Leave your current job with a good impression and even a few friends.
If you have made the decision to leave your job for a better option, there is no need to make any enemies in the process. Leave with grace and the knowledge that you still have good friends and contacts if need be. Anna Martyn, Managing Director of Careers By Design, tells us how to let your current company down easy and leave with your reputation and dignity intact:
How to resign in a gracious way:
- Ensure you have made the right decision and considered all your options before embarking on your resignation exit strategy.
- Ensure you have your offer letter from your future employer in your hand or that the plans you have made are concrete and in place.
- Call a meeting with your boss/direct manager – it’s best practice to tell them first and your co-workers second.
- Draft your resignation letter, stipulating the correct notice period and your termination date, as well as your thanks for the employment opportunity – don’t be negative. There is, however, neither need for lengthy explanations nor a need to discuss your plans.
- Be prepared for them being surprised, angry or even hurt – no one likes losing a productive staff member.
- Don’t be unsure of yourself and don’t let them confuse you with guilt trips and counter-offers (tactics often used to retain leaving staff). Stay centred, focused on your future and positive throughout. Let them know you cannot be swayed or bought.
Preparing your successor:
- Start by establishing a time frame with your boss.
- Find out who will be your replacement or be handling your workload until a new appointment is made.
- Draft a list of important info, projects, contacts and reports that are currently being worked on and need to be handed over.
- Ensure you let your clients, customers, suppliers and associates know of your departure and thank them for their support (these contacts are vital for future networks).
- Be positive and friendly and give them a comprehensive handover – their success is ultimately your success. Also, encourage them to ask questions, take notes and absorb as much as they can.
- Don’t bad mouth your co-workers, company or boss to your replacement – leave on a high, positive and confident in your contribution. Most importantly, be cooperative.
- Cover yourself on all angles and don’t leave any messes for others to fix on your behalf.
