How to Resign From a Job

Regardless of your reasons for leaving a job, you can do so in a professional manner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Printers
• Bonded Paper
• Envelopes
• Computers

1. Consider all your options before resigning. Could your employer offer you something that would make you want to stay? Perhaps you should discuss with your employer your dissatisfaction or the better offer that you have received before making a permanent decision.

2. Write a letter of resignation and sign your name. If you were unhappy at the time of leaving, the letter might be a simple sentence conveying the effective date of your resignation. If you were genuinely happy, it could express your regret at leaving and the fact that you'll miss everyone.

3. Refrain from explaining why you are resigning, where you will be working, or how much more money you will be making. Do say that you are willing to help with the transition that your resignation will cause.

4. Request a sit-down conversation with your manager, ideally at the end of the day, so that you can deliver the news in person in addition to turning in the letter. Be sure to close the door.

5. Remember that you can be specific or vague if your supervisor asks for a reason. It's best not to use this time as a venting session.

6. Stick with the 'better opportunity' angle if your tenure was unhappy. If you feel you must tell the truth, try not to be too personal. For example, 'I would have preferred more training' is better than 'You were terrible at training me.'

7. Keep in mind that you may have to get a recommendation from your supervisor, so don't burn bridges.

Tips & Warnings

• If you would like a letter of recommendation, request one. Have it mailed to you.
• If you prefer not to say where you're headed, a simple "taking time off" will do.
• Note that in most cases, some notice is expected if you want to leave on good terms. In general, the amount of proper notice is equal to the number of weeks of vacation you received.
• Understand that your employer may be angry that you are leaving. Try not to become involved in a dispute about the situation.
• Try to be as positive as possible. You might return, or you may later need to ask for a reference. Keep your departure neutral.

Who Can Help Sponsored

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[pachamamajeanne]

on 5/5/2008 I know you are used to communicating via email and text, but important communication like resigning from a job should be handled in person first, and followed up with a written letter handed to the employer in person. It's kind of like breaking up with someone in email. Not a way you want to be remembered.

[pachamamajeanne]

on 5/5/2008 I know you are used to communicating via email and text, but important communication like resigning from a job should be handled in person first, and followed up with a written letter handed to the employer in person. It's kind of like breaking up with someone in email. Not a way you want to be remembered.

[pachamamajeanne]

on 5/5/2008 Note to Generation Y Workers: Do not resign in email. I know you are used to communicating via email and text, but important communication like resigning from a job should be handled in person first, and followed up with a written letter handed to the employer in person. It's kind of like breaking up with someone in email. Not a way you want to be remembered.

[pachamamajeanne]

on 5/5/2008 Note for Generation Y Workers: don't resign via email or text. I know you are used to communicating this way, but it is not professional. Have the courtesy to say you are leaving to your employer and personally provide a resignation letter.

[diegodog]

on 2/12/2007 Be prepared for the very real possibility of being terminated upon giving your notice to quit. Make sure that your personal affairs are in order before giving your resignation. You don’t want to quit immediately if there’s going to be issue that may make it a greater financial burden to leave (i.e. repayment of tuition, sign-on bonuses, or relocation, pending need of medial benefits). Go for the new position, but be aware of potential consequences during the interim.