Resigning from your current employer and quitting your job can
be emotional- but you might not realize it until you actually face
your boss to resign. Here's how to do it effectively.
Steps
- Tell your boss (or whoever you report to) face to face that
you're leaving the company and ask what you can do to wrap things
up before you finish working with them. Follow up in writing with a
short email or typed letter if your company requires written
notice.
- Keep your resignation short and sweet. You can give as little
or as much information as you like in terms of your new job or what
you're doing next. Remain cordial.
- Give your company the required notice. If your contract
requires you to give two weeks notice, do so. Don't burn any
bridges by quitting suddenly and leaving your boss in the lurch.
You might require help (ie. a reference check) from your boss in
the future.
- As you finish up your job, try to remain focused on the job and
do everything you can to help your company transition your work to
whoever will be doing your job next.
Tips
- If you used a recruiter to get your new job, ask them for help
with your resignation if you are unsure of what to do. They should
be able to help.
- Keep your emotions in check. Don't let your friendship with
your boss make you feel like you're letting them down by quitting.
This is business and you need to keep things professional.
Warnings
- When you are resigning, some companies may try to offer you a
counter-offer (ie. a raise, better job, bigger office, etc) to try
to keep you employed with the company. Accepting a counter-offer is
usually a bad move especially since you've already let your
employer know you were looking for a new job. Stick to your guns,
remember why you wanted to leave the firm to join a new company,
and don't entertain counter-offers.
- Many companies will automatically release you the day you give
your notice. Be prepared and don't be offended.
- Make sure your desk and files are up to date in case you are
asked to leave immediately.
