RESIGNING GRACEFULLY
Congratulations, you have landed the job! Now, you may be a little nervous about resigning. There is uncertainty of how your boss is going to react or perhaps some guilt about leaving work behind for co-workers. Whatever the case, resigning from a job is a delicate challenge.
8 Tips on how to resign:
1. Prepare– Prepare what you are going to say, in what order, and to whom.
2. Keep it Simple– Tell them up front that you are leaving, stay to the point. Be honest, but do not over-share too many details about your new position, company, or compensation package.
Sample of resignation letter verbiage:
Dear ______
Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation. My last day will be (date 2 weeks from today). I have appreciated the opportunity to work with the team at (Company name) and all I have learned while here.
Sincere thanks and best wishes,
(Signature)
3. Resign to your boss in person/Human Resources in writing– While HR may require a formal letter of resignation for their files, when possible, make the announcement to your employer in person, or at least voice to voice. Keep the conversation positive, professional, and constructive.
4. Be realistic- Expect a reaction from your employer. If your manager becomes aggressive, confrontational, or upset, do not respond with similar behavior. Revert to your prepared comments. There is a good chance they will start talking about counteroffering more money.
5. A word about Counter-Offers- Statistics compiled by the National Employment Association show that over 80% of people who elected to accept a counter-offer and stayed, are no longer with their company six months later. This can be because the reason someone leaves a job is often not about money. And many of those other factors do not change. It can also be difficult to continue working with a boss and coworkers who know you resigned once. It is often easiest to tell your boss upfront that, while you are flattered by the thought, you are not interested in a counter offer and you owe yourself this new career opportunity.
6. Do not burn bridges- You likely will need a previous employer for references, advice or even a job in the future! You also never know where people from your current place of work may end up in five or ten years’ time.
7. Stay positive- You do not need to give a reason for leaving, but if you wish to include a bit more context, your formal letter isn’t the place to air your grievances or call out colleagues. Find something good to say, thank them for the past training, opportunities.
8. Give appropriate notice period- Giving two weeks' notice is standard courtesy when resigning from a job. If your employer asks you to stay longer than those two weeks, you are not obligated to stay.