Unhappy With Your Career? Top Tips for Resigning: The Dos and Don’ts

Whether you realize it or not, the way in which you quit a job can influence your long-term career prospects.

There are often many intense feelings someone experiences when they have decided to resign from a job, from dread to euphoria. These strong feelings can cause you to do something you end up regretting. With this in mind, there are a few standard steps most people follow when quitting a job.

Don’t Spill the Beans to Co-Workers

Usually, when someone quits a job, they are looking forward to their future, whether that future is with another company or in a more desirable personal situation. That sense of anticipation can be hard to keep to yourself, but one of the worst things you can do before tendering your resignation is to spill the beans and have your boss hear the news from someone other than you.

Do Know What to Say

Before approaching your boss, make sure you know precisely what you are going to say. Even if you’d be departing on excellent terms, the discussion could be awkward and hard. You don’t want to end up being misunderstood or having regrets about the conversation because you were unprepared.

Also, you want to ready for any questions or arguments your manager might make in an attempt to keep you from leaving. Consider how to respond to a potential counteroffer and request to push back your decision.

Do “Sit Down” with Your Boss

If these were normal times, you would simply approach your boss and ask them if you could have a moment of their time. However, these aren’t normal times.

If your COVID situation prevents you from sitting down for a face-to-face meeting, set up a phone call or virtual meeting after you’ve prepared what you’re going to say and how you’re going to respond to being challenged in various ways. Giving your notice over email should be avoided at all costs, but for some, it may be a last resort if the circumstances warrant it.

Do Put It in Writing

Even after talking with your supervisor about quitting, it’s smart to also send the details of your resignation in writing. Here, an email is okay, but a hard copy is always preferred.

A formal resignation letter guarantees there will be no confusion regarding the date you tendered your resignation and the timing of your final days and weeks. Quite a few businesses want a copy of this letter for their HR records.

Don’t Coast to the End

One last day in the organization shouldn’t be filled with chit-chat and loafing around. Leaving on a high note is a great way to cement the network connections you made while at the company.

Share valuable knowledge with your co-workers and supervisor about various projects and clients. Record any process improvements or tricks of the trade you’ve uncovered. Make it as easy as possible for your replacement to step into your shoes once you’re gone.

We Can Help You Move on Successfully

At Career Concepts, we not only help people find great job opportunities; we also help them move on from an existing job. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your move forward.