Handing in your resignation is never easy. But, even if you can’t wait to get away from your job it’s important to go about leaving in the right way. Contributor Lou Goodman Marketing Director UK, Ireland & Benelux – Monster.co.uk
Who hasn’t fantasized about walking into the boss’s office, saying: “I quit!” and then marching straight out the door? The rational side of you knows, of course, that that’s the wrong way to resign from a job. Make sure your exit is as professional as possible to retain credibility and maintain effort until the end to sail off smoothly into your new career. If Theresa May can keep herself from venting all frustrations on the way out – you can too!
Don’t gossip!
Make sure that you tell your boss before everyone else. The last thing you want is your boss finding out second-hand, as that will only make the process even harder. Remember you’re not the first person who’s ever quit nor will you be the last, so no need to dread the interaction. Just go in prepared.
Choose your words carefully
Your resignation letter is not your opportunity to air all your grievances towards the boss or company. Using phrases such as “with regret” or “only after thinking hard about my options” will add a positive note to your letter. Even if you aren’t that upset to be moving on, your letter is a chance to leave on good terms as you don’t want to burn any bridges that could be useful in the future.
Get your story straight
Have a clear narrative you follow to explain your departure to your manager and co-workers. Whatever reasons you provide, be they lack of party unity or no opportunity for progression, keep your story consistent and keep your reasons positive, not negative.
Resist the urge to slack off
Some bosses will take the news better than others. But no matter how negative, don’t let this effect your work ethic. This doesn’t mean stressing out and working 12-hour days. Instead, use your remaining time to ensure you don’t leave colleagues in the lurch and secure a glowing reference.
Have career confidence
Most importantly be confident in the decision you’ve made. Don’t let the suddenly lovely behaviour of your colleagues make you question your decision. There was a reason you wanted to leave in the first place, and as long as you have thought that through, there is no reason to doubt yourself.
Ultimately, resigning from your job is something that most people will have to go through at least once in their life. Even if you had the boss from hell, leaving is never going to be the easiest process. You may well upset long standing colleagues who’ve become friends when you announce you’re heading off to pastures new, or feel like devoting the time left at your desk to preparing for your fresh adventure. Smooth over any damaged relationships and resist the urge to divert your energies. We think a lot about the first impressions we make and rarely give thought to our last. Yes there is a chance you may never run into a previous colleague or need a professional favour for the rest of your career, but do you want to take that chance?
