How to Quit Your Job with Class

When the time comes to quit your job and move on to other possibilities, it is
important to quit in a courteous, professional manner. Doing so will hopefully
save the relationship between you and your boss, and you will be able to get
letters of recommendation and references that way.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure that you give plenty of notice that you are going to quit. A common
   timeframe is about two weeks - that is, tell your employer that you are quitting
   two weeks before you actually leave. However, sometimes two weeks is not quite enough.
   You can legally leave your job whenever you want (unless under some binding contract) obviously,
   but if you want to be as courteous as possible and get the best recommendation possible,
   make sure you give enough notice.

2. Ask yourself this question: is two weeks enough time for my boss to hire and retrain someone to
   completely replace me? Often, it is not. It is likely that no one knows your job better than you,
   so use your own judgment to make this timeframe.

3. Write your letter of resignation. Some people hand this in at the start of the two weeks, other people
   hand it in on their last day. It is up to you which you choose. Make sure to include proper grammar and
   structure in your letter: why? Simply because it is tacky not to do so.

4. Ask for your letter of recommendation. Often times, a boss will be happy to write this as long as you
   quit professionally. It is common that they will ask you what you want the letter to say: if they ask,
   there's no reason not to tell them. Depending on what you are planning for your next job, tell them
   what you think will make you look like a shining star.

5. Ask if you can use your boss as a reference. This usually entails giving his address, phone number and name,
   and having your next prospective employer call him. This is standard practice, and if your boss refuses to do this,
   then you probably didn't want him as a reference anyway!

[qtddroo]

on 8/9/2009 This is a good article. 5* one question or rather a request could you do an article on how to write a resignation letter?

[hermanoslatinos]

on 8/6/2009 Great article, specially if you need a recommendation.

[joanhaines]

on 8/6/2009 These are good tips for getting a fine recommendation and positioning yourself to look as professional as possible.

[Mindee94]

on 8/5/2009 Time frames for date of termination are a crucial consideration if looking for a good recommendation. Thanks for the pointers on how to make a classy exit!

[kevinjones]

on 8/5/2009 Oh nice, I am thinking about quitting my job at the local hospital, and I could sure use these tips and pointers, thank