Throughout your career, you’ll find times where you’re ready to grow into new opportunities. That, of course, inevitably means you first have to quit your current job; but breaking up is hard to do. The thought of having to tell your employer that you will be quitting soon can be nerve-racking and in this blog, we are here to help you quit your job gracefully.
We like to break it down into 4 key principles to make it a smooth transition:
The First is Put It in Writing
The first step is to know when you will be quitting, then writing it down in a letter of resignation. Your letter should accomplish four key components:
1) Informing your employer that you will be leaving the organization in two weeks, as well as when your last day is exactly.
2) Thanking them for their time and all that you have learned from the job. Don’t be shy with this part; if they have genuinely made a positive impact on you, let them know.
3) Addressing that you would like to do what you can to make the transition as smooth as possible for both your employer and the rest of the organization.
4) Write a farewell to your employer. Wish them luck and success in their future endeavors, both in and out of the company.
Second: Present It Yourself
Sending your resignation over email or leaving it in your employer’s mailbox is often considered to be unprofessional. Ask to speak to your supervisor in person and hand them your typed notice directly. This way, you can answer any questions that may arise and be transparent about why you are making the decision to leave.
Third: Be Mindful
When quitting your job, it is important not to brag about or mention it to others at work. Nobody wants to hear that one of their employees has decided to quit from anyone other than you. If quitting your job is derived from negative experiences, be respectful and leave it out of your letter of resignation. Instead, bring up any issues that you may have come across with Human Resource, during your exit interview, or even if they just ask for it.
And Finally: Be Helpful
You can help with the transition of welcoming a new employee to take over your role by making the last of your work well organized so that they can pick up where you left off. Do this by taking careful notes on what you worked on prior to your departure from the company.
Doing what you can to help make the replacement process as seamless as possible will leave a fantastic and lasting impression on your employer, which in turn most certainly assures a positive reference from the company should you need it in the future.
Written By: Spencer Ford
ISGF Marketing Contributor
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