Resignation Process
An important rule to remember when resigning from a position is that you never want to leave on bad terms if possible. Making a graceful departure from your employer is a smart career strategy because you never know when you might need your supervisor for a future reference. In today’s ever-changing economy, there’s also a chance you will end up working with your former co-workers or even manager at another company.
The following are strategies to help you leave on the most favorable terms possible:
- The standard notice has traditionally been two weeks but be aware that some companies may immediately escort you to the door. Be prepared for this scenario by clearing personal files and removing personal belongings ahead of time.
- Volunteer to train or work with your replacement to effectively transition your workload.
- Don’t slack off during the last weeks on the job, it’s important to stay an active member of the team.. Be sure to do your best to complete all open assignments and leave detailed progress reports for your supervisor and co-workers.
- Before walking out the door for the last time, be sure you have contact information for key supervisors and co-workers that you want to keep as part of your network of contacts.
- Unless your boss is expecting you to resign, your decision may come as a surprise. The boss may get emotional or even confrontational in which case, stick to your prepared comments.
- No matter how good it makes your ego feel to have your current employer respond with a counteroffer, career experts advise against taking it. Often, employers attempt to keep good employees with a counter offer because it’s cheaper than hiring and training someone new. The issues that led you to consider another job rarely change. Whether the employer admits it or not, your dedication will be questioned, and once that happens, your time on the job is limited. Recent studies show that of those who accept counteroffers, 85 percent have left the company within 6 months, and 90 percent have left within a year. A generous estimate of the number of people who stay longer than a year is from 2 to 3 percent. Keep focused on the long term benefits you set out to attain versus the flattery of being bought by your current company in short term.