Whether you’re moving on to a new position, leaving your job to return to school, or embarking on a whole new career, there are things you must do when you resign. Plan to write a polite resignation letter, give two weeks’ notice and be sure to thank your team for the opportunities they’ve given you. You want to quit. So, take a deep breath and plan ahead. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do when resigning from your job.
Resignation Do’s and Don’ts
You want to quit. So, take a deep breath and plan ahead. Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) do when resigning from your job.
What To Do Before You Resign
Do Clean Up Your Computer. Even if you give notice, your employer may decide that you should be done right now, and you may be shown the door. Before you turn in your resignation, clean up your computer and other devices that belong to your employer. Do Write a Resignation Letter. It’s a good idea to write a formal resignation letter for your employment file, even if you resign via email or phone. You don’t need to say much more than you’re leaving and when your last day of work will be. Review Resignation Letter Samples. If you’re not sure what to say, review these resignation letter samples for just about every resignation scenario you can think of—from formal, to heartfelt, to relocation, returning to school, and other personal resignation situations.
What Not To Do Before You Resign
Don’t Put Anything Negative in Writing. Regardless of how much you hate your job, hate your boss, or hate the company, don’t say it. Even if quitting is the best career move you’ve made up to this point, keep it to yourself. Be Careful What You Say to Your Boss. It’s best to be careful with your words when you quit. Resist the urge to share your frustrations about your manager, team, or work environment. Your resignation letter will be placed in your employment file, and it can come back to haunt you—even years after you have resigned. It honestly isn’t worth venting.
What To Do When You Resign
Do Give Notice When Possible. Unless the situation is untenable, giving two weeks’ notice is standard practice when resigning. There are some reasons why you could quit without notice, such as if you’ve been endangered or sexually harassed. But if those reasons don’t fit your current situation and you want to leave sooner, it’s appropriate to ask if you can leave right away. Get the Details. When you tell your manager or human resources department that you’re leaving, be sure to get the details on the employee benefits and salary you’re entitled to when you leave. Inquire about continuing health insurance coverage through COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) or the government’s Health Insurance Marketplace, collecting unused vacation and sick pay, and keeping, cashing in, or rolling over your 401(k) or another pension plan. Do Offer To Help. If it’s feasible, offer to help during the transition and afterward. The offer may not be accepted, but it will be appreciated. Do Ask for a Reference. Ask your boss and colleagues if they would be willing to give you a reference. If they agree, ask them to write you a LinkedIn recommendation as well as be available via email or phone. You’ll have the reference as part of your LinkedIn profile, which is great for your future job search endeavors.
What Not To Do When You Resign
Don’t Be Negative. When talking about your resignation with co-workers, try to emphasize the positive and talk about how the company has benefited you, even though it’s time to move on. There’s no point in being negative—you’re leaving, and you want to leave on good terms. Don’t Brag About Your New Job. Even if you just got the best job in the world, don’t brag about it. Is there really any point in making your soon-to-be ex-colleagues feel bad that you’re leaving? They’ll miss you, and you’ve got a great new job, so there’s no need to boast about it. Don’t Forget to Say Goodbye. Before you leave, take the time to send a farewell message to co-workers and to let them know that you are moving on to a new position, starting a job search, retiring, or doing something else with your life. It’s appropriate to send an email farewell message. Include your contact information, so that you can stay in touch.
Review a Sample Resignation Letter
Dear Ms. Hayes, I’m writing today to let you know that I am resigning from my position as marketing coordinator at ABC Company. My last day will be in two weeks, on Friday, September 15. I’m grateful for all of your support and training during my three years at ABC Company, as well as your friendship. You’ve made each day brighter. I’ve learned so much thanks to you and everyone else on the marketing team. Please let me know how I can help during this transitional period. At the end of the month, I’ll be starting a new position as marketing manager at XYZ Company, but you can always get in touch if questions come up. My personal email is omar.robinson@email.com and my phone number is (555) 555-5555. Thank you again. It’s truly been a pleasure working with you, and I wish you and everyone at ABC Company all the best. Warmly, Omar Robinson
