Always Resign From a Job on Good Terms

The moment you decide to resign from a job, any imagined scenario transforms into something very real in the blink of an eye. The words you choose to use when leaving can be a positive foundation to boost the future or could haunt you professionally for years to come.

When the time arrives, the act of resigning may feel like the final act of a well-rehearsed scenario, but it is the first time the person on the receiving end is hearing the news. This means that no matter how many times a departure speech is rehearsed, it’s critical to remember that a resignation is not just about leaving, it’s about building a bridge between now and the future.

Resigning on Good Terms
There are many reasons to leave a job. It can happen because of outgrowing the position, needing new responsibilities or simply looking for a better fit in terms of company and culture. Yet, no matter how much time is spent in the position, there will be a corresponding impact on the people you work with. Any departure, no matter how well-timed, has the potential to throw the inner workings of a business upside down for a while.

So, timing these interactions is important. As an employee, this is the moment to consider the company’s busiest times and any impact if the business is currently short staffed. Understanding these elements can help pinpoint the best time to broach the topic of giving notice. After determining this, craft an email to the manager asking for a time to discuss the future. This is a way to provide a heads-up, and such a courtesy allows the manager time to process the impact of an impending job vacancy before speaking in person.

Ease of Transition
By providing advance warning, a manager can begin to prepare for the departure. Consider “padding” this discussion with an offer to provide a roadmap of current duties and a list of customers the role interacts with on a regular basis. This job-specific operating manual will not only help in hiring the next person but will assist the manager in understanding the day-to-day tasks of the role. It can also be helpful to offer some time to receive questions from the new hire. This courtesy helps build a bridge between you as a former employee and one who is preparing for the next job. Plus, people always remember who helped make a transition easier and who made it difficult.

Depart with Grace and Gratitude
Although it can be tempting to tell anyone who will listen that the job and/or company was not a dream role, it’s important to leave the position on a positive note. Use any final conversations as an opportunity to express appreciation for the experience. Simply saying thank you can help both parties feel better about the departure. People routinely leave jobs and companies, but those left behind always remember employees who made the extra effort, which can pay off when it’s time to network in the future.

This article is brought to you by Staffing Kansas City, a full-service Kansas City employment agency that provides contract-to-hire, direct hire and contract employment placement services.