Want to move on to your next big job opportunity while keeping great impression on your current employer? You must know – How to Resign from a Job Smartly!
Have you ever had that moment where you just knew it was time to move on? Maybe you’ve been at your job for a while and feel stagnant. Or maybe there’s a new opportunity that’s too good to pass up.
Whatever the reason, quitting your job can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to resign from your job gracefully and professionally.
So whether you’re ready to take the plunge or are just getting started with the planning process, keep reading for tips on making your resignation as smooth as possible.
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What to do before you resign from a job?
What you do before resigning from a job is extremely important. They can save you from a ton of problems that may come your way while or after resigning. Let us look into them.
8 Things to do Before you Resign from a Job
1. Plan your next move
When you resign from a job, it’s essential to have a plan for your next move. Too often, people jump into their next job without thinking things through, and they wind up in a worse situation than the one they left.
Here are some tips for planning your next move:
- Do your research. Make sure you know what you want and what you’re qualified for. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to make decisions about your career.
- Network strategically. Connect with people in your industry and identify mentors who can help guide your career development.
- Stay positive and keep your options open. It can be tough to stay motivated during a job search, but it’s important to remain positive and open to your options. Who knows? The perfect opportunity might be right around the corner.
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2. Make Sure You’re Ready to Give It Up
Before you resign from your job, make sure that you want to quit. You should consider a few things before deciding to leave your job.
- Are you feeling burned out? Burnout can cause you to feel disengaged and unhappy in your work. If this is the reason for your unhappiness, taking some time off or changing jobs may be a better solution than quitting outright.
- Are you not being paid what you’re worth? If you’re feeling undervalued or not compensated fairly for your work, talking to your boss about a raise or finding a new job that pays more may be a better solution than quitting.
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3. Take Time to Consider Your Options
Do you have another job offer? If the answer is no, then it’s important to assess why you might consider leaving your job. Or whether you’re confident in your ability to find another job quickly and how much notice you’re required to give your current employer.
If you have a job offer in hand, it’s generally a good idea to resign from your current position and give your new employer notice. However, if you don’t have a job offer and feel uncertain about your prospects, it might be best to stay put until you’ve had more time to assess the market.
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4. Give Notice
Giving notice before resigning from a job is a common courtesy. It shows that you respect your employer and are committed to the organization. Your notice should be in writing, and it’s best to give your employer at least two weeks’ notice. If you need to leave sooner than that, try to negotiate a shorter notice period with your employer, but it may depend on your company’s policies or the circumstances of your departure.
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5. Make sure you set up an emergency fund
There are likely areas where you can trim your budget, whether it’s eating out less often or downsizing your living situation. Many experts recommend that you have at least three to six months of living expenses saved up in an emergency fund before resigning from a job. This will help you cover unexpected costs like medical bills or car repairs and minimize the financial stress of a job loss. While it may take some time to reach this savings goal, it’s important to start beefing up your fund as soon as possible. If you’re serious about saving money, consider your spending habits and see where you can cut back.
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6. Write a professional Resignation Letter
A resignation letter should be concise and to the point. It is important to be clear about why you are resigning and to express gratitude for the opportunity to have worked for the company.
Your resignation letter should include the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- The date of your last day of work
- The reason for your resignation (be specific)
- Any other information you would like to include (e.g., appreciation for the opportunity, notice period you are giving, etc.)
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7. Consult with your manager or supervisor face to face
It’s always a good idea to consult your manager before making any decisions about resigning from your job. By doing so, you can ensure that they are aware of your plans and can provide you with any relevant feedback or guidance. Additionally, this allows them to emphasize any points they feel are important for you to consider before moving forward.
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8. Finish up projects
When you resign from a job, it’s important to finish up any projects you’re working on. This way, you can ensure that the transition is smooth and that the company can continue functioning without disruptions.
Plus, finishing up your projects shows that you’re a professional who takes your commitments seriously. Of course, if you’re resigning because you’re unhappy with your current situation or feel like you’re being forced out, it may be difficult to muster up the motivation to finish your projects.
In this case, trying your best and putting in the extra effort is still important. Not only will it reflect well on you, but it will also give you a sense of satisfaction and closure.
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[ Make your resume impactful with – About Me in Resume – How to Write it Smartly ]
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10 Steps to follow when you resign from a job
Here are10 things to do when resigning from a job:
1. Finalize the details of your new employment
First, you should ensure that your new employment details are finalized. This includes things like your start date, salary, and benefits package. Once you have all of this information in writing, you can move on to resign from your current job.
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2. Before you tell anyone else, inform your manager first
Before you tell anyone else about your plans to resign, it’s important to inform your manager first. This gives them a chance to discuss the situation with you and determine if there’s anything that can be done to keep you from resigning.
In some cases, managers may be able to offer you more money or additional responsibilities that would entice you to stay. But even if they can’t, giving them a heads up before you start spreading the news is still courteous.
3. Submit a written resignation letter
To resign from your job formally, you should submit a resignation letter in person. This will ensure that your employer is made aware of your decision to leave and can begin the process of finding a replacement.
- When writing your resignation letter, be sure to include the following information:
- The date you will be leaving the company
- A brief explanation of why you are leaving
- A statement of appreciation for the opportunity to work at the company
- Your contact information so that your employer can reach you if needed
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4. Let your colleagues know
When you’re ready to resign, let your colleagues know. It’s always best to give them as much notice as possible so they can start planning for the transition. You may want to consider drafting a resignation letter and emailing it to your team, so everyone has a record of your departure. Thank them for their support, and wish them all the best in the future.
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5. Follow your firm’s exit regulations
Each company has its own set of rules for resignations. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the resignation policy at your company so that you know what is expected of you and avoid surprises. Typically, you will need to give your employer a certain amount of notice before quitting. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to speak with your supervisor or HR representative.
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6. Assist in the transition of responsibilities
There are a few things you can do to help transition your responsibilities when you’re resigning:
- Make a list of all the tasks you currently do and who is responsible for them. This will help your replacement know what needs to be done and who to contact for questions.
- Leave detailed notes on each task, with contact information for any suppliers or vendors involved. This will make it easy for your replacement to quickly get up to speed on everything.
- Contact the people reporting to you and tell them about your resignation. Give them timeframes for when they can expect to be fully transitioned out and answer any questions they may have.
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7. Prepare for a discussion about your exit interview with your employer
When you have your exit interview, be prepared to talk about why you’re leaving and what you enjoyed most about your time with the company.
You may also want to mention areas where you think the company could improve. If you had a good experience with your employer, be sure to express gratitude and wish them all the best in the future.
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8. Return company possessions
It’s important to return all company property in your possession. This includes any computers, phones, or other equipment provided to you by the company. Additionally, you should return any company documents or files that were given to you during your employment.
If there are any items that you can’t immediately return, be sure to contact your supervisor and make arrangements to have them sent back as soon as possible. Failing to return company property can result in disciplinary action, so it’s important to comply with these guidelines.
9. Ask for references
It’s always a good idea to ask for references while resigning. This shows your professionalism and allows you to get feedback from others who have previously worked with the individual. It’s also a good idea to check with your boss or HR department to see if there are any restrictions on who you can contact as references.
Some companies may have policies prohibiting employees from contacting former employers. In these cases, you may need to limit your reference checks to colleagues or friends working with the individual in question.
10. Clear your desk
It’s always a good idea to clear your personal belongings from your desk before you resign. This way, you can avoid potential confrontations or awkwardness with your former employer. Plus, it’ll make the transition smoother for your replacement. So take a few minutes to pack up your things before you leave.
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The Bottom Line
So, you’ve decided it’s time to move on. That’s great!
Quitting a job is never easy, but the right game plan can be much less painful than you might think. Here are our top tips for quitting your job in style. You may be eager to leave as soon as possible, but following the proper procedures will help ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.
Best wishes for you to find success in your new job!