Quitting your job for any reason—whether you’ve found a new one or have just decided to resign—requires sensitivity and preparation. It’s important to part ways with poise and professional courtesy. Here are a few tips to help you quit your job without burning bridges.
Notify Your Boss in Person
No matter how strained the relationship between you and your boss, the only mature, professional way to give your resignation is face to face. Quitting through social media or the office rumor mill is immature and unacceptable. Resigning in person always leaves a better impression and helps prevent any resentment. You may need your current boss as a reference later on, so you shouldn’t sabotage what’s left of that relationship.
Tidy up Loose Ends
A two-week notice is standard in most industries, but you don’t want to leave a bad taste by putting your current employer in a bind. If you’ve been working on a major project that has a few weeks left, let your new employer know up front that you prefer to complete the work. This shows you’re a dedicated employee and want to see your work through, so most hiring managers will understand. If you’re the only one with knowledge in your area, offering to transition your knowledge to another employee is a respectful way to tie up any loose ends before you depart.
Suggest Your Replacement
When an employee gives their notice, the immediate stress on the employer is often finding a replacement to carry their workload. If you know someone that would be a good fit to fill your current role, help alleviate that stress by suggesting your replacement. If your superiors respected your work, they’ll value your opinion and act accordingly. It’ll be a win-win situation for your employer and the person you’re recommending.
Thank Everyone
After you let your boss and HR know about your decision to quit, ask when it’s okay to communicate the decision to your colleagues. Be sure to tell the people whom you work closely with and have been the most supportive of your career first. These people deserve to hear your decision from you and not the grapevine.
Be gracious and thank all of your office mates, without being fake. Let go of any hostilities or grudges that you may have been holding. You want to leave with a clean slate and no baggage. You never know when you might need a recommendation or run into them again, so it’s important to leave on positive terms.
Be Reserved in the Exit Interview
Many employers conduct exit interviews when an employee resigns. Even if the person conducting the interview tells you the information you provide will be confidential, don’t take this as an opportunity to be snarky or unload all of your frustrations. Don’t throw your supervisor or co-workers under the bus. Be as positive as possible and show gratitude for all that you have learned during your employment. If there are criticisms you feel compelled to provide, make sure they’re constructive and come from a genuine place. What you say during an exit interview will make it back to your supervisors; so if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
Thinking about leaving your job and don’t have your next opportunity lined up?
Let the experienced recruiters at BOS Staffing help. Whether you’re looking for long- or short-term work, or want to work locally or across the country, we offer a variety of employment opportunities in Athens, GA; Gainesville, GA, and beyond. Contact us today to get started.
