How to Resign with Class

Posted by admin on February 28, 2010 under Business Coaching Services | Be the First to Comment

Planning an escape from your current job? At least once in your career, you will face this conundrum. Of course, you don’t want to burn any bridges when you leave, especially since you may want to return to that employer someday, or you may cross paths with your soon-to-be ex-colleagues in another organization.

What can you do to make sure you leave your job with grace and also leave old coworkers and supervisors remembering you fondly?

 

Be Ethical

Under no circumstances should you ever leave without notice. Aside from leaving your current employer and clients in the lurch, it can brand you with a very bad reputation.

Think Before You Jump

No matter how angry you become with your current employer, it is unwise to leave without another position lined up.

 

Be Up-Front

Your boss should always hear it from you first that you’re leaving, rather than hearing it through the office grapevine. Deliver the news in person with a short resignation letter in hand.

Use Tact

Diplomatically state why you are leaving. You should always convey that your leaving has nothing to do with the boss, personally, even if that is not the case. You are better off stating that you are leaving because you are seeking new challenges, more money, a new location, changes in personal or family circumstances, or career advancement.

Don’t Dump and Run

Even though you’re leaving, this is not the time to unload any long-held feelings about coworkers or the boss. Be classy.

Give Generous Warning

Offer as much notice as you can. You may not to need to give much notice, but you’ll look good for offering, plus any company worth working for will wait while you assist your soon-to-be-former employer with the transition. If they are not willing to wait, you may want to re-think why you want to work for them.