It’s unlikely that you’ll want to stay with the same company during your entire working career; there are roles out there that may be more aligned to your future goals and aspirations. When the time comes to say goodbye to your organisation and move on to the next, it can be beneficial for you to leave on good terms.
There are a number of reasons for this, including getting a positive reference, networking opportunities and being recommended to another employer. Wouldn’t you prefer your professional reputation to stay intact? It can be tempting to throw in the towel and tell people what you really think of them, but try to avoid doing that by following these simple hints and tips:
Don’t boast on social media
If you use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and the rest, don’t mention your current place of work, the fact you’re having an interview, or how much you hate your job. This can alienate more people than you know, including colleagues, your boss, and the person who interviewed you. If you’ve come across well in an interview situation, you wouldn’t want to ruin it by boasting about it as soon as you get home; they may well change their mind if they believe you aren’t going to be respectful as an employee. Leave boasting and ranting offline.
Write a good resignation letter
Those involved in the legal jobs market won’t need reminding, but others should remember to check how much notice they need to provide to their current employer before they can leave. This should be written into your contract (of which you should have a copy), and you should follow what is written to avoid any disputes. Now you can write your letter of resignation; try to keep this relatively vague and leave any further points of discussion for your exit interview.
Speak to your manager
When you have printed and signed your letter, ask your manager to sit down with you for a few minutes. Explain that you are handing in your notice, but you should also take the time to thank them for the opportunities that you had in the organisation. Prepare a reason for why you’re leaving as it is likely they will ask. If you’re looking for a non-offensive statement, just let them know that you’re looking to progress on your career path and you believe the new position will help you to achieve your future goals.
Be productive in your notice period
Even though you’ve let your manager know you’re changing jobs, other people in the business may not be aware of it. You’ll be expected to carry on as normal until your last day of employment. In the meantime you can organise a handover document, train your replacement, remove personal items from your desk, and tidy up your computer. When other employees do find out about you leaving the company, they’ll probably ask where you’re going; remember not to boast about a pay rise as your boss won’t appreciate it!
