How to Quit Your Job

You have decided to make a move and want to resign from your job. Follow these resignation guidelines to quit your job in a diplomatic and professional manner.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep the whole resignation process positive. Whatever your reasons for leaving, your resignation should not involve anything negative or critical of the organization, your boss or your colleagues. You will probably need them as a reference at some point in your career and it is best to leave behind a positive impression.

2. Avoid enthusing to colleagues about your wonderful new job opportunity. It is preferable to focus on what you have gained and learned from your time with the company and what you will miss when you leave. This way you leave on good terms with the company and your ex-colleagues.

3. Be sure to follow the company guidelines for resignations. Specifically ensure that your contractual obligations are met with regard to the notice period you are required to give. Usually this is two weeks but you will need to check your employment contract.

4. Tie up all your outstanding outstanding benefits pay and any other compensation due to you. It is much easier to organize this while you are still with the company than once you leave. Liaise with Human resources to check that all compensation and administrative requirements are met before you physically leave the organization.

5. Make every effort to be productive until the day you leave. It is self-defeating to take the approach that it doesn't matter what you do during your notice period. This just creates animosity towards you and leaves a negative impression of you. Try to complete all assignments and tasks before you go and leave easily accessible information for your replacement.

6. Ensure you know who to address your letter of resignation to and who should receive copies. Check with Human Resources if you are unsure. Keep a copy for your own records as well. Do not use the company stationery for your letter, this is inappropriate.

7. Write a polite letter of resignation which at the very minimum includes the date your resignation is effective, the position you are resigning from and the date of your last working day. It is a good idea to include some indication of appreciation.

Tips & Warnings

• A verbal resignation should be confirmed in writing
• Deliver the letter personally to the person who should receive it and make a note of when it was delivered and received.
• Do not be tempted to use this as an opportunity to tell the employer all the things you would like to change about the company. Keep it simple and positive.

Resources

• Free Sample Resignation Letters