Resign with Grace (your career may depend on it)

The impression you leave during your resignation process can have a significant impact on your future recommendations. In this age of mergers and emails, the business community is getting smaller and more connected everyday. Negative impressions can easily be passed through the grapevine. Your boss today may be your vendor tomorrow.

Resign only after receiving and accepting a written job offer

• If you are job hunting while still employed, keep it quiet:
• Only in rare cases should you tell your boss:
• when you both agree that the company holds no future for you.
• when you are moving to and seeking a job in another city.
• Arrange interviews during lunch, or before or after work.
• Check if your company has regulations specifying how much notice is required.
• Prepare a letter of resignation:
• explain your reason for leaving.
• suggest a termination date.
• express appreciation to your boss and the company for the help and opportunities you have received.
• Arrange a meeting with your supervisor when you have decided on the date you will leave.
• Verbally inform him/her of your decision and present your letter of resignation.
• Providing a two-week notice is preferred, executives may need to provide a month in which to find a replacement.
• You may be asked to help interview replacement candidates, usually alongside a company executive. Do so with a positive attitude, no matter what your reason for leaving. Keep your statements short and positive.

How to Resign

• Don’t use a job offer as a means of manipulating your employer into giving you a raise.
• Don’t speak against the company you are leaving, either within it or outside. Don’t burn your bridges behind you. You never know when you’ll need to be in touch with your former employer so don’t burn your bridges behind you.
• Don’t brag about your new job to your coworkers.
• Don’t let your job performance slide; continue to be cooperative and hardworking.
• Don’t tell company secrets after you leave.
• These suggestions will help ensure a smooth departure and positive recommendations.

Sample Letter of Resignation

January 1, 2014

Ms. Jane Doe

ABC Company

123 Main Street, Anywhere, GA 30001

Dear Ms. Doe,

I have accepted an offer with another firm and have decided to tender my resignation effective today, with my final day being Friday, January 12, 2014. It has been a pleasure working with you, and representing ABC as your Accounting Manager. I thank you for all you have done for me.

Please contact me at any time if I can be of any assistance in helping with a smooth transition.

Sincerely,

(Name)