Resign the Right Way

Starting Your Next Chapter Off On the Right Foot

Tendering your resignation is never easy. No matter the reason for your departure, you want to avoid burning any bridges. We offer advice on how to give notice in a professional manner, allowing you to stay on good terms with your soon-to-be former employer. 

Firstly, write your resignation letter before it is time to resign so it is ready to be presented to your boss. Your emotions might be all over the place when you are ready to actually resign, so if this letter is already written it will be done so in a calm, concise manner and you will not have to make any last minute changes.

ALWAYS give your current employer at least two weeks’ notice. It is courteous to allow your employer time to prepare for the transition of work and starting to look for your backfill. However, it is important to note that some employers will not allow you to stay those two weeks after your resignation. Sometimes, company privacy policies will not allow it and resigning employees are walked to their car the same day.

Repeat over and over to yourself: “It’s not personal. It’s business.” The more preparation you do ahead of time, the easier it will be to say goodbye to your colleagues. Always, always leave on good terms! You never know when you’re going to need a reference in the future, so don’t do or say anything you will later regret. Click here for some examples of resignation letters to use as a guide as you write your own. Make it short, sweet, and remember to express gratitude and willingness to make the transition as easy as possible.

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