Resigning?
How to Do It
Without Burning Bridges
An important aspect to completing a new job search is leaving your old
job. For most people resigning is an afterthought. After all you have
a new job and what does it matter what your present employer thinks of
you? You don't work here any more. Right? Wrong!
Although your first instinct may be to tell your employer "Take this Job and Shove It!"- It is important to resist. Resigning from your present position in a professional and positive manner is extremely important. The world we live in is just too small. In today's marketplace you might be working with or for colleagues in the future that have professional or personal relationships with your soon to be former employer.
When handled properly, leaving a job, no matter how good or bad, can be a positive experience. Here's how to do it:
- Determine when your last day of employment will be. Give ample
notice of your departure. It is common practice to give at least 2 weeks
notice. If you can't give 2 weeks notice make sure you explain why in
your resignation letter.
- Draft a letter of resignation. It doesn't have to be long
or detailed. Simply state your name, your position, the company you
work for and the last day of employment. For example: I, John Smith,
resign my position as Vice President of B. C Marketing Group effective
June 7th, 2000. If you desire add a statement of appreciation to the
employer for your successful tenure with the company.
- Resign. Hopefully telling your boss will result in nothing
more than a pleasant conversation about your future goals. It may include
some standard questions on where you're going, when you're going and
most importantly why you're going. So be prepared to answer these questions.
(If you're lucky they may even try to entice you with a counteroffer…before
you decide to accept do some research on counteroffers. Close to 85%
of individuals whom accept counters leave the company within 6 months.
Read our advice on counteroffers).
Keep the conversation simple and light. If you have had a problem with
the company or manager, ask for a formal exit interview with Human Resources.
- Follow up with the Company Administrator or Human Resources. Make sure you get what is coming to you for vacation time, company deposits, unused sick time and profit sharing or pension. Also make arrangements to return whatever rightfully belongs to the company.
We all have heard the old adage "Don't Burn Bridges". It's good advice to remember. Boston's corporate community is well connected and many people have relationships across industries and disciplines. You can never know for certain who knows whom in this marketplace. Follow the steps outlined above and make your resignation a positive experience for yourself and your employer.