How to Professionally Resign from a Job
It is important to resign from any job in a professional and courteous way. It is also important to leave on good terms with your employer so you can use them as a reference later, and to minimize any bad talk about you in the industry. Even if it is a toxic work environment or there was poor leadership, it is vital to keep good relationships.
HOW TO RESIGN
You must write a formal resignation letter, no matter the situation. This is the professional way to leave a job on good terms.
If you are leaving a job to start a new one, make sure you have signed a job offer and have a set start date. Once everything is sorted for your new job, you should give your resignation letter to your current employer.
You should talk with your manager first and tell them that you are leaving. Make sure that they are the first to know in the company so as to keep a good relationship. This also allows them to start making arrangements to find a replacement for your position. Before leaving, offer to train either a current or a new employee on some of your roles. Alternatively, you can leave detailed notes or advice so that the company can operate smoothly once you are gone.
Before writing your resignation letter, review your employment contract to understand your obligations. You may find a notice period stated within the contract, whatever is stated is what you must go by. It is acceptable to provide more notice than what is agreed in the contract, however, you cannot provide notice in less time. If there is no notice mentioned, then you must give “reasonable notice”. Generally this is 2 weeks, however if you are in a more senior position, then there are additional rules. Check out the Employment Standards Act of BC for more information.
A resignation letter should only be given in person. It is more personal and courteous than sending an email. Schedule a meeting with your manager and prepare to talk about your transition ideas. If your manager asks why you are leaving, provide a short but honest answer. Be prepared to handle a counteroffer to make you stay.
THE RESIGNATION LETTER
Your resignation letter should be addressed to your manager and have the date you are giving the letter to them. It is good practice to keep a resignation letter brief and precise. In the opening, you must state you are tendering your resignation and explicitly mention the date your resignation is effective from. You should also include a sentence or two to close the working relationship with the company. It is best to end the letter thanking them for the opportunity and provide any other generous thoughts.
LEAVING THE JOB
You should prepare for the exit interview and treat it as any other interview. Prepare questions and answers in advance. Focus on positivity and provide professional answers.
You may ask your supervisor or manager for a reference. Be polite and appreciative of their guidance throughout your time with the company. It is also important to keep in touch with supervisors and colleagues after leaving. Use LinkedIn to connect with them to maintain an open communication channel besides texting or email.
On your last day, make sure to pack your personal items. Check all drawers and storage spaces to get all of your belongings.
TIPS & BEST PRACTICES
- Express gratitude & appreciation
- Remain professional in your last days of work
- Prepare for the exit interview
- Do not gossip
