It’s Time: How and When to Leave Your Job

Whether you’ve found a new job or are simply resigning, leaving your job is always a difficult decision.   When you do decide to quit, there are right and wrong ways to give your notice. It’s important to part your way with grace and professional courtesy.  You should leave your boss wishing they could have you back.  Here are a few tips for leaving on a good note.

  1. Notify your boss in person.
    The most appropriate way to put in your resignation is in person.  No boss wants to hear that an employee is leaving from the office rumor mill, much less social media. No matter how strained the relationship between you and your boss is, the only mature, professional way to give your resignation is face-to-face.  It’ll leave a better impression and help prevent any resentment.  You will likely need your boss as a reference later on, so you shouldn’t burn bridges.
  1. Give advanced notice.
    A two-week notice seems to be the standard in most industries, but you don’t want to cause negativity by leaving your company in a bind.  If you’ve been working on a major project that has three weeks left, let your new employer know up front, that you need to finish out the project.  Most hiring managers will understand because this shows you’re a dedicated employee and care about seeing your work through.  If your position requires a specific skill set that’s hard to find, make an effort to reach out to contacts similar to you that may be interested.  If you’re the only one with knowledge in your area, giving more than a two-week notice is a respectful way to allow time to transition knowledge to another employee before you depart.
  1. Tell your most valued coworkers first.
    Soon after you let your boss and human resources department know about your decision to quit, ask when it’s okay to communicate the decision to your coworkers.    Asking management how they’d like the news to be rolled out shows that you respect them.  Once they give you the green light, tell the three or four coworkers who have been the most supportive of your career first.  These people deserve to know about your decision before they hear it through the grapevine.  Before you leave, write a farewell email about your positive experiences working for the company and with your colleagues.
  1. Send a Thank You note.
    Send a thank you note to your supervisor and another senior manager that helped with your professional development.  Let them know how much you appreciated all that they did for you. Even if the relationship between you and your boss wasn’t great, write a positive note thanking them for being your supervisor and wish them well.  You don’t have to go overboard, but it’s common courtesy to show your gratitude for the opportunity you had to work for them.
  1. Give out your contact information.
    Even if you don’t plan to stay in touch with your current colleagues, it’s important to appear as though you do.  Give your personal contact information out in your farewell e-mail, and let colleagues know that they’re welcome to stay in touch.  This will help ensure you leave on positive terms.  Your colleagues may eventually change jobs too, and you never know when you’ll run into them in a business situation later on.  Be sure to get contact information from any one you’d want to use as a reference later on.

If you’re thinking about leaving your job and don’t have another opportunity lined up first, let the experienced recruiters at Area Temps help put your job search on the fast track.  Contact our team of experienced recruiters today and you’ll be on to your next opportunity in no time.

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