In the aspects of our career, there are times when we need to make a career change due to various reasons. For most individuals, seeking for better career opportunities is the primary reason. Others need to leave their current employer due to relocation purposes and personal reasons. Whatever the motive is for resigning, a professional must practice proper resignation etiquette in order to make a graceful exit.
Observing appropriate resignation manner keeps the cordial relationship between you and your employer. Leaving your job can be quite difficult to do, but you do not want to burn any bridges. Make sure that you never resign from work with a heavy heart and on bad terms with your boss. So if you are planning to resign, here are some professional acts you can follow.
Resigning with Class and Professionalism
How can you make a smooth transition from one employer to another? There are several factors you need to consider in the resignation process.
The first factor is timing, which means giving enough notice to the company about your plan of resigning. It is standard protocol that before leaving the company, an individual must allow a month’s notice in order to make the necessary preparations on the part of the employer. Next, you have to negotiate with regard to your last pay, vacation and sick leaves, and other compensation you deserve to get.
Part of the preparation your employer needs to do is to find a replacement for you. As a responsible employee, you can offer to help your employer search for a potential candidate who will take your place. If a replacement is hired, volunteer to train the person on the scope of work.
During the last few weeks or days before the last day at work, resigning employees must not make disappearing acts in the office. Do not show lack of interest in your work anymore just because you are leaving soon. As a professional, you need to carry out your function as expected and complete all pending tasks. Endorse all reports and assignments to the supervisors.
Do’s and Don’ts of Job Resignation
Proper resignation etiquette involves resigning to the appropriate individual in an appropriate manner, and correct timing. But knowing what to do and what not do when resigning is what every professional must learn.
Here are some of the do’s in resigning with grace. Do make a smooth and easy transition so as not to make it hard for your employer to cover up for your permanent absence from the company. Always keep a cordial relationship with your colleagues and bosses. An exit interview is important so do not skip it. But make sure not to put the company and your coworkers on a negative light. Keep a constant communication with your former colleagues and mentors.
On the other hand, a resigning employee should not burn any bridges with work colleagues. So if you had misunderstanding with a colleague, do not take advantage of your quitting the job by making your situation worse. You should not consider a counteroffer unless it is beneficial for you. Do not feel any guilt for leaving and do not boast about your new work opportunity. Furthermore, do not just vanish from work on the last few days. And do not feel compelled to tell your employer your reason for resigning.
Writing Resignation Letter with Professionalism
Resignation is not simply done verbally but it has to be on paper for documentation. However, sending it through email is not appropriate. Even if you are leaving the company, your resignation letter must remain professional and courteous regardless of whether you liked or loathed your job or even the employer.
The content of the letter must be short and should directly state your intention to leave. On the first paragraph, indicate your plan of leaving your post and the company. Include the date it will take effect. If you feel like telling your employer the reason for quitting, you can put that on the second paragraph. Otherwise, you can mention your accomplishments and learning during the duration of your stay. The last paragraph must contain your note of gratitude toward your employer. Always wrap up the letter on a positive note.
