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How to Professionally Resign From Your Job

How to Professionally Resign From Your Job

The time has come; you have accepted another job opportunity, and you think you are ready to move on. Congratulations! This is an exciting moment in your career path. Although no job search is an easy feat, now comes the hard part: putting in your resignation. So, if you are ready to quit your job, what are the best steps you should take to do so gracefully? Here’s how to professionally resign from your job.

Make sure this is the right decision

Before you put in your notice, it’s crucial that you really think about this decision. Create a pros and cons list of leaving your current position and make sure this is the right decision before you resign from your job. It’s also essential to have a conversation with your family, friends, mentor, or anyone else you trust to help you make this decision. Although this is your career, this decision can affect those around you, and your inner circle can help provide some valuable insight into this critical decision. Once you have determined that quitting is the right move, it’s time to write your resignation letter.

Write a resignation letter

Before telling your boss that you are quitting, draft your resignation letter. Your letter should be short, sweet, and professional. Address the letter to your supervisor, reiterate when your last day is, show your gratitude, and address your willingness to help during this transition. You can state your reasons for leaving but keep them brief. Your resignation letter is to officially notify your HR department in writing. You can share any feedback or grievances during an exit interview. Never bash your employer or manager in your letter.

Here is a helpful guide for drafting the perfect resignation letter.

Prepare for a possible counteroffer

So, you have decided to move on to another opportunity. Your resignation letter is ready to submit, and you are prepared to tell your boss. Stop! Before you hand in your letter, you must consider one more thing. If your current employer counteroffers, will you accept it? This is a tricky situation. If you are leaving your job to chase a more lucrative offer, it may be appealing to accept a counteroffer. However, if there are other underlying reasons why you are leaving, it may be best to decline the counter. Think about this long and hard before you broach this topic with your supervisor. Employers may counteroffer to keep you right where you’re at. Today’s market is competitive, and employers are more likely to counter than ever before. But when in doubt, go with your gut.

Tell your supervisor face-to-face (if possible)

Here’s the challenging part. Once you have all the above items ironed out, it’s time to put in your notice. If you are working on-site with your boss, tell them in person. If you are working remotely, schedule a video call to let them know you are leaving. Quitting your job is a huge challenge for many job seekers, but letting your supervisor know face-to-face is the appropriate way to go about it.

Make your last few days count

After you officially resign from your job, make the last few days count. Whether you are doing a traditional two-week notice or it’s just a couple of days, make the most out of them. This time is likely challenging for your team and current employer, so do what you can to streamline this transition. After all, your final days with the company are how they will remember you. Be as helpful as possible, and you can ensure you won’t burn any bridges with your current coworkers.

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