10 Tips To Resign Your Job With Professionalism And Pride

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Congratulations! You have just received an offer for an amazing new position. However, there is one condition. You need to bid farewell to your current job.

You might have enjoyed your role and find saying goodbye difficult. Alternatively, you might have disliked every moment and have been eagerly anticipating the day you could leave for good.

Clients frequently share that they feel anxious about informing their employer of their resignation. They worry that their manager will react negatively. They also experience guilt over leaving tasks unfinished. Perhaps they are concerned about burdening someone else with their responsibilities temporarily.

Yet, clients are also curious about how to resign in a manner that is dignified while also safeguarding their future career prospects. They believe that the way they leave a job will impact their professional journey for an extended period.

They are correct.

Here are some recommendations for transitioning to your next opportunity with poise and elegance :

1. Provide the appropriate notice period as specified in your company’s policy.

Occasionally, my clients feel sympathy for their teammates. Consequently, they extend their stay for an additional week or even longer. They subsequently often feel out of place. Almost everyone states, “Next time I’ll leave immediately!”

2. After your departure, refrain from accepting any work-related phone calls from your employer unless bound by a written consulting agreement.

Your boss requested a two-week notice, but then realized they actually need four weeks for a smooth handover to the new employee.

Your supervisor made a business choice to require two weeks’ notice. If they misjudge the situation, they must bear the consequences, similar to how they would handle late supplier payments.

If your organization requires extra assistance, propose working as a paid consultant under a contract. Ensure all terms are documented and prioritize your new role above all else.

3. Review your current company and prospective employer's policies regarding confidentiality and non-compete clauses.

Certain companies are very protective of their processes and personnel. Upon resigning, you might be required to leave promptly. Additionally, your new employer might request that you refrain from working for your previous company, even in a limited capacity.

4. If possible, resign in person to your supervisor

A phone call is the next best option. Make sure to inform your boss before telling anyone else, including your closest friend or golfing partner.

5. Anticipate a professional response from your manager

Clients often worry about how their boss will react. However, most managers are rarely taken by surprise. Competent leaders are pleased to see their employees advancing. Express your gratitude for the learning opportunities that have led you to this exciting new career change.

6. Acknowledge your manager and colleagues, even if you have negative feelings towards them and are eager to depart

You may remember them more favorably with time than you do in the current atmosphere. You may run into them at industry events and networking functions. Most importantly, you will likely gain from positive references and goodwill.

7. Politely reject any counter-offer

Recruiters often express to me, "Sixty percent of individuals who take a counter-offer will leave within six months." If you choose to remain, ensure you obtain a written employment contract.

Exception: Certain industries and companies require evidence of an external job offer before they will consider giving you any type of internal pay increase or benefit. This is commonly seen among university faculty.

8. View the exit interview as a professional obligation rather than a counseling session

When an HR representative inquires about your reasons for leaving, maintain a cheerful and optimistic approach: “for a better opportunity.” Emphasize how much you appreciated the organization and your role. You cannot predict how your statements might be misrepresented or misconstrued later on.

9. Decline requests to disclose specifics about your upcoming position to anyone

Sometimes a coworker may inquire about your compensation or other details “to help us remain competitive in hiring.” Assisting your employer in recruitment is not your responsibility, and do you genuinely trust that motive?

Confidentiality regarding the specifics of your next job is important, even with your trusted friends at the firm.

10. Concentrate on your new role rather than past experiences

Once you leave, you become part of the past. Those who once enjoyed having lunch with you may hardly recall your name soon after.

Additionally, if it has been some time since your last job change, you might be in for a surprise. Your initial day in a new role can be quite an eye-opener!