Good Luck!
Preparing to embark on a new career or take on a new job opportunity is a thrilling feeling, one that means you’re turning over an important page in your career book.
But if you are currently working, this excitement can be overshadowed by the fact that you need to resign from your current job.
How do you go about it? What is the right and wrong thing to say? And how can you leave your current employer on a good note, without burning any bridges?
Reasons to Resign
Firstly, before you decide to take the plunge you need to consider your reason for leaving job. Is it because you’ve found a new job? Have you been in your company a long time? Are you mistreated or unfairly paid? Or are you looking for a career change?
It’s good to make sure you’re fully confident in your decision to resign and that you won’t regret quitting your job in the long run, as it may not be possible for you to return.
Prepare for your Resignation
The act of resigning should always involve a little preparation and planning on your part before you speak to your boss or manager to resign. Use our free resignation letter download and fill it out using the tips below:
Notice of Intention to Leave Job, do you Tell your Boss?
For instance, do you want to tell them exactly what role and company you are moving on to? Or would you prefer not even mentioning you have a new job lined up? Remember, you have absolutely no obligation to explain your resignation. Whether or not you choose to include any reasoning is up to you – and how open your relationship is with your employer.
How Much Notice do I Need to Give to Resign and When is the Last Date of Employment?
Your boss will likely ask you when you want to finish up, so have a date in mind, but aim to be a little flexible. If you’re working on a current project, for instance, you may want to see it through to the end. However, bear in mind that you do not have to stay at the company any longer than the notice period outlined in your contract. Some employers, if you negotiate well, may also let you finish up a little sooner.
Take a Break
Sometimes, a small break (e.g. 1-2 weeks) can help you rejuvenate, prepare and start fresh in your new job. You might also want to use this time to travel or holiday since you won’t have much annual leave in your new role. Take this into account when determining your finish date (and negotiating the start date in your new position).
Meet With Your Boss Face-to-Face
The next step in the resignation process is to set up a face-to-face meeting with your boss to inform him/her of your resignation.
Have a Meeting in a Quiet, Private Space
E.g. your boss’s office – not the lunch room! You won’t want other managers or employees to overhear your conversation. If you have an open-plan floor with minimal privacy, ask your boss if you can chat somewhere outside of the office (e.g. over coffee at a cafe).
Always Resign in Person!
Don’t resign over email or the phone. If your boss is away, you could organise to resign to another manager. If you have no other option, a phone conversation may suffice – but aim for a face-to-face discussion in all circumstances
Can't Resign in Person? Here's How to Resign over the Phone
You should only re-sign over the phone if your boss is away or if you can’t make it in to the office in time for your company’s notice period (for example, if you’re on annual leave). Start off by using small talk in a professional manner, maintaining professionalism is paramount when resigning. Explain your reason for leaving the job and why you have to resign over the phone. It will help if you have your resignation letter written up and in front of you so you’re prepared with what to say. Most companies will still require a resignation letter so ensure you grab an email address to send your letter to if you can’t make it in to the office.
How to Resign From Your Job
There can be a right and a wrong way to hold a resignation discussion. Don’t worry if you’re nervous or if the situation is a little tense or awkward. Just stand your ground and follow these tips!
Be Professional
You can ‘break the ice’ a little if you wish by making a little bit of small talk, such as asking how your boss’s day is going or inquiring about his/her family or holidays etc. If you’re unsure how to start the resignation discussion, a good opening line can be: “The reason I’ve organised this meeting is that I’ve decided to resign from my job.”
Only Disclose What You’re Comfortable With
Like we discussed in Step 1, make sure you only mention to your employer what you feel they need to know. If you don’t want to give away any details but your boss still asks, you can explain in general terms that the role isn’t right for you and doesn’t fit in with your career goals. Whatever you do, don’t lie. The truth will come out sooner or later.
Consider What You’ll Say If They Try To Convince You To Stay
He/she may ask you what you would need to stay in the job (e.g. more money, different responsibilities). If this happens, you’ll need to think carefully about whether this will work for your career. If you’re intent on declining the offer, remain polite and professional. You could say something like, “Thank you for the offer, I very much appreciate it. But unfortunately, this role just isn’t right for my career.” If you’re unsure, thank your boss for the offer and say that you’ll think it over. Stay professional and don’t be swayed into finishing up at a time that will make things more difficult for you. However, depending on your relationship with your boss, you may want to extend your finish date if you feel it will help him/her significantly. He/she will likely ask you to put your resignation in writing and possibly speak to HR or inform other managers of your decision.
Thank Your Boss For Their Support and Understanding
Remember that most managers will be supportive of your decision. If they aren’t, don’t stress or feel guilty. Resigning is perfectly within your rights!
How to Write a Resignation Letter
Once you’ve met with your boss, you should put your resignation in writing, in the form of a formal letter. Your letter should be brief and explain only the basic details of your resignation.Keep in mind that anything that you put in the letter will be officially on record.
Things to Remember:
Resigning Without Notice
Resigning from work without notice should be avoided at all costs if possible, but sometimes it’s required especially if your reasons to resign are because you’ve been treated badly or your new job wants you to start straight away.
What to keep in mind before quitting your job without notice:
How to Quit a Casual Job
Under Casual employment, you’re not required to give any notice if you want to resign. It’s as simple as handing in a resignation letter and not returning to work the next day. Your employer is still required to pay you for your next pay too. Though this seems easy, it will definitely not go down well with your employer so make sure to do right by your employer if possible.
Maintain Your Responsibilities
The key to enacting any resignation well is to remain professional no matter what.
Remain Professional Until the End
What are you waiting for?
Good Luck!