Once you’ve made the decision to quit your job, you may feel like telling your employer to take this job and shove it. But you’re going to want to quit your job the right way and on the best terms.
Future employers will check references or even ask former employers informally about you. You don’t want to tarnish your reputation by having someone speak poorly about how you handled your resignation.
While there is no guarantee that you’ll get a glowing reference, you can at least do the right things as you exit the company. Follow these steps and you’ll leave on good terms with your past employer.
[See: Tips for Surviving a Career Transition.]
Get your ducks in a row. Before you get too excited, make sure everything is set with your new employer. That means you’ve signed an offer letter and your start date has been set. Before you march into your boss’s office to announce you’re quitting, review your employee handbook and see what the policies are around leaving a job. In some industries and companies, it is possible you may be escorted out once you have resigned. Sales positions, for example, are vulnerable to this practice, as employers are fearful you may steal clients or your departure may negatively impact business. Also, note how your company handled the resignation of other employees. This information can help you know what to prepare for. Make sure you have all your work completed or at least organized to make it easier to pass off to someone. And finally, remove any personal information from your computer and other company devices. If you have samples of your work or other nonconfidential information that will be helpful in your career portfolio, gather the information you want to take with you before you submit your resignation, just in case.
Time it right. Providing two week’s notice is customary and expected. This buffer provides the opportunity to map a plan for how you will transition from your work. Leaving abruptly can tarnish your reputation with your manager and the company. Not only do you want to give enough notice, you also want to consider the time of day you notify your boss. Chances are, your boss will be surprised by the news, so pick a day of the week and time during the day that will be the least disruptive.
[See: 25 Best Jobs That Don’t Require a College Degree.]
Tell your boss in person. If you and your boss are in the same location, by all means, tell him or her in person. If you work remotely, then a phone call is appropriate. But don’t leave your news in a voicemail message and never send a text. During your conversation with your boss, you simply need to state that you are resigning and when your last day of work will be. It’s also a good idea to say something positive about your experience there and thank your boss for his or her support. You may choose to let your boss know what you will be doing next, but you are not obligated to tell them your new job title or employer. Be prepared, your boss may ask you why you are leaving. This is not the time to criticize the company or bad mouth anyone.
Stay positive and professional. No matter how poorly you may feel you’ve been treated, never complain or speak negatively about your situation, especially if you haven’t talked to your boss about your dissatisfaction before. It won’t reflect well on you. It is also likely you’ll be asked to participate in an exit interview, and the same advice applies. Stay focused on the positive aspects of your experience, what you learned and how this job has helped you for the next step in your career.
Put it in writing. Make it official by preparing a letter of resignation. You don’t need to explain why you are leaving in your letter. But you should provide the date for your last day of work. You can prepare this letter before you meet with your boss and hand it to him or her in person. Providing your resignation in writing makes your announcement official and prevents any confusion on the terms of your leaving.
[See: How to Quit Your Job Like a Class Act.]
Plan a smooth transition. Talk with your manager after you’ve provided your notice to discuss what you should tell your clients, customers and co-workers. Make sure you provide all the information people will need to take over your job.
How you transition out of your job leaves a lasting impression and impacts how your co-workers, manager and others see you. You just never know whom you may need a reference from or whom you’ll run into in the future, so never burn bridges.
More from U.S. News
25 Best Business Jobs for 2017
Famous CEOs and Executives Share Their Best Career Advice
6 Steps to Quit Your Job the Right Way originally appeared on usnews.com
