How to Quit Your Job
Are you thinking about quitting your job? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 50% of workers are quietly quitting, according to a Gallup poll.
Of course, quitting your job is a big decision. And if you want to do it without burning bridges, there are a few things you need to do.
In this blog post, we’ll show you the best way to quit your job, including how to give notice, what to include in your resignation letter, and how to handle your exit interview.
So if you’re ready to move on to greener pastures, read on for the best way to quit your job.
Collect Your Important Information
Gather any kudos or positive feedback that you’ve received from your employer over the course of your employment. This could be things like emails praising your work, or notes from meetings where they’ve complimented your performance.
Finally, take a look at any goal setting information you have from when you first started at the company and any performance reviews received. This will remind you of what you originally wanted to achieve in the role, and can help you to articulate why you’re moving on in your resignation letter.
By taking the time to collect all of this important information, you will have this on file after you leave the company as a reference in the future.
Notice To Provide
If you have made the decision to quit your job, it is important to do so in a way that will not damage your future prospects. One of the key things to remember is to give your employer the appropriate notice. If you have an employment agreement, review this as to the appropriate note timeframe.
If you don’t have a contract of employment, or if your contract doesn’t specify a notice period, then you should give at least two week’s notice. Once you have given notice, it is important to remain professional and cooperative during your notice period. This will help to ensure that you leave on good terms and don’t damage any future references from your employer.
Craft A Resignation Letter
When you are ready to quit your job, it is best to do so in a professional and courteous manner. This means crafting a resignation letter that is respectful and considerate of your employer. Here are some tips for how to write a resignation letter:
1. Make sure to include the date of your resignation.
2. Address the letter to your direct supervisor .
3. In the body of the letter, state your intention to resign from your position. Be sure to thank your employer for the opportunity to work with them.
4. If you have any outstanding vacation days or other benefits, be sure to mention them in the letter.
5. Keep the letter brief and to the point – there is no need to go into detail about why you are leaving or where you are going next.
6. Sign and date the letter, and make sure to keep a copy for yourself.
Notify Your Boss First
Once you have decided to quit your job, it is important to notify your boss first. This gives them the opportunity to start looking for a replacement and to plan for your departure. It also shows them that you respect their position and are willing to give them advance notice. When you tell your boss that you are quitting, be sure to do so in a professional and respectful manner. Thank them for the opportunity to work with them and let them know that you are available to help with the transition in any way possible.
Update Your Boss On Remaining Work Items
When you have decided to quit your job, it is important to update your boss on all remaining work items. This ensures a smooth transition and shows that you are still committed to your job until your last day. When updating your boss, be sure to do so in a professional and respectful manner. Thank them for the opportunity to work with them and let them know that you are available to help with the transition in any way possible.
How To Notify Co-Workers
There are few ways to do this. If you have the time, you can send one to each individual team member in the department. If time is not on your side, you can send one as a group. Remember to check in with your boss first to see if and when this is advisable to control the rumor mill.
Examples of Resignation Announcement from an article on The Balance Money:
Sample Email Resignation Announcement to a Co-Worker
Subject Line: Resignation Announcement – Samantha Smith
Dear John,
I wanted to let you know that I am leaving my position here at ABC Corporation. I will be starting a new position at XYZ Company next month.
I sincerely appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you and have enjoyed my time at the company.
Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at ABC. Even though I will miss my colleagues and the company, I am looking forward to the challenges of my position and to starting a new phase of my career.
Please do keep in touch. I can be reached on LinkedIn (LinkedIn.com/SamanthaSmith), my personal email address (samantha.l.smith@gmail2.com) or via my cell phone, 555-121-2222.
Thanks again for everything.
Best Regards,
Samantha
Sample Email Resignation Announcement to a Group of Co-Workers
Subject Line: Tanisha’s Last Day
Dear Development Team,
Next Thursday, April 28, will be my last day at ABC Company. I’ve accepted a position at XYZ Company, which is a transition to the nonprofit space. I have such mixed emotions writing this message: While I’m excited about my next step, I’ll miss all of you so much.
You’ve made my time here at ABC Company so rewarding! How could I have gotten through the pizza-fueled late nights coding without you? It’s been a pleasure working with each and every one of you, and I hope we can continue to keep in touch.
You can connect with me on LinkedIn, or please keep in touch over email: tmartins@email.com.
Thanks again for a wonderful two years working at ABC.
Best,
Tanisha
Exit Interview
It is not uncommon for employers to request an exit interview with departing employees. This interview provides the employer with an opportunity to learn about the reasons why the employee is leaving, as well as to collect feedback on their experience working for the company. Exit interviews can be conducted by a human resources representative or a senior level representative of the company.
While some employers see exit interviews as an opportunity to improve the workplace or address specific issues that may have led to an employee’s departure, others view them as a chance to simply gather information. Some examples of topic subjects asked in an Exit Interview from the Tough Nickel:
- reason(s) for leaving,
- new job and level of pay,
- ideas for building a better workplace, and
- opinions about whether you had the resources to do your current job.
Your interviewer will also probably solicit your evaluation of . . .
- the company’s top leadership and strategy,
- your supervisor,
- your workgroup and the job’s organizational culture,
- pay and benefits,
- training and development, and
- work-life balance.
It is important for employees to be honest and candid in their responses. However, it is also important to remember that anything said during an exit interview could potentially be used against the employee in the future.
If an employer does request an exit interview, the employee can politely decline and explain that they do not wish to participate. The employer may try to convince the employee to change their mind, but the employee should remain firm in their decision. If necessary, the employee can provide a brief explanation for why they do not want to participate in an exit interview. However, it is generally best to keep any explanations short and concise.
Posting The Job Change On Social Media
Be careful what you are posting on social media. From our previous article, we explored the online presence and how this can affect your job search. Don’t rush to announce that you are leaving or put in a resignation notice on social media. If you are going to a new job, wait and make sure all the paperwork has been completed and that the offer will not be rescinded.
When you are ready to announce the new job on social media, be respectful of the new employer’s brand and culture.
A few examples from the LoopCV, on how to post the job change on LinkedIn:
- Today is the last day with (name of the company). It was an exciting journey, full of learning for (period of time). I was excited to be part of this team as (job title). Thank you for the continued support (name of manager, CEO, leader) and the rest of the team. I am excited to announce that I am joining the (name of the company) and contributing to their team as the (job title). I can’t wait to grow and learn in this new chapter of my life!
- I am in the happy position to announce that I am joining the (name of the company) family as the latest recruited employee for the (job title). I have learned (skills & duties) while in my [previous job]. Thanks to (tag their names) support and help. I can’t wait to see where this new chapter in my career will take me and continue to grow professionally!
- There’s some exciting news! I am thrilled to announce that I’ve accepted a new position as (job title) for (name of the company), and I would like to thank everyone involved in my hiring process for giving me this opportunity. It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my colleagues. It was a long process, but with the best ending. I am very excited to start this new journey!
We are here if you need help in navigating your job search. Contact us today for a customized approach.