How to Resign
Let's face it- we're a nation of job hoppers. For better or worse, employee / employer relationships are today often fleeting, with 25 to 34-year-olds holding on to their jobs for a median of under 2.7 years.
By Chris Alfe, Thingamajob.com Staff Writer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers between the ages of 18 and 32 have held, on average, nine jobs! With all this practice in quitting, you'd think that we'd be experts in the field of resignation. Instead, too many employees still fail to follow these simple guidelines:
Tell Your Boss First
Professional courtesy dictates that your boss should be the first to learn of your intent to resign. While it's understandable (and even advisable) that you seek the advice of a trusted colleague while deciding whether or not to leave your job, the initial announcement should be made to your direct supervisor.
Your boss may feel slighted if he or she hears of your plans second-hand, and that can cost you dearly later on when you're gathering references or letters of recommendation for subsequent transitions.
Write a Resignation Letter
Even if you have a casual and friendly relationship with your supervisor, it's sound advice to draft and deliver a concise letter of resignation. These letters get filed in your employment folder that often outlives management personnel, so resignation letters may be useful to future human resources officials if you ever consider rejoining the organization.
When writing your letter, avoid delving into the reasoning behind your decision to leave. Your words may be misinterpreted, or you may needlessly anger or insult personnel who may be asked to voice their opinions should you decide to reenter the company.
Your brief letter should include:
Who you are - Include your employee number, division and location where applicable; your letter will likely be forwarded to your human resources office for filing.
When you are leaving - Give a specific date; human resources processors need one to set up transition benefits and other programs. Consult your employment agreement for language relating to resignation, as you may be bound to these agreed-upon terms.
How to contact you - Provide your new address and phone number if you are relocating for your new position.
Words of thanks - Irrespective of your reason for resigning and any issues you've had with them, your organization probably helped you further your professional career. If for no other reason, you should at least thank them for that.
Your Signature - Be sure to sign and date your letter.
If you are planning to bring legal charges against the organization in conjunction with your resignation, absolutely avoid any additional statements until you speak with an attorney.
Finish With Class
You will build a good reputation among your network of contacts by moving gracefully from one organization to the next. Resign tactfully and you'll accomplish this.
Above all, respect the wishes of your supervisor; if he or she asks for you not to announce your resignation to the general workforce, then don't. If he or she asks for you to assist in getting your replacement up to speed, do so with commitment and vigor.
If a counteroffer is made, conduct the negotiations professionally and confidentially.
If an exit interview is conducted, speak honestly but shy away from making negative personal remarks about anyone, or taking swipes at the organization in general. Remain polite, professional and humble.
Chris Alfe is a staff writer for thingamajob.com. He has ten years of experience in staffing and human resources and currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland.
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