Leaving an employer, no matter how long you have been with a company, always causes some level of anxiety. However, you can work to alleviate any negative feelings if it is done the right way. You want to let the employer know that you will leave all projects completed and your professional affairs in order.
Also, consider how your new endeavor will impact your employment history. Will it help to enhance your professional career or will you making a lateral career move? These factors should be considered carefully before you make the decision to terminate your employment.
Remember - once you hand in your resignation it will probably be final.
Turning In Your Resignation
Once you decide to resign, you will need to put your intentions in writing. A professional letter addressed to your direct supervisor is the most effective way to do this. Your resignation letter will be added to your permanent employment record so keep that in mind when you write one.
After you resignation has been handed in, you work performance should remain the same. Don't be tempted to have a poor attendance record or produce inferior work.
Management will take note of any decrease in productivity and this could work against you in the future.
Be Prepared
You might be questioned by your employer as to why you are terminating your working relationship. Be prepared to answer this question. You must keep your professional goals in mind and not place blame on your employer.
When handing in your resignation, schedule a confidential appointment with your immediate supervisor to discuss the matter. Bring the letter with you to your meeting enclosed in a sealed envelope. It's a good idea to thank them for the opportunity to work with them and let them know that you have enjoyed the experience.
The idea here is to terminate the relationship on a positive note.
The Resignation Letter
Your resignation should be short and sweet. There is no need to write a two page synopsis of your employment history, nor is it relevant to go over facts and figures. Whatever complaints you may have had with the company, leave them out. Your letter should clearly state your last date of service.
How to Handle a Counteroffer
If your reasons for terminating the relationship are due to a finding a better opportunity elsewhere, you might be given a counteroffer. Now, in this situation, you will need to decide if you really want to leave or if you want to accept the new offer. Whatever decision you make, keep in mind that either decision will impact both employers.
Your decision to accept a counter offer may increase your financial reward, but it could also make your colleagues think that you are not a team player. Also, the employer that you had previously accepted an offer from will need to be told that you will not be working for them. These events could be detrimental to your career and thus future opportunities - so it is wise not to take them lightly.
Most employers these days conduct exit interviews prior to employees leaving the company. This gives all parties involved a chance to state their feelings about the relationship. It is also the time to conclude all business transactions such as relinquishing security codes, identification badges, and other items that you have in your possession.
Leaving on friendly terms leaves your professional network intact - because you will definitely need them in the future.
Why Are You Leaving Your Job
Perhaps you've seen it, maybe more than once ? your co-worker has resigned, and they'll earn their last few paychecks getting on everyone's nerves. Negative or hostile remarks, projects left undone, an unwillingness to help, tardiness and truancy - they appear delighted to "poison the waters" before saying their final goodbye. It's known as "Short-Timer's Syndrome" and though they're not doing themselves any favors, we can thank them for the lesson they leave us - don't burn your bridges on the way out the door!
Hopefully, for most of us, leaving one job for another is a positive experience, one where our co-workers are sad to see us go but happy we are moving on to bigger and better things. There is no ill will and we will likely get a positive reference in the future.
However, if you are leaving your job with unhappiness and disdain, you need to set your hostility aside. Resign with dignity and professionalism. It's the best thing you can do for yourself, both personally and professionally.
Avoid the Leeches
There may be people who want to drag you down as you prepare to leave. As tempting as it may be to vent about all the unsavory aspects of your job, it's more important to remain professional. Leave on good terms; anything less is a professional black mark against you. Avoid gossip hounds. You certainly don't want to be remembered for your spitefulness or for turning staff morale on its head.
Put it in Writing
Giving written notice is important. You don't need to write a novel about your reasons for leaving, just keep it short and to the point. Be professional and courteous, and inform your supervisor of your resignation before you tell anyone else. Under most circumstances, you should give at least two weeks? notice, but in the case of administrative and managerial jobs, four weeks is more appropriate.
Be Helpful, not Harmful
Do everything necessary to complete outstanding work before you go. If you know who is taking over your duties, make a point to train them effectively, and offer to be available to answer questions even after your departure. If your replacement is not hired yet, offer to be available anyway. Chances are they won't call you, but it makes an excellent impression if you're willing to lend a hand.
Get Things Done
If there are outstanding projects that can't be completed prior to your departure, prepare reports or lists of what needs to be done. Share names, numbers, and e-mail addresses of outside contacts or agencies critical to completing these duties. Clean out your desk and organize files, books, and supplies to help those replacing you.
Choose Your Words Carefully
If asked to complete an exit interview, resist the urge to bash the company. If there are concerns that should be addressed, mention them only if you know they've been brought up before. It isn't the time to start stirring the pot. However, if you have critical information that you feel must be shared, you may want to find a way to cautiously divulge it. You can't control if it gets acted on, but at least you know you told someone.
Both Tony Jacowski & Raymond Brookside are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for six sigma pro. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
Raymond Brookside has sinced written about articles on various topics from Strategy and Tactics of Pricing, Cover Letter and Education. Michael Fleischner is the Managing Director of ResumeEdge.com, one of the nations leading service providers, offering professional resume writing, editing,. Raymond Brookside's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.
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