How to Inform Your Employer About Changing Jobs

The fact that you're changing jobs doesn't mean you can say whatever you like to your former employer. Even if you are extremely unhappy in your job, for the sake of your future career you should act professionally when informing your employer that you are changing jobs. This is even more important when you are transferring within your company. Leaving on good terms and maintaining a working relationship with your former boss can only benefit your professional reputation.

Instructions

1. Assess your working environment to decide when to tell your boss. Conventional wisdom is to refrain from any discussion of this issue until you have a concrete job offer. But in some companies, you may be able to tell your boss you are considering changing jobs before you are ready to resign. If you have a good working relationship with your boss, telling her early will mean you don't need to lie when taking time off for interviews, and you may even be able to use your boss as a reference and a networking resource.

2. Give enough notice for the company to find a replacement. Even if you do not tell your boss you are actively looking to change jobs, provide at least two weeks notice once you have a job offer. Offer to help train your replacement, organize your information for easy transition and prepare cheat sheets and training manuals for important tasks so that your departure is as smooth as possible. If you have outstanding projects for completion, volunteer to work overtime to finish them before you leave.

3. Provide formal notice in writing. Write and sign a concise statement to indicate that you are resigning your position. Include your planned date of departure and a few sentences to thank your boss and the company for the opportunities afforded you during your employment. For example, "Thank you for the opportunities X company has provided me throughout my career. I am grateful for your support and assistance throughout my time here. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of X project and I will miss working with the team."

4. Discuss with your boss if -- and how -- an announcement will be made. You may need to manage jealousy issues, rumor and speculation if you are changing jobs internally, particularly if several people from within your department applied for the job. Don't undermine your boss by preempting her announcement or deviating from the plan.

5. Resist the temptation to criticize, complain or take shots at the company or your former boss, no matter how much you hated the job. Remain civil, polite and professional throughout your last few weeks with the company. You never know when you might need assistance from -- or even have to work with -- the same individuals in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to use your change of jobs as a threat or bargaining tool. Only inform your manager if you are serious about leaving -- otherwise, your plan could backfire and you could lose the job you really want.

References

• Portland Community College: Changing Jobs
• The Ohio State University; Take This Job and Shove It! How to Resign Without Burning Bridges; Bill Murray
• Ask A Manager: Should You Tell Your Boss You’re Job-hunting?; Alison Green; September 2008
• Tech Republic: Preparation is Key When Telling Your Boss You're Moving On; David Southgate; July 2003