Securing a new job is exciting, but for some, the process of resigning can be a daunting task. Whether you hate your current role and cannot wait to leave, or whether you’ve simply found something better, resigning can be a stressful process. However you feel, resigning in a professional manner is always the best way to go. Here are our 5 top tips to resigning in a professional way.
Keep it positive and amicable
This is easy if you are leaving for reasons like relocating, or something closer to home, but can feel difficult if you are leaving under more challenging circumstances. Regardless of the situation being positive and amicable will always reflect well on you and be remembered. Don’t complain to colleagues or be rude about colleagues or management. It won’t get you anywhere, and could be harmful to future career prospects if you look for a new role again.
Follow the company policy
This one is so important! Before you resign, you need to make sure you’re not breaking any restrictions in your contract, that you know exactly what your notice period is, and you are resigning in the right way. Before you resign, it’s worth reading your contract and staff handbook to ensure you are clear on what the process is. If you are breaking the company rules when resigning, it could have repercussions on you receiving the pay you think you are due, and other benefits.
Do it face-to-face
Always resign face-to-face unless it is totally impossible to do so. Resigning over email is never a good idea. Now many people work remotely it is more difficult to do in person, so doing via a video-meeting is absolutely fine. Just never on email, or on a text message!
Do it in writing too…
Whilst resigning face-to-face seems like you’ve covered it all, it is important to follow this up immediately in writing. This should be in the form of a letter, addressed to the correct person, and should cover that you are resigning, your job title, and your contracted end date.
Work as normal until the end
Once you’ve resigned (and often in the lead-up to resigning) it can be difficult to carry on ‘as normal’. However, if you are working your notice period, do your best to carry out your duties as normal, and put together any handover which will help the business and your ex-colleagues once you’ve gone.
Resigning professionally will ensure you leave on the best terms possible, and in addition to being the right thing to do, it will also make the resignation process and notice period easier for you.