meeting your career goals, it’s a step worth taking.

Best of luck when the time comes. If you'd like to discuss this further or seek any other advice on moving job, then please do get in touch.