There comes the point in almost every professional’s life when it’s time to switch employers for a new job.
After working hard at building a great relationship with your employer, you’ll want to leave on a positive note to avoid completely tarnishing the connection. After all, you might need to use the employer as a reference in the future.
To leave a job on good terms, you’ll want to deliver the message professionally and not burn any bridges. It’s a small world, and you never know when you might cross paths in business again.
Here, we’ll go over tips for telling your boss you’re quitting so you can leave on good terms.
– Keep it positive
– Give thanks
– Give notice
– You don’t need a reason to leave your current job
– Offer help
It’s always best to leave a job with the same professionalism as when you got hired for the position.
When you exit a company gracefully, you maintain a good relationship with the company and use them as a reference during your job search. You can miss out on opportunities if a past employer gives a bad reference, so ensure they view you in a positive light when you leave.
In addition, you can grow your professional network with past employers on Linkedin and consider another job with them in the future if desired.
Regardless of whether you loved the job or hated it, you should always exit with a positive message. Your boss may have been an awful manager, but it does you no good by leaving on a negative note. Maintain a friendly attitude with high integrity when telling your boss that you quit and your final days with the company.
It’s always good to thank an employer for the opportunity to work for them. You might mention specific things you enjoyed or learned while in the position. Express gratitude for the skills or friendships you gained while working for the company.
It’s best to tell your boss you’re quitting at least two weeks in advance so they can find your replacement. Giving them a couple of weeks allows them to onboard and train the new hire before leaving the post, so the transition is as smooth as possible and doesn’t stop production.
Be sure to give the notice in writing with a precise leave date. If you have a close relationship with your boss, you might want to tell them in person that you’re quitting, but make sure to send the notice in writing to them after.
Millions of people quit their jobs each year for many reasons. Whether you’re leaving because you don’t like your job, you get a job offer or a new opportunity, or you’re relocating, you’re not obligated to tell your boss why you’re quitting.
You can keep it general, saying you have accepted another opportunity or have a few options and haven’t yet decided which you will take. Either way, you don’t have to detail why you’re quitting. If you have feedback you would like to provide; there’s a way to deliver the message politely and still leave on a positive note.
If you like your job, you’ll probably find it difficult to tell your boss you have to quit. To soften the blow and keep the message positive, you can offer to help with the time-consuming task of training the new hire before your leave date or help with other aspects of the transition.
Some companies rely heavily on their employees to learn and perfect a job. Helping the business through your last days in the position by teaching them everything you’ve learned in your role so they can handle the duties successfully is always appreciated.
Here’s what to do after you put in your two-week notice:
– Gather your belongings
– Contact HR
– Rebuttal response
– Leave on a high note
After telling your boss you quit, you’ll want to be ready for what’s to come. Being prepared for what’s to come can save a lot of frustration and uncertainty.
If you have pictures and personal documents on your work computer, you’ll want to back them up quickly. It’s best to get access to your digital files before telling your boss you quit, as some companies will ask you to leave now rather than in two weeks.
So, be prepared to end your position immediately if the employer chooses that road. You’ll also want to gather the personal items on your desk and throughout your office.
After you tell your boss you quit, you’ll want to get with HR to get some answers. Your human resources manager will tell you any resigning requirements or forms they need you to sign. You may need to ask about the delivery method of your last paycheck, insurance details, or how to transfer your 401k. The HR department will guide you through the process to make sure your exit is smooth.
Sometimes after you give your two weeks notice, your employer will ask you to stay longer than your said exit date. You’ll want to be ready with your response.
You don’t have any obligation to stay longer, but you could if you wish. If not, have an answer ready when they ask. It’s safe to say, “I’m sorry, I already have obligations, so I cannot,” and continue with your planned leave date.
You might also get a rebuttal of a better offer to retain you as an employee. When an employee accepts a counteroffer from their employer, they end up leaving within 12 months, so it’s typically best to pass on your employer’s rebuttal offer.
Once you put in your two-week notice, it’s best to put in the same effort as before. This is the time you take to leave the company on a high note and make sure you’re on good terms with your boss and coworkers. It’s also a time to work hard and tie up any loose ends related to your role.
Pass on any documents, client details, or project specifics to the appropriate team members so they can handle business as usual once you leave. Share any successful actions or wins you’ve had in the position or anything you think would benefit the employees and company.
– Badmouth the company or its employees during your exit interview
– Slack off or let production fall behind
– Lose your integrity
– Burn bridges with your co-workers
A resignation letter should be short, sweet, and to the point. You don’t have to go into too many details in the letter. Most importantly, it must have a date, notice that you’re quitting, and indicate your last day with the company.
Simple:
Email Subject Line: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Boss’s Name],
Please accept this email as notice that I am resigning as [Position Title] with [Company Name]. My last day of employment here is [Leave Date].
I appreciate the opportunity to work with the company and have gained many great friendships while here. I wish you all happiness and success. I hope we cross paths again in the future.
Best,
[Your Name]
Detailed:
Email Subject Line: Resignation – [Your Name]
Dear [Boss’s Name],
I have decided to resign from my position as [Position Title] with [Company Name], effective [Leave Date].
I enjoyed working for [Company Name]. It was a rewarding learning experience, and I have grown professionally throughout my five years with the company. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity and working as a team to bring the company where it is today.
I was offered an opportunity I cannot turn down as it aligns with my professional goals. It was a tough decision because of our strong relationship. I have gained life-long friends, which I’m thankful for.
I will be rooting for your growth and success long-term. I’m here to help with recruiting and training my replacement if needed. I will turn over all of my accounts to my replacement and ensure they’re up to speed with the essential details.
Feel free to call or email me anytime.
Best,
[Your Name]
When you tell your boss you’re quitting, you might want to do it in person first. However, the notice should always be put in writing, so there’s a paper trail of the communication.
It’s best to leave on a good note, so the message must be kind, professional, and positive.
Remember, you are not obligated to tell your employer why you have chosen to leave. Have a response ready if they rebuttal to retain you. Be prepared to leave by gathering your personal belongings if the company lets you go immediately.
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Sources:
The Great Resignation: The number of people quitting jobs hit record | USA Today
Training a New Employee Is Time-Consuming. 6 Ways to Get New Recruits Up to Speed–Fast | Inc.com
Can Employers Give a Bad Reference for a Former Employee? | SHRM