Layla Tovey's blog : What To Do When You Tender Your Resignation

Below is a list of 3 things you should do when you have decided to resign:

1. Approach Your Manager Directly

When delivering the message about wanting to quit your job, do not allow anyone to get to your manager first. It is important that you are in control when it comes to how you want to deliver this type of news to your superior. Having this information reach him/her through office gossip or your department grapevine, for example, is not only unprofessional but also insulting.

It is best to tender your resignation in person, when possible. When meeting face-to-face is not possible, ask to meet with your boss using Skype or Zoom platform. You could even speak to your manager or boss over the phone. Email is the absolute last resort, yet is an option if the circumstances warrant it.

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2. Know What You Are Going To Say When Quitting Your Job

Make sure you have practiced what you are going to say before approaching your manager. Even if you leave on great terms, this conversation can be difficult or awkward. You want to avoid saying the wrong thing.

Yet, you should also be confident with your decision, and prepare for potential objections or questions that your boss might bring up. Are you ready to refuse a counteroffer? What will you do when your boss is requesting a few more days and is asking you to think about your decision? What will you do if your boss gets emotional? (This is very possible, especially when you an important member of the team or when you have a very close relationship).

Keep the meeting very professional, and avoid giving in to the temptation of complaining about your position or job. While it may be exciting to think about leaving dramatically, trying to get creative when you leave a position is never recommended.

3. Put Your Resignation In Writing

Even once you have verbally stated that you plan to resign, you should back this meeting up with a written copy of your intentions (hard copy is preferable, but an email is also fine). You can use a resignation letter template. Resignation letters confirm the exact date that you gave your boss notice, and when you plan to depart. Most companies will include a copy of a resignation letter in the employee's HR folder as proof of final documentation.

What Should You Say When You Want To Leave Your Job?

A resignation letter is brief and to the point, and should include:

- The date you plan to leave (your last working day). The standard for notice in advance is never less than 2 weeks. When a special circumstance applies (such as working on a major project with a deadline) or you are in one of the senior positions, you may have to be prepared to stay on longer. However, certain organizations that handle sensitive information, will usually let an employee go relatively quickly rather than letting them continue with their work.

- A brief explanation as to why you want to resign. When you explain the reasons for leaving your position, it is perfectly okay to use a general term such as " I have decided to leave to accept another position with another business". It is not necessary to supply a detailed explanation even when your manager has pressured you for more information. If you are resigning due to the role not suiting you or when you have dealt with problems within the firm, use a vague explanation such as " I am resigning for personal reasons".

- State your gratitude for the opportunity to work at the company. While gratitude is not regarded as mandatory, this is a great opportunity to extend thanks to the company. You could say something like " Thank you for assisting me to grow along my career path and the opportunity to work for you".

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